Is Open Software Updater Malware? Facts on This PUP You Need

Open Software Updater is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that claims to check your installed software and update it if needed. At first glance, this seems like a useful service. However, Open Software Updater often comes bundled with adware, browser toolbars, and other questionable programs.

If you suddenly notice Open Software Updater on your computer even though you didn’t intentionally download it, you’re not alone. Many people are finding Open Software Updater installed without their permission or knowledge. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about Open Software Updater – what it is, how it gets on your PC, its questionable activities, and most importantly, how to get rid of it for good.

What is Open Software Updater?

Open Software Updater is a program that runs in the background on Windows PCs as a scheduled task. It checks for available updates for any software downloaded from the OpenSoftwareUpdater website. If updates are found, it can automatically download and install them or alert the user, depending on configured settings.

The company behind Open Software Updater claims it helps users keep their software up-to-date for better security and functionality. However, most reputable software already includes auto-update capabilities without needing third-party programs like Open Software Updater.

Some key facts about Open Software Updater:

• The owner company is Installer Technology Co.
• Adds background services that run continuously
• Very difficult to fully remove due to deep system integration
• Often bundled sneakily with other free software installs
• Frequently installs additional questionable programs during setup

While the concept of a centralized software update manager could be useful, Open Software Updater exhibits many behaviors of precarious PUPs. The way it installs itself without consent and hides in the background are red flags.

How Does Open Software Updater Get Installed on Your Computer?

Open Software Updater is rarely directly downloaded and installed by users. Most people find themselves with Open Software Updater unintentionally installed after the fact.

Here are some of the common ways Open Software Updater covertly makes its way onto computers:

1. Bundled with Other Free Software Installs

One of the most common methods is bundling. Many free programs, such as media players, download managers, and file sharing programs will option to install Open Software Updater during their setup wizards.

These offers are typically opt-out, meaning Open Software Updater will be installed unless the user specifically unchecks the box. Because many people gloss over installation screens, it’s easy to miss these sneaky bundled installs.

2.Misleading Advertisements and Popups

Another distribution method is through fake update alerts or phony security warnings. These will prompt users to download scareware tools or updates, which then bundle Open Software Updater with their installers.

Some examples include:

• Fake “Flash Player is out of date” alerts
• Fake antivirus program warnings
• Fake “Windows System Update” popups
• Warnings that your PC is infected or compromised

These alerts look convincing but are completely fabricated to get users to unintentionally download PUPs and adware.

3. Malware Infections

Some malware threats will actually install Open Software Updater themselves after infecting a computer. This allows them to have persistent access to continue installing other unwanted programs in the background.

If Open Software Updater shows up immediately after a malware infection, it’s likely the malware planted it as part of their process.

4. Software Cracks and Illegal Programs

Finally, pirated software and illegal program downloads often include Open Software Updater as part of their installer packages.

Peer-to-peer sharing networks and torrent trackers for cracked software are common sources that bundle Open Software Updater with downloads.

What are the Risks of Having Open Software Updater Installed?

On the surface, Open Software Updater seems benign. After all, keeping software updated is generally a good thing. However, because of how it installs itself without permission, Open Software Updater is classified as a “potentially unwanted program” (PUP).

PUPs like Open Software Updater may not be directly malicious, but they exhibit questionable behavior and security risks. Here are some of the potential issues caused by Open Software Updater:

1. Difficult to Remove

Once installed, Open Software Updater embeds itself deeply into the Windows system, making complete removal challenging even for experienced users. It adds background services and registry values that continue running even if you uninstall through standard methods.

Without special removal tools, Open Software Updater will likely remain on your PC continuing to consume resources and be a nuisance.

2. Privacy Concerns

To check for software updates, Open Software Updater likely transmits data about your system and installed programs back to its servers. This raises privacy concerns, as the company can gain insights into your personal software usage and PC details.

3. Resource Heavy

The background services and constant update checking use extra memory and CPU cycles. This slows down your PC’s performance, especially if you have limited RAM and processing power.

4. May Install Other PUPs

As highlighted earlier, Open Software Updater will often install additional potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) during its initial setup process. These extras include adware, browser toolbars, and other questionable add-ons.

5. Security Risks

Any program that installs itself without your approval poses inherent security risks. Open Software Updater creates background services and processes that could be exploited by other malware. The auto-update behavior also means it can download files and alterations without your knowledge.

For these reasons, security experts universally recommend removing Open Software Updater and any other PUPs from your system.

What are the Symptoms of Open Software Updater?

