Remove OtShot adware (Virus Removal Guide)

OtShot is a potentially unwanted program, which is promoted via other free downloads, and while this program itself is not a virus, during its setup process users will be prompted to install adware and browser hijackers on their computers.

OtShot is a photo editing application that is typically added when you install another free software (video recording/streaming, download-managers or PDF creators) that had bundled into their installation this program. Very often users have no idea where did it come from, so it’s not surprising at all that most of them assume that OtShot is a virus. This program is also bundled within the custom installer on many reputable download sites, so if you have downloaded a software from these websites, chances are that OtShot was installed during the software setup process.
[Image: Otshot virus]
OtShot it’s technically not a virus, but it does exhibit plenty of malicious traits, such as rootkit capabilities to hook deep into the operating system, browser hijacking, and in general just interfering with the user experience. The industry generally refers to it as a “PUP,” or potentially unwanted program.

The OtShot installer is packed with JollyWallet, Conduit Search, Value Apps, FindLyrics, LyricsPal and other malicious or unwanted programs.
[Image: Otshot setup process
If you agree to install this adware programs, your browser homepage and default search engine will be changed, and you will see advertising banners and adware pop-ups on the webpages that you are visiting.
When you uninstall OtShot from your computer, your web browser’s default settings will not be restored, and this malicious programs will not be removed.
Besides, this application may cause problems, for example, it may display pop-ups saying “Unable to load skin” and “Would you like to import your contacts from Outlook” every time you turn on your computer.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this OtShot. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

How to remove OtShot redirect (Removal Guide)

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove “OtShot” virus from your computer and any other adware program that may have been installed during the setup process.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.

If you are using an Apple Mac OS X operating system, please follow this Remove virus from Apple Mac OS X (Pop-up Ads and Adware) guide to remove OtShot redirect

STEP 1: Uninstall OtShot from Windows
STEP 2: Remove OtShot redirect with AdwCleaner
STEP 3: Remove OtShot browser hijacker Junkware Removal Tool
STEP 4: Remove OtShot with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
STEP 5: Double-check for the OtShot malware with HitmanPro

STEP 1 : Uninstall OtShot from Windows

In this first step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious program that might be installed on your computer.

  1. Go to the uninstall menu.

    Windows 10 or Windows 8

    1. To uninstall a program on Windows 10 or Windows 8, right-click on the Windows Start button and choose “Control Panel” from the pop-up menu.
      Control Panel in Windows 10
    2. When the “Control Panel” window opens click on the “Uninstall a program” option under “Programs” category.
      Uninstall A Program on Windows 10

    Windows 7 or Windows Vista

    1. If you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, click the “Start” button, then click on the “Control Panel” menu option.
      [Image: Control Panel in Windows Start Menu]
    2. When the “Control Panel” window opens click on the “Uninstall a program” option under “Programs” category.
      [Image: Uninstall a program]
  2. When the “Programs and Features” screen is displayed, scroll through the list of currently installed programs and uninstall “OtShot“.
    The malicious program may have a different name on your computer. To view the most recently installed programs, you can click on the “Installed On” column to sort your program by the installation date. Scroll through the list, and uninstall any unwanted or unknown programs.

    If you are having issues while trying to uninstall the OtShot program, you can use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove this unwanted program from your machine.

    [Image: Uninstall OtShot program from Windows]

    Some users have reported that they cannot find the OtShot program using Control Panel because it’s not listed there. If this happens, search in your tray icon lists (lower right corner) for the OtShot icon, then right-click it and select Exit. Next, navigate to C:\Program Files\OtShot\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\OtShot\, and delete the Otshot folder.

    If you cannot find any unwanted or unknown programs on your machine, then you can proceed with the next step.


STEP 2: Remove OtShot redirect with AdwCleaner

The AdwCleaner utility will scan your computer and web browser for the adware and unwanted browser extensions, that may have been installed on your computer without your knowledge.

  1. You can download AdwCleaner from the below link.
    ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “AdwCleaner”)
  2. Before starting AdwCleaner, close your web browser, then double-click on the AdwCleaner icon.
    Start AdwCleaner
    Picture of User Account Control If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
  3. When the AdwCleaner program will open, click on the “Scan” button as shown below.
    AdwCleaner Scan button
    AdwCleaner will now start to search for adware and other malicious files that may be installed on your computer.
  4. To remove the malicious files that were detected in the previous step, please click on the “Cleaning” button.
    Remove OtShot adware with AdwCleaner
  5. AdwCleaner will prompt you to save any open files or documents, as the program will need to reboot the computer to complete the cleaning process. Please do so, and then click on the “OK” button.
    AdwCleaner removing adware
    When your computer reboots and you are logged in, AdwCleaner will automatically open a log file that contains the files, registry keys, and programs that were removed from your computer.

