{"id":384837,"date":"2026-03-11T07:29:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T07:29:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=384837"},"modified":"2026-03-11T07:29:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T07:29:29","slug":"alpha-centavr-cc-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/alpha-centavr-cc-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Alpha-centavr.cc Virus Removal Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you keep seeing a blank white window or a browser window that opens to <strong>Alpha-centavr.cc<\/strong>, you are not alone. Reports show it can appear even when you are not browsing, which is a strong sign something on the PC is triggering the browser in the background.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad440284852\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many cases, the website is not \u201cmagically popping up\u201d. A potentially unwanted program (PUP), adware, or a more aggressive malware variant creates persistence on Windows, often via a Scheduled Task, and then abuses a legitimate Windows component called <code>mshta.exe<\/code> to launch the popup repeatedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide explains what it is, why it keeps returning, and how to remove the cause.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3472160647\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"69\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1xv-1024x69.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-374147\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1xv-1024x69.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1xv-300x20.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1xv.jpg 1350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad180593105\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Alpha-centavr.cc?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alpha-centavr.cc <\/strong>is widely reported as a malicious or deceptive domain used in scammy popups, fake warnings, and redirections. The goal is usually one (or more) of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Scare you with fake alerts so you call a \u201csupport\u201d number or install unwanted software<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Push you into downloading shady \u201ccleaners\u201d, extensions, or installers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Redirect you through ad networks and tracking links<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead you into credential theft or other fraud flows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes this particular issue feel confusing is that users often see a blank white popup, not a typical browser tab. That often happens when the malware is launching the site through <code>mshta.exe<\/code> (Microsoft HTML Application Host). <code>mshta.exe<\/code> is a legitimate Windows file, but attackers commonly abuse it to execute remote scripts or open unwanted URLs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2507422025\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_360587\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why it keeps popping up (the Scheduled Task trick)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A very common persistence method is a hidden or suspicious Scheduled Task that runs at logon, at startup, or every few minutes. That task launches something like:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3076542533\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><code>mshta.exe https:\/\/Alpha-centavr.cc\/...<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a script (<code>.vbs<\/code>, <code>.js<\/code>, <code>.bat<\/code>) stored in <code>%AppData%<\/code>, <code>%LocalAppData%<\/code>, or <code>C:ProgramData<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a browser with a forced URL argument<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microsoft community guidance for this exact domain points to Task Scheduler as the most likely root cause, and specifically warns not to delete <code>mshta.exe<\/code> itself, because it is a real Windows component.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may also see security tools flagging \u201cmshta launched with suspicious arguments\u201d, which is a known technique for code execution and evasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad246546442\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_360588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before you start: quick safety steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do not interact with the popup<\/strong> (no clicks, no downloads, no phone calls).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create a System Restore Point<\/strong> if you can. Malware removal forums often recommend doing this before deeper cleanup steps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad4210879409\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309691-placement_360589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"windowsh3\" class=\"toch3\">Remove Alpha-centavr.cc Pop-ups from Windows<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mwt_summary\">To remove the Alpha-centavr.cc malware from Windows, follow these steps:<\/div>\n<ul class=\"stepsbox\">\n<li><a href=\"#rkill\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Use Rkill to terminate malicious processes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#uninstall-windows\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Uninstall malicious programs from your computer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cmd-windows\"><strong>STEP 3<\/strong>: Remove malicious browser policies from Windows<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#malicious-folders\"><strong>STEP 4<\/strong>: Remove malicious files and folders from Windows<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#browser-windows\"><strong>STEP 5<\/strong>: Reset your browser settings to their defaults<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#malwarebytes-windows\"><strong>STEP 6<\/strong>: Use Malwarebytes to remove trojans and browser hijackers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#eset-windows\"><strong>STEP 7<\/strong>: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for rootkits and other malware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#adwcleaner-windows\"><strong>STEP 8<\/strong>: Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"rkill\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 1: Use Rkill to terminate malicious processes<\/h4>\n<p>In this first step, we will download and run Rkill to terminate malicious processes that may be running on your computer.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1533479429\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Rkill.<\/p>\n<p>You can download RKill to your computer from the below link. When at the download page, click on the <em>Download Now<\/em> button labeled <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong>. 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. <\/p>\n  \n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bleepingcomputer.com\/download\/rkill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-160643 mwt_product_icon_logo\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKill-Icon.png\" alt=\"RKILL Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/figure>\n<strong>RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Rkill)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run RKill.<\/p>\n<p>After downloading, double-click the <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong> icon to kill malicious processes. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the&nbsp;<em>Downloads<\/em> folder.<br \/>The program may take some time to search for and end various malware programs.