Open Software Updater runs silently in the background for the most part. However, there are some common symptoms that indicate Open Software Updater was installed:

• New scheduled tasks named “OneUpdate” in the task scheduler
• Running services named “Open Software Updater” or “OpenSoftwareUpdater”
• Strange programs you don’t remember installing now on your PC
• More frequent pop-up advertisements
• Browser homepage and defaults changed without your permission
• PC slowdowns and performance lag

You may also directly spot the Open Software Updater program listed in your Windows Programs & Features list or see its shortcut icon on your desktop or start menu. However, it’s designed to operate discretely so you’ll likely have to look closely to find direct evidence.

If you are experiencing any unusual PC behavior like more ads, redirects, or slowness, there’s a good chance Open Software Updater was installed recently.

How to Remove Open Software Updater

If you notice Open Software Updater on your computer, you’ll want to remove it right away along with any other bundled programs to regain privacy and performance.

However, fully removing Open Software Updater is tricky due to how deeply embedded it is in Windows. The standard uninstall process will not completely get rid of Open Software Updater.

Here is a step-by-step process to effectively remove Open Software Updater yourself:

• STEP 1: Use Rkill to terminate malicious processes
• STEP 2: Uninstall malicious programs from your computer
• STEP 3: Remove malicious browser policies from Windows
• STEP 4: Remove malicious files and folders from Windows
• STEP 5: Reset your browser settings to their defaults
• STEP 6: Use Malwarebytes to remove trojans and browser hijackers
• STEP 7: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for rootkits and other malware
• STEP 8: Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies

STEP 1: Use Rkill to terminate malicious processes

In this first step, we will download and run Rkill to terminate malicious processes that may be running on your computer.

RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections. When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies that stop us from using certain tools.

1. Download Rkill.

   You can download RKill to your computer from the below link. When at the download page, click on the Download Now button labeled iExplore.exe. We are downloading a renamed version of Rkill (iExplore.exe) because some malware will not allow processes to run unless they have a certain filename.

   

   RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK
   (The above link will open a new page from where you can download Rkill)

2. Run RKill.

   After downloading, double-click the iExplore.exe icon to kill malicious processes. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
   The program may take some time to search for and end various malware programs.

   

   When it is finished, the black window will close automatically and a log file will open. Do not restart your computer. Proceed to the next step in this guide.

STEP 2: Uninstall malicious programs from your computer

In this second step, we will manually check if any unknown or malicious programs are installed on the computer. Sometimes adware and browser hijackers can have a usable Uninstall entry that can be used to remove them.

Now that the malicious programs have been removed from your computer, we can proceed with the next step in this guide.

STEP 3: Remove malicious browser policies from Windows

In this third step, we will download the Chrome Policy Remover file (credits to Stefan Van Damme) and remove the malicious browser policies. .

1. 
   

   Download the Chrome Policy Remover.

   
   

   Download the “Chrome Policy Remover for Windows” file from the below link. This file is a batch script designed to automatically remove Chrome policies.

   

   CHROME POLICY REMOVER DOWNLOAD LINK
   (The above link will download delete_chrome_policies on your computer.)
   
   

   Note: Windows might display a security warning because the file is a batch script (.bat). This is a standard security measure. Since the Chrome Policy Remover is a trusted tool, clicking “Keep” allows you to proceed with the download.

2. Right-click “delete_chrome_policies.bat” file and select Run as administrator

   We will now run the “delete_chrome_policies.bat” fiel as administrator.Running the delete_chrome_policies file as administrator grants it the necessary permissions to modify system settings related to Chrome policies. This ensures the tool can effectively remove the policies.

   

3. Click Yes/Run at the confirmation prompt and allow the process to complete.

   Windows will ask for confirmation before allowing the script to make changes. Clicking “Yes” or “Run” (depending on your Windows version confirms your intent to run the tool and remove the Chrome policies. The script will then run and automatically remove the policies, after which you can close the command prompt window.

   
   

   

Now that the malicious policies were removed, in the next step, we will reset your browser settings to their defaults.

STEP 4: Remove malicious files and folders from Windows

In this fourth step, we will manually search and remove malicious scheduled tasks and folders on your computer.

1. Delete malicious scheduled tasks.

This infection may create a malicious scheduled task in the Task Scheduler to ensure that it is automatically reinstalled every 5 minutes after it has been deleted. This task may run at regular intervals to ensure that the infection persists on your system.

1. Search for “Task Scheduler” in the windows search as shown below..
   You can also open the Task Scheduler app by pressing the Windows + R buttons and then type “taskschd.msc” and press Enter.
2. In the Task Scheduler window, navigate to the Task Scheduler Library on the left side of the screen.
3. Locate the malicious scheduled task in the list of tasks. It may have a randomly generated name (eg. Chrome_Policy, Chrome_Bookmarks, Chrome_Folder) or may be identified as a suspicious or unknown task. Right-click on the malicious task and select “Delete” from the menu.