STEP 3: Remove OtShot browser hijacker Junkware Removal Tool

Junkware Removal Tool is a powerful utility from Malwarebytes, which will remove browser hijackers from Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Google Chrome.

  1. You can download Junkware Removal Tool from the below link:
    JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download the Junkware Removal Tool utility on your computer)
  2. When Junkware Removal Tool has finished downloading, please double-click on the JRT icon as seen below.
    Run a scan with Junkware Removal Tool
    Picture of User Account Control If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run Junkware Removal Tool, please allow it to run.
  3. Junkware Removal Tool will now start (as seen in the below image), and at the Command Prompt, you’ll need to press any key to perform a system scan.
    Junkware Removal Tool start scan
    The program will now start to search for known adware, PUPs, and junkware programs that may be installed on your computer. This process may take upwards to 10 minutes while it creates a registry backup and checks your startups, installed modules, processes, services, files, folders, and the Windows Registry.
    Junkware Removal Tool scan
  4. When the Junkware Removal Tool cleaning process will be completed, this utility will display a log with the malicious files and registry keys that were removed from your computer.
    Junkware Removal Tool Report

STEP 4: Remove OtShot with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free uses industry-leading technology to detect and remove all traces of malware, including worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware, and more.
It is important to note that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware works well and should run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.

  1. You can download download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from the below link.
    MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free”)
  2. Once downloaded, close all programs, then double-click on the icon on your desktop named “mbam-setup” to start the installation of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
    Start Malwarebytes Anti-Malware setup
    Picture of User Account Control You may be presented with a User Account Control dialog asking you if you want to run this file. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
  3. When the installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard which will guide you through the installation process.
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Installer
    To install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on your machine, keep following the prompts by clicking the “Next” button.
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final screen
  4. Once installed, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically start and you will see a message stating that you should update the program, and that a scan has never been run on your system. To start a system scan you can click on the “Scan Now” button.
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Scan Now
  5. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for malware. When Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is scanning it will look like the image below.
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Scanning for Malware
  6. When the scan has completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes Anti-malware has found, click on the “Remove Selected” button.
    Remove the malware that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected
    Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.
  7. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. When removing the files, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware may require a reboot in order to remove some of them. If it displays a message stating that it needs to reboot your computer, please allow it to do so.
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware asking to restart PC
    After your computer will restart, you should open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform another “Threat Scan” scan to verify that there are no remaining threats

STEP 5: Double-check for the OtShot malware with HitmanPro

HitmanPro is a second opinion scanner, designed to rescue your computer from malware (viruses, trojans, rootkits, etc.) that have infected your computer despite all the security measures you have taken (such as anti-virus software, firewalls, etc.). HitmanPro is designed to work alongside existing security programs without any conflicts. It scans the computer quickly (less than 5 minutes) and does not slow down the computer.

  1. You can download HitmanPro from the below link:
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “HitmanPro”)
  2. Double-click on the file named “HitmanPro.exe” (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or “HitmanPro_x64.exe” (for 64-bit versions of Windows). When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below.
    HitmanPro Installer
    Click on the “Next” button, to install HitmanPro on your computer.
    itmanPro while installing on PC
  3. HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malicious files.
    HitmanPro scanning
  4. When it has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found as shown in the image below. Click on the “Next” button, to remove malware.
    HitmanPro detected malware
  5. Click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    Remove malware with HitmanPro

Your computer should now be free of the OtShot browser hijacker.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove OtShot redirect from your machine, please do one of the following:

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

30 thoughts on “Remove OtShot adware (Virus Removal Guide)”

  1. Thanks Stelian! After months of “Otshot being unable to load skin, and wanting to import contacts” it’s so great to not see that anymore!

  2. Thanks for the advice. I have had that annoying startup popup for probably a year now and have tried to uninstall it. Never would have thought about the hidden cache files. Not finished yet but know it will work fine as it has already restarted and popups wernt there. Thanks again

  3. Thanks Stelian for generously sharing your wealth of knowledge. I don’t know much about computers and I was so frustrated.

    Following yours and Paul’s advice I used Step 3, which I highly recommend. In just a few minutes JRT efficiently removed not only annoying OtShot, but much more crap that was significantly slowing down my computer, It works like a new now!

