How to Remove PC App Store Adware from Your Windows PC

If you're seeing unexpected pop-up ads, your browser homepage has changed, or a program called PC App Store appeared on your computer — don't panic. This is a type of software called adware: it's annoying, but it's not a virus and it can be removed.

PC App Store is a program that often gets quietly installed alongside other free software you may have downloaded. It then runs in the background and shows you unwanted ads. This guide will walk you through removing it completely — step by step.

Step 1: Find and Uninstall PC App Store

The steps are slightly different depending on which version of Windows you have. Choose yours below.

On Windows 11:

1. Click the Start button (the Windows icon at the bottom of your screen).
2. Click Settings (the gear icon ⚙️).
3. Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Installed apps.
4. In the search box at the top of the list, type PC App Store.
5. When it appears, click the three-dot menu (⋮) to the right of it.
6. Select Uninstall, then click Uninstall again to confirm.

On Windows 10:

1. Click the Start button (the Windows icon at the bottom-left of your screen).
2. Click Settings (the gear icon ⚙️).
3. Click Apps.
4. In the search box, type PC App Store.
5. Click on PC App Store when it appears in the list.
6. Click the Uninstall button, then click Uninstall again to confirm.

✅ You'll know it worked when: PC App Store no longer appears in your installed apps list.

Step 2: Run a Full Scan with Trend Micro Security

Even after uninstalling PC App Store, there may be leftover files on your computer. A Trend Micro Full Scan will find and remove anything that's still there.

1. Open Trend Micro Security on your computer.
2. On the main screen, click Scan Now or Full Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete — this may take a few minutes.
4. If Trend Micro finds anything, follow the on-screen instructions to remove it.

✅ You'll know it worked when: The scan completes and shows No threats found, or Trend Micro confirms it has removed any remaining items.

Step 3: Clean Up Your Web Browser

Adware sometimes changes your browser settings or installs browser extensions to keep showing ads — even after the main program is removed. Check your browser to make sure it's clean.

Remove any suspicious browser extensions:

• Google Chrome:
• Click the three-dot menu (⋮) → Extensions → Manage Extensions.
• Look for anything you don't recognize and click Remove.
• Microsoft Edge:
• Click the three-dot menu (⋯) → Extensions → Manage Extensions.
• Remove anything unfamiliar.
• Mozilla Firefox:
• Click the menu button (☰) → Add-ons and themes → Extensions.
• Remove anything you didn't install.

Reset your homepage if it changed:

• Chrome: Settings → On startup → Set your preferred homepage.
• Edge: Settings → Start, home, and new tabs → Set your preferred homepage.
• Firefox: Settings → Home → Set your preferred homepage.

✅ You'll know you're done when: Your browser opens to your normal homepage and you no longer see unexpected pop-ups or ads.

Still Seeing Ads? Try These Steps

If PC App Store doesn't appear in your apps list: It may already be uninstalled, or it may have a slightly different name. Scroll through your full list of installed apps and look for anything unfamiliar that you don't remember installing.

If the uninstall keeps failing: Try restarting your computer in Safe Mode — a special startup mode that makes it easier to remove stubborn programs. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Start menu and click Settings → System → Recovery.
2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
3. When the blue screen appears, choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
4. Press 4 on your keyboard to start in Safe Mode.
5. Once in Safe Mode, repeat the uninstall steps above.

🔔 Safe Mode looks a little different — your screen may appear lower resolution and some features won't be available. That's completely normal. Your computer will return to normal when you restart.

Still stuck? Contact Trend Micro Support.

🔍 Want to Make Sure Nothing Slipped Through?

Adware programs like PC App Store can sometimes track your browsing and, in rare cases, collect personal information without your knowledge. Trend Micro ID Protection continuously monitors your personal data — including your email address and passwords — and alerts you if any of your information shows up where it shouldn't.

Recommended for anyone who wants ongoing peace of mind after a malware or adware incident.