2. Delete malicious files located in AppData\Roaming folder

We will now delete the malicious file that is located in the AppData\Roaming folder.

1. Search for “Run” in the windows search as shown below, or press the Windows + R button to open the Run app.
2. In the run app text box, enter “%AppData%” and click OK. Windows will directly open up the Roaming folder which is inside the AppData folder.
   

   

3. In the AppData\Roaming folder, search and delete any unknown folders with names like Default, Chrome32, Energy, Bloom, and Travel (note that the actual name on your computer may be different, but you should look for programs with similar naming conventions).

3. Delete malicious files located in AppData\Local folder

Next, we will delete the malicious folders that are located in the AppData\Local folder and the malicious Chrome browser extensions.

1. Search for “Run” in the windows search as shown below, or press the Windows + R button to open the Run app.
2. In the run app text box, enter “%localappdata%” and click OK. Windows will directly open up the AppData\Local folder which is inside the AppData folder.
   

   

3. In the AppData\Local directory, search and delete the Default, WindowsApp and ServiceApp folders.

   Next, find the Google folder and go to Google > Chrome > User Data > Default (or Profile) > Extensions. Find the malicious extension folder within the Extensions folder and delete it. It may have a randomly generated name or may be identified as a suspicious or unknown extension.

   

4. Remove Chrome Shortcut Modification

This malware can hijack your browser shortcuts to target the malicious files. Here is a short guide on how to remove the Chrome shortcut modification:

1. Right-click on the Google Chrome shortcut on your desktop or Start Menu and select “Properties“.
2. Under the Shortcut tab, look for the “Target” field. This is where any added commands to the shortcut will be. Carefully examine the target path and remove any suspicious looking text that may have been appended, especially anything referencing the AppData folder.
   For example, remove text like “–load-extension=C:\Users%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Default”.
   The target should point only to the chrome.exe file location, nothing more.
3. Click OK to save the changes and close Properties.
4. Launch Chrome again normally through the shortcut. The extension should no longer load on start up.

You can also right click the shortcut and select “Open File Location” to open the chrome.exe folder. Drag chrome.exe directly to your taskbar to create a clean shortcut.

Now that we have manually removed the malicious tasks and folders from your computer and cleaned your browser shortcuts, we can continue with the next step.

STEP 5: Reset your browser settings to their defaults

In this step, we will remove spam notifications,  malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware.
Please note that this method will remove all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.

STEP 6: Use Malwarebytes to remove trojans and browser hijackers

In this step, we will install and run a scan with Malwarebytes Free to remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present on your computer.

Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Windows

   You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.

   

   MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS DOWNLOAD LINK
   (The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
2.  

   Install Malwarebytes

   After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

   When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.

   • You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.

     

   • Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.

     

   • When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.

     

   • On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.

     

4. Enable “Rootkit scanning”.

   Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.

   

   In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.

   

   Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.

5. Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.

   To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.

   

6. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

   Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.

   

7. Quarantine detected malware

   Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.

   

   Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.

   

8. Restart your computer.

   When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.

   

STEP 7: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for rootkits and other malware

In this next step, we will scan the computer with HitmanPro to ensure that no other malicious programs are installed on your device.

HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner that takes a unique cloud-based approach to malware scanning. HitmanPro scans the behavior of active files and also files in locations where malware normally resides for suspicious activity. If it finds a suspicious file that’s not already known, HitmanPro sends it to its clouds to be scanned by two of the best antivirus engines today, which are Bitdefender and Kaspersky.

Although HitmanPro is shareware and costs $24.95 for 1 year on 1 PC, there is no limit on scanning. The limitation only kicks in when there is a need to remove or quarantine detected malware by HitmanPro on your system and by then, you can activate the one-time 30-days trial to enable the cleanup.

1. Download HitmanPro.

   You can download HitmanPro by clicking the link below.

   HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK
   (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)

2. Install HitmanPro.

   When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on “hitmanpro.exe” (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” (for 64-bit versions of Windows) to install this program on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.

   

   You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

   

3. Follow the on-screen prompts.

   When HitmanPro starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below. Click on the “Next” button to perform a system scan.

   

   

4. Wait for the HitmanPro scan to complete.

   HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malicious programs.
   

5. Click on “Next”.

   When HitmanPro has finished the scan, it will display a list of all the malware that it has found. Click on the “Next” button to have HitmanPro remove the detected items.