    Great, honest job! I’ll gladly make a donation. Thanks again:)

  4. Many thanks for the tips. I used step 3 (Junk Removal Tool) which successfully deleted OtShot and several other malwares that I didn’t know that I had. A regular anti-virus program (I have webroot) is not able to evict these programs. Again, thanks. Paul

  5. Wow, I am so glad I found you on Google search! Your instructions complete with links has saved my sanity! I will be making a donation to you. Thanks! Joe

  6. Really Excellent. I used the Step 3. In addition to the otShot problem, my Toshiba Lap top , had trouble in restarting whenever there is re-boot needed. JRT done an excellent job. Thanks. – K K Yoganathan.

  7. thank you. it appears all is right with the world. I had also used mcafee before

    and super antivirus which got rid of lots of stuff.

  8. Thank you so much!! I cannot explain how happy I am to see that pop up gone!! This approach is very effective.

    ~best regards – Bethoney

  9. I am fixing my Grandma’s laptop, after she accidentally downloaded OtShot, amongst other awful things, while playing games online. Thanks for this page! STEP THREE (Junkware Removal Tool) worked for me. I had also tried HijackThis, Malwarebytes & ADW Cleaner but JRT was the one. It did take a while, I kept thinking, “Is it done yet??” but it was worth it. Grandma will be pleased. Thanks again.

  10. Great tips! I think I downloaded it when I downloaded a fake version of iTunes. Grrrrr! Thank you so much!

  11. It took one moment to get the OtShot PUP and weeks to figure out that this was one of the processes that helped remove perfectly in short timeframe. I would recommend this to anyone.

  12. Cheers brother!!!! Worked like a charm. My laptop is 5 years old and I generally keep it fairly clean. I thought this was the end for this old gateway. I couldn’t get rid of this one but you saved me. Thanks.

  13. Hello,
    Search in your tray icon lists (lower right corner) for the OtShot icon, then right-click it and select Exit.

    Next, navigate to C:Program FilesOtShot or C:Program Files (x86)OtShot, and delete the Otshot folder.

    Next, run the tools from this guide, starting with STEP 2.
    Stay safe!

  14. THANK YOU, truly helpful. I make sure the whole reads and learns from this, cause It was done by them. I’m so thankful I took the time to learn from this.

  15. Thank you so much for posting this article, I just got rid of that otshot. I can now go to bed without worrying about it, thank you very much. God Bless you

  16. Posted to FB, excellent teacher, the right amount of info & screen shots to know I was doing it right, but not too much to overload my limited techie mind. Well done!!

  17. Great job u down with ur instruction for OtShot, once i down all the steps u mentioned in ur instruction after that also i found application in c:\programe filex86 otShot w file as otshot application (exe) and uninstall file and shot cut icon. i deleted using regedit find the folder, deleted manually, then delete above c:………../orshot folder as well

  18. Hello,
    Lets run a scan with these tools:
    STEP 1: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner

    1.Download ESET Online Scanner utility.

    ESET Online Scanner Download Link : http://download.eset.com/special/eos/esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe

    2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).

    3.Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use, then click the Start button.

    4.Check Scan archives and push the Start button.

    5. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.

    6. When the scan completes, click on the Finish button.

    STEP 2: Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool:

    1. You can download from Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool from here : http://www.kaspersky.com/antivirus-removal-tool?form=1

    2. Double click the setup file to run it, then follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed

    Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:

    System Memory

    Hidden startup objects

    Disk boot sectors

    Local Disk (C:)

    Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)

    3. Then click on Actions on the left hand side

    4. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked

    5. Click on Automatic Scan, then click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan.

    Stay safe!

  19. This is glorious. I thought I was going to have to take my laptop into the shop and have them remove everything. Thanks for this tutorial. I’m probably going to keep a couple of these programs on my computer for good in case something like this ever happens again.

  20. My darling father “accidentally” downloaded some streaming TV thing toolbar and when I turned the computer on, this OtShot thing came up. Needless to say, I’m enabling parental control on his sign on because this is not the first time he’s done this sort of thing. I can’t afford him or anyone else in the family to ruin this new computer we just got. So, thank you for this, I truly appreciate it.

  21. With the instructions from you people, I was able to get rid of this OTSHOT.
    I’m very grateful and many thanks you…..Fern

  22. Big help… Absolutely freed up disk space and remove Otshot and even more. Thanks to you my pc is running its normal speed again AND I don’t experience those annoying popups anymore.

Leave a Comment