Millions of Chrome users can no longer use key cyber-safety feature

Google Chrome has removed a special built-in tool designed to find and delete unwanted software that could clog up your browser.

The tech giant said Cleanup Tool, introduced in 2015, was no longer necessary.

Chrome users could previously access the tool on Windows through the Safety Check option in their Settings, but it is now not available in the new Chrome 111.

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Google claims the Chrome Cleanup Tool is no longer the best way to detect unwanted software on devices and just 0.06 per cent of Chrome Cleanup Tool scans were detecting issues

“To date, the Chrome Cleanup Tool has performed more than 80 million cleanups, helping to pave the way for a cleaner, safer web,” Google announced.

“From now on, users will no longer be able to request a Chrome Cleanup Tool scan through Safety Check or leverage the ‘Reset settings and cleanup’ option.

“Chrome will also remove the component that periodically scans Windows machines and prompts users for cleanup should it find anything suspicious.”

But now, Google said, the company was taking a different approach to cyber-safety with different built-in antivirus software, and users can choose the level of protection they want while using their device.

There’s now the option to manually switch on the Enhanced Protection feature, which was introduced in December 2023.

The feature “substantially increases protection from dangerous websites and downloads,” according to Google.

Users can ensure it’s working by going to chrome://settings/security in their browser.