   

6. Click on “Activate free license”.

   HitmanPro may now require to activate the free 30-days trial to remove the malicious files. To do this, click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
   

   When the malware removal process is complete, it will display a screen that shows the status of the various programs that were removed. At this screen, you should click on the Next button and then if prompted you should click on the Reboot button. If HitmanPro does not prompt you to reboot, please just click on the Close button.

STEP 8: Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies

In this final step, we will download and install AdwCleaner to remove the malicious browser policies that were set by browser hijackers on your computer and delete malicious browser extensions.

AdwCleaner is a free popular on-demand scanner that can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to find. This on-demand scanner includes a lot of tools that can be used to fix the side effects of adware. browser hijackers and other malware.

1. Download AdwCleaner.

   You can download AdwCleaner by clicking the link below.

   

   ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK
   (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download AdwCleaner)

2. Double-click on the setup file.

   Double-click on the file named “adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe” to start AdwCleaner. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
   

   AdwCleaner program will now open and you will be presented with the program’s license agreement. After you read it, click on the I agree button if you wish to continue. If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.

   

3. Enable “Reset Chrome policies” to remove malicious browser policies.

   When AdwCleaner starts, on the left side of the window, click on “Settings” and then enable “Reset Chrome policies“.

   

4. Click on the “Scan” button.

   On the left side of the AdwCleaner window, click on “Dashboard” and then click “Scan” to perform a computer scan.

   

5. Wait for the AdwCleaner scan to finish.

   AdwCleaner will now scan your computer for malware. This process can take a few minutes.

   

6. Click on “Quarantine” to remove malware.

   When the AdwCleaner scan is completed it will display all of the items it has found. Click on the “Quarantine” button to remove the malicious programs from your computer.

   

7. Click on “Continue” to remove the malicious programs.

   AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to close any open programs before it starts to clean. Click on the “Continue” button to finish the removal process.
   

   AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. When the malware removal process is complete, you may be asked to restart your computer.

How to Prevent Open Software Updater from Installing Again

Here are some tips to prevent Open Software Updater from reinstalling after removing it:

1. Avoid Sketchy Downloads

Be very cautious when downloading free software, media files, and games from shady websites and piracy sources. Only download from reputable sites like official vendor websites to avoid bundled PUPs.

2. Say No to Bundled Offers During Installs

Always carefully read through installation wizards when installing new programs. Uncheck any pre-checked boxes or offers to install additional software like Open Software Updater.

3. Scan Downloads with Antivirus Software

Configure your antivirus program to automatically scan new downloads before they can be opened or installed. This will detect and quarantine any PUPs included with installers.

4. Make Sure Software Updates Automatically

Enable auto-update options in programs whenever possible so 3rd party updaters like Open Software Updater are not needed. Keeping all software updated closes security holes.

5. Review Installed Programs Frequently

Periodically check your installed programs list and browser extensions. Remove any unknown or dubious programs right away to prevent issues.

6. Use a Secondary Scanner Like Malwarebytes

Run periodic scans with reputable tools like Malwarebytes to detect and remove any PUPs like Open Software Updater that got through. Great for second opinions.

7. Lock Down Windows Hosts File

Edit Windows hosts file to block known PUP download sites. Prevents access to install their software in the first place.

8. Reset Browser Settings After Infections

If you get hit with an infection that drops PUPs like Open Software Updater, immediately reset all browser settings to defaults after disinfecting.

9. Always Say No to Browser Redirects

Never follow along if get redirected to download sites for fake updates or virus scans. Close browser immediately if this happens.

Staying vigilant is key to keep sneaky programs like Open Software Updater off your PC. Following these tips will help prevent unwanted installs in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions about Open Software Updater

Open Software Updater is a questionable program that makes its way onto many computers unknowingly. If you see Open Software Updater on your system, you likely have lots of questions. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Open Software Updater to help you understand and remove it properly.

What is Open Software Updater and How Does it Work?

Open Software Updater is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that claims to manage updates for your installed software. It runs in the background and will automatically check for and download available updates for programs installed via the OpenSoftwareUpdater site.

It adds services and scheduled tasks that run continuously without user interaction. Open Software Updater does not actually update any legitimate software – it only updates other programs bundled with it by the same developer.

How Did Open Software Updater Get on My Computer?

Most users find Open Software Updater installed without understanding how it got there. The most common methods include:

• Bundling with other free program installers
• Being installed after clicking on fake upgrade/update alerts
• Landing on your system after a malware infection
• Being included with pirated software or illegal program downloads

The Real way is usually obscured on purpose to hide Open Software Updater’s questionable behavior.

