🔒 How to Prevent Clean Master from Reinstalling – A Pro Guide

🛠️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 16, 2025

If you’ve uninstalled Clean Master only to find it mysteriously reinstalled itself, you’re not alone.

Clean Master (by Cheetah Mobile) is notorious for:

• 🧩 Being bundled with other software
• 🤖 Creating scheduled tasks that reinstall components
• 🌐 Installing browser extensions or background services that persist after uninstallation

In this guide, I’ll show you how to:

• ❌ Stop Clean Master from reinstalling automatically
• 🛡️ Remove auto-update and reinstallation triggers
• 🔍 Identify hidden installers or bundled apps
• ✅ Secure your system against future bloatware

Let’s dive in!

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⚠️ Why Does Clean Master Keep Coming Back?

There are several reasons why Clean Master keeps reinstalling:

Cause	Description
🔁 Scheduled Tasks	Clean Master may schedule background tasks to update or reinstall itself
📦 Bundled Installers	It often comes pre-installed or bundled with other utilities like CM Security
🔄 Auto-Updater Services	The app might include a service that checks for updates and reinstalls missing parts
🧬 Registry Entries	Leftover registry keys can trigger background processes that restore the app
🧱 Third-Party Installers	Downloaded from unofficial sources may include silent install flags

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🧼 Step-by-Step: How to Permanently Stop Clean Master from Reinstalling

✅ Step 1: Uninstall Clean Master Completely

First, make sure Clean Master is fully uninstalled. Use one of these methods:

• How to Uninstall Clean Master (see previous guide)
• Use Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller for deep cleanup

Ensure you remove all files, registry entries, and services before proceeding.

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🚫 Step 2: Delete Auto-Reinstall Scheduled Tasks

Clean Master often sets up background tasks to auto-reinstall or update.

To Remove Them:

1. Press Win + R, type:

taskschd.msc

2. In Task Scheduler:

• Go to Task Scheduler Library > Cheetah Mobile or Clean Master
• Right-click any related tasks → Delete

Look for tasks named like:

• CM Update Task
• CleanMasterUpdateCheck
• CheetahMobileBackgroundTask

If unsure, disable them first by right-clicking → Disable

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🚫 Step 3: Disable Clean Master Services

Some versions install background services that check for updates or reinstall components.

To Remove Them:

1. Press Win + R, type:

services.msc

2. Look for services like:

• CMService
• CleanMasterService
• Cheetah Mobile Service

2. Right-click → Properties
3. Set Startup type to Disabled
4. Click Stop, then Apply

Optional: You can also delete the service using sc delete <service_name> in Command Prompt (Admin)

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🧹 Step 4: Remove Browser Extensions & Plugins

Clean Master often installs browser toolbars or extensions that can trigger re-downloads.

Chrome / Edge:

1. Go to:

• chrome://extensions/ or edge://extensions/

1. Remove:

• CM Security Extension
• Clean Master Toolbar
• Any unknown or unwanted extensions

Firefox:

1. Go to:

• about:addons

1. Under Extensions, remove similar plugins

Also clear browsing data and cookies if you suspect tracking or redirection scripts.

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🔍 Step 5: Scan for Hidden Installers or Bundled Software

Sometimes, Clean Master is bundled with other apps like:

• CM Security
• AppLock
• Battery Doctor
• Launcher apps

Use a tool like:

• Revo Uninstaller
• Geek Uninstaller
• Malwarebytes AdwCleaner

These tools detect and remove hidden bloatware and adware-related programs.

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🛑 Step 6: Block Clean Master Domain via Hosts File

To prevent Clean Master from connecting to its servers or downloading updates:

Steps:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator
2. Open file:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

3. Add the following lines at the end:

127.0.0.1 cmapp.cn
127.0.0.1 cmcm.com
127.0.0.1 www.cmcm.com
127.0.0.1 cleanmaster.net

4. Save the file

This blocks connections to Clean Master’s domains, preventing downloads or auto-updates.

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🔐 Step 7: Enable Windows Defender SmartScreen & App Control

Enable native Windows protections to block unauthorized installations:

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security
2. Turn on:

• SmartScreen Filter
• Exploit Protection
• Core Isolation (if available)

1. Consider enabling App & Browser Control to high

Also, use Microsoft Defender Application Guard or third-party tools like HitmanPro.Alert to block malicious installers.

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🧽 Step 8: Use a Dedicated Anti-Bloatware Tool

Install an anti-bloatware utility to monitor and block unwanted software:

• Should I Remove It? (by Reasonable Software)
• Wise Program Uninstaller
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

These tools alert you when suspicious software tries to install or run in the background.

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🛡️ Expert Tip: Avoid Bloatware Bundles Altogether

To prevent future issues:

• ❗ Always choose Custom Installation when installing new software
• ❌ Deselect any optional offers like “Install Clean Master”, “CM Security”, etc.
• 🧭 Download software directly from official sites — avoid third-party portals like Softonic, CNET, etc.
• 🔐 Use a limited user account instead of Admin for daily use

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📊 Summary Table: Prevention Checklist

Action	Method	Effectiveness
Delete Scheduled Tasks	Task Scheduler	High
Disable Services	Services Manager	High
Remove Browser Extensions	Chrome/Edge/Firefox Settings	Medium
Scan with Anti-Bloat Tools	Revo, Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner	Very High
Block Domains via Hosts File	Hosts File Edit	High
Enable Windows Protections	Windows Security	Essential
Use Custom Installers	Manual Review During Setup	Critical

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❌ Common Issues & Fixes

Problem	Solution
❌ Clean Master still appears after uninstall	Check scheduled tasks and services again
❌ Can’t find Clean Master installer	It may be embedded in another app — scan with Malwarebytes
❌ Error when editing hosts file	Run Notepad as Administrator
❌ Browser redirects to Clean Master site	Clear cache and remove extensions

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✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert

As a senior IT specialist who has removed hundreds of instances of Clean Master across personal and enterprise systems, I strongly advise blocking its reinstallation permanently through a combination of task deletion, service disabling, domain blocking, and security settings.

Tools like Clean Master may seem helpful but often bring more risk than benefit, especially with aggressive bundling, privacy concerns, and intrusive behavior.

🔧 Pro Tip: Stick with trusted, lightweight tools like CCleaner Free, Wise Disk Cleaner, or even Windows built-in Disk Cleanup — they’re safer, cleaner, and ad-free.

📌 Need help automating Clean Master removal across multiple machines or deploying protection policies? Feel free to ask!
💬 Stay clean. Stay secure.