This short intro explains what the legacy cleanup feature did and who it still helps. If you run an older build on Windows, these steps apply. For most users, modern versions rely on Safe Browsing’s Enhanced protection instead.
The removed feature existed through version 110. It scanned folders, checked for programs that changed settings, and fixed unwanted changes. That made the browser more stable and safer for everyday browsing.
We’ll show where the option lived in settings, what messages to expect, and roughly how much time a scan might take on a typical PC. If issues persist after a scan, the article covers safe reset steps and when removing suspicious programs is faster than manual fixes.
Key Takeaways
- Feature removed in version 111; works only on Windows with version 110 or older.
- It scanned folders and programs that affect browser behavior.
- Modern protection uses Safe Browsing Enhanced mode.
- Resetting settings can fix recurring problems without losing key data.
- Alternatives exist for macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android users.
What the Chrome Cleanup Tool is, what changed, and who can still use it
Google removed the legacy cleanup feature in 2023 and folded its functions into built-in protections. The old utility scanned for unwanted programs that could change settings, inject ads, or slow browsing. It also disabled harmful extensions when detected.
Chrome 111 and later: Safe Browsing replaces the Cleanup Tool
Starting with version 111, Safe Browsing’s Enhanced protection handles most security tasks. That mode warns about risky web downloads and sites and acts without a separate scanner. For modern users, this change keeps data safer within the browser’s existing features.
Applies to Windows users on Chrome 110 or older
If you run an older build on windows (version 110 or earlier), the legacy option still appears in settings. Open the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Clean up computer and click Find to start a scan.
While scanning you’ll see the clear message “Checking for harmful software.” The process typically takes a few minutes and can remove suspicious software and programs that affect browser behavior.
Chrome cleanup tool guide: step-by-step on Windows
On Windows, open Google Chrome and go to Settings — click the three-dot menu, choose Settings, expand Advanced, then select Reset and clean up and finally Clean up computer.
Start the scan
Click Find to begin. You’ll see the message “Checking for harmful software.” The process can take several minutes depending on your computer.
What the process checks
The scan looks for programs and software that cause browser errors, pop-ups, redirects, or homepage changes. It examines files beyond the browser folder and can flag items typical manual checks miss.
After the scan
Review removal options when the scan finishes. Google Chrome will also disable harmful extensions automatically to prevent repeat problems.
If problems persist
Rerun the scan, verify your version (the option appears only on version 110 and earlier), or reset settings. Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings. Your bookmarks, saved passwords, and history remain intact.
Using cleanup and reset options across devices and systems
Each operating system has its own quick fixes for corrupted profiles, unwanted apps, and misbehaving extensions. Follow the steps below to remove suspicious programs, reset settings, and protect your data across devices.
macOS
Open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Move unknown apps to Trash and empty the Trash to remove programs and files.
Then open browser settings and disable dubious extensions. Consider reputable anti‑malware like Malwarebytes if you suspect malware, but avoid aggressive third‑party cleanup utilities.
Linux
There was never a legacy scanner on Linux. On Ubuntu you can fully purge and reinstall with the commands:
sudo apt purge google-chrome-stable; rm -r ~/.config/google-chrome; sudo apt install google-chrome-stable.
Or remove only the user config folder to reset profiles without reinstalling.
Chrome OS, iOS and Android
Chrome OS lacks the legacy tool; reset browser settings to defaults to undo hijacked start pages or broken permissions.
On iOS and Android, manage site permissions, clear browsing data, and remove problematic apps or extensions to restore stability and privacy.
Improve protection, privacy, and performance when cleanup isn’t available
If removing suspicious programs didn’t solve the problem, return the browser to a clean baseline using reset and privacy controls. This approach fixes many common errors while keeping your saved credentials and bookmarks intact.
Use Reset settings to restore defaults without losing passwords
Reset settings is a safe option because it preserves saved passwords, bookmarks, and history while clearing problematic configurations that cause repeated error loops.
Tighten privacy: clear cookies and review Site settings
On desktop, go to Settings > Advanced > Site settings > Cookies > See all cookies and site data > Remove all to erase stale files that can break logins or content display.
On iOS and Android, open Privacy > Clear browsing data to remove cached files and search entries that cause odd autofill or rendering issues.
After a reset, inspect extensions and remove any unnecessary add‑ons. Unwanted apps and programs often slow the browser, inject ads, or create unexpected behavior linked to malware.
Periodically review search and history preferences and tighten permissions for camera, microphone, location, and ads in Site settings to reduce tracking and improve overall privacy and browsing speed.
Stay secure going forward with safer browsing and maintenance
Keep your browsing safer by enabling built-in protections and a simple maintenance routine. Turn on Enhanced protection in google chrome, update the browser and extensions regularly, and audit add‑ons quarterly to cut risks and stop background processes that waste files and data.
If crashes or strange errors appear, check chrome://crashes, disable suspect extensions, or reset profiles. For deep problems on windows or Linux, reinstalling or removing the user config folder can refresh the browser and clear corrupted files.
Back up bookmarks and passwords before major steps. Consider reputable anti‑malware like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender to supplement protection, but rely first on built‑in features to keep your browsing secure and your search results clean.