Is Open Software Updater Dangerous? What Risks Does it Pose?

Open Software Updater exhibits many behaviors of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) including:

• Difficult to fully remove due to deep system integration
• Privacy concerns from data about your system being transmitted
• Slows down your PC’s performance from resource-heavy operation
• Serves as a gateway for installing additional unwanted programs
• Potential security risks from running constantly in the background

While not directly destructive like viruses, Open Software Updater does pose threats to your privacy, performance, and security.

What Symptoms Indicate Open Software Updater is on Your PC?

Some signs Open Software Updater may be on your system already include:

• Presence of scheduled tasks called “OneUpdate”
• Background services named “Open Software Updater” or “OpenSoftwareUpdater”
• Unknown programs you don’t remember installing
• More frequent pop-up ads
• Browser settings/homepage changed mysteriously
• PC running slower than usual

Look for unfamiliar processes, files, services, browser extensions and other software if you suspect Open Software Updater.

How Do I Manually Remove Open Software Updater?

You’ll need to take the following steps to fully uninstall Open Software Updater:

• Delete associated files/folders from Program Files and AppData
• Remove related registry entries
• Uninstall bundled OpenSoftwareUpdater software
• Disable relevant services
• Delete any Open Software Updater tasks in Task Scheduler
• Reset web browser settings and extensions

Open Software Updater blocks standard uninstalls, so manual deletion is required. Make sure to restart your PC afterwards.

How Can I Prevent Open Software Updater from Returning?

To block Open Software Updater from reinstalling later:

• Only download software from official sources
• Decline additional offers during install wizards
• Install an antivirus to scan downloads automatically
• Enable auto-updates for your legitimate programs
• Routinely check for unknown programs and remove them
• Run anti-malware tools to detect PUPs
• Use a hosts file editor to block PUP sites
• Never follow browser redirects to fake update links

Staying vigilant about what’s on your system prevents unwanted installs.

Is Open Software Updater Associated with Other Potentially Unwanted Programs?

Yes, Open Software Updater is often bundled with other PUPs including adware, browser hijackers, and toolbars. Examples include OpenSoftwareUpdater, BetterSurf, GameSpinner, PriceMinister, and SmartBar.

Be sure to remove all unfamiliar programs if you find Open Software Updater on your computer to fully clean it.

Should I Use Open Software Updater to Keep My Software Updated?

No, Open Software Updater should not be used for updating legitimate software. Most reputable programs already include auto-update capabilities within themselves.

Open Software Updater only updates questionable software also installed without your consent. Relying on it poses privacy and security issues.

What Should I Do If Open Software Updater is on My PC?

If you confirm Open Software Updater is on your system, immediately uninstall it and any other unknown programs according to the detailed manual removal instructions covered earlier.

Also run reputable anti-malware scanners to find and remove any other PUPs or infections. Change all account passwords after cleaning your PC.

Following proper removal best practices will remove Open Software Updater fully and prevent it from returning.

Is There an Easier Way to Remove Open Software Updater Other Than Manual?

Yes, you can use automated malware removal tools that will locate and uninstall Open Software Updater for you. Examples include Malwarebytes, HitmanPro, and Eset Online Scanner.

Just be sure to download the removal tool from the official company website first before running it. Let it scan your system and allow it to clean or quarantine anything suspicious.

What If Open Software Updater Keeps Coming Back After I Remove It?

If Open Software Updater reappears after uninstalling, try restarting in Safe Mode and run your anti-malware scanner again to catch any traces left behind. You may need to show hidden files/folders and dig deeper to remove stubborn remnants left in the registry or other hard-to-reach spots.

Preventative measures like blocking PUP sites are also recommended. A reinstall of your operating system may be required in severe cases.

This FAQ should provide a detailed overview of what Open Software Updater is, how to remove it, and how to prevent it from returning in the future. Let us know if you have any other questions!

The Bottom Line

Open Software Updater is a potentially unwanted program that embeds deep into your system without permission under the guise of managing software updates. In reality, it exhibits questionable behavior and security risks.

Full removal is difficult without using the detailed manual uninstall steps highlighted in this guide. To prevent Open Software Updater from returning, avoid shady downloads, scan software with antivirus tools, review installed programs frequently, and leverage other proactive measures.

While keeping your software updated is generally good, Open Software Updater is an invasive and deceptive way to do it. You are better off using the integrated update capabilities already included in your legitimate programs and operating system.

Stay safe online and don’t let unwanted programs like Open Software Updater sneak onto your computer. Leverage this comprehensive guide anytime Open Software Updater shows up so you can eliminate it for good.