PC Accelerate is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that claims to speed up your computer but often does the opposite. If you’ve found this software on your Windows 11 system, you’re probably eager to remove it. This guide will walk you through the process of eliminating PC Accelerate and restoring your computer’s performance.
Method 1: Uninstall PC Accelerate Using Windows Settings
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard. This will bring up the Settings window.
Step 2: In the Settings window, click on “Apps” in the left sidebar, then select “Apps & features” on the right side of the screen.
Step 3: In the list of installed apps, scroll down or use the search bar to find PC Accelerate. Once you locate it, click on the three dots next to the app name and select “Uninstall”.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process. You may need to confirm your action or provide administrator permissions.
Method 2: Remove PC Accelerate via Control Panel
Step 1: Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu or by pressing Windows key + R, typing “control panel”, and hitting Enter.
Step 2: In the Control Panel, click on “Uninstall a program” under the Programs section.
Step 3: Locate PC Accelerate in the list of installed programs. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall/Change”.
Step 4: Follow the uninstallation wizard to remove the program. Be sure to read each screen carefully to avoid leaving any components behind.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Uninstaller
If the above methods don’t work, you might need to use a third-party uninstaller tool. These tools are designed to thoroughly remove stubborn programs and their leftover files.
Step 1: Download and install a reputable third-party uninstaller tool. Some popular options include Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, or Geek Uninstaller.
Step 2: Launch the uninstaller tool and scan for installed programs.
Step 3: Locate PC Accelerate in the list of programs and select it for removal.
Step 4: Follow the tool’s guided uninstallation process. These tools often perform a deep scan after the initial uninstallation to find and remove any leftover files or registry entries.
Additional Steps to Ensure Complete Removal
After uninstalling PC Accelerate, take these extra steps to ensure it’s completely gone from your system:
Clean Up Residual Files
Step 1: Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86).
Step 2: Look for any folders related to PC Accelerate and delete them if found.
Step 3: Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete these files.
Remove Registry Entries
Step 1: Press Windows key + R, type “regedit”, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE.
Step 3: Look for any keys related to PC Accelerate and delete them. Be extremely careful when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can cause system issues.
Reset Browser Settings
Step 1: Open your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
Step 2: Go to each browser’s settings and look for options to reset to default or remove extensions.
Step 3: Perform a reset or remove any suspicious extensions that might be related to PC Accelerate.
Run a Full System Scan
Step 1: Update your antivirus software to the latest version.
Step 2: Perform a full system scan to detect and remove any remaining malware or PUPs.
Step 3: Consider using additional anti-malware tools like Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner for a thorough cleanup.
Preventing Future PUP Installations
To avoid dealing with programs like PC Accelerate in the future:
- Always read installation prompts carefully and opt out of additional software offers.
- Download software only from official and trusted sources.
- Keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date.
- Use a reliable ad-blocker to prevent misleading advertisements.
- Be cautious when clicking on pop-ups or ads promising to speed up your computer.
By following these steps, you should be able to completely remove PC Accelerate from your Windows 11 system. Remember to restart your computer after the removal process to ensure all changes take effect. Your computer should now run more smoothly without the interference of this unwanted program.