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-160644 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg\" alt=\"RKILL Window\" width=\"800\" height=\"438\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"uninstall-windows\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 2: Uninstall malicious programs from your computer<\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 11<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 10<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 8<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 7<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 11\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Press <strong>Windows + I<\/strong> on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, right-click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button and select &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; from the menu.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129326\" title=\"Right-Click the Start button then select on Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Settings-Option.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Open Settings\" width=\"565\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Settings-Option.jpg 565w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Settings-Option-300x265.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 565px) 100vw, 565px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to &#8220;Apps &amp; Features&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the Settings window, click &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8221; in the sidebar, then select &#8220;<strong>Apps &amp; Features<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129325\" title=\" Click on Apps then select Apps and Features\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Apps.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Apps and Feature\" width=\"900\" height=\"493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Apps.jpg 900w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Apps-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name.<br \/>\n<strong>Quick tip:<\/strong> click &#8220;<strong>Sort by<\/strong>&#8221; and choose &#8220;<strong>Install date<\/strong>&#8220;. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.<br \/>\nWhen you find the malicious program, click the <em>three dots<\/em> next to it and select &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129347\" title=\"Uninstall malicious program from Windows 11\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Uninstall-Malicious-Apps-from-Windows-11-1.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Uninstall malicious program\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Uninstall-Malicious-Apps-from-Windows-11-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Uninstall-Malicious-Apps-from-Windows-11-1-300x162.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Uninstall<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts.<br \/>\n<strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129323\" title=\"Complete the Uninstall process\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Remove-Malicious-Apps-Windows-11-Confirm.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Confirm Uninstall\" width=\"800\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Remove-Malicious-Apps-Windows-11-Confirm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Remove-Malicious-Apps-Windows-11-Confirm-300x163.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 10\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Press <strong>Windows + I<\/strong> on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button on the taskbar and select &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; (the gear icon).<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105474 alignnone\" title=\"Click the Start button then click on Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/settings.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Click the Start button then click on Settings\" width=\"700\" height=\"494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/settings.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/settings-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Apps&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Windows Settings<\/em>&#8221; window, click &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8220;. The &#8220;<strong>Apps &amp; Features<\/strong>&#8221; section should open by default \u2014 if it doesn&#8217;t, select it from the list on the left.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105472 alignnone\" title=\"Windows 10: Click on Apps\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/apps.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Click on Apps\" width=\"700\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/apps.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/apps-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name.<br \/>\n<strong>Quick tip:<\/strong> click &#8220;<strong>Sort by<\/strong>&#8221; and choose &#8220;<strong>Install date<\/strong>&#8220;. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.<br \/>\nWhen you find the malicious program, click on it and select &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105475 alignnone\" title=\"Uninstall malware from Windows\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Uninstall malware from Windows\" width=\"700\" height=\"503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-300x216.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Uninstall<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts.<br \/>\n<strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105473 alignnone\" title=\"Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Complete-the-uninstall-Windows-10.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Complete the uninstall process\" width=\"700\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Complete-the-uninstall-Windows-10.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Complete-the-uninstall-Windows-10-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 8\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps_tab\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open &#8220;Programs and Features&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Right-click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button in the taskbar, then select &#8220;<strong>Programs and Features<\/strong>&#8220;. This takes you straight to the list of installed programs.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105481 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Windows-8-1-Programs-and-Features.jpg\" alt=\"Right click on Start and select Programs and Features\" width=\"408\" height=\"452\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Windows-8-1-Programs-and-Features.jpg 408w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Windows-8-1-Programs-and-Features-271x300.jpg 271w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. <strong>Click to highlight it<\/strong>, then click the &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105480\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Uninstall-Programs-in-Windows-8.jpg\" alt=\"Select malicious program then click on Uninstall\" width=\"653\" height=\"457\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Uninstall-Programs-in-Windows-8.jpg 653w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Uninstall-Programs-in-Windows-8-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 653px) 100vw, 653px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Yes<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. <strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 7\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps_tab\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Control Panel<\/p>\n<p>Click the &#8220;<strong>Start<\/strong>&#8221; button, then click &#8220;<strong>Control Panel<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105479 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows-7-start-menu-control-panel.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 7 go to Control Panel\" width=\"346\" height=\"442\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows-7-start-menu-control-panel.jpg 346w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows-7-start-menu-control-panel-235x300.jpg 235w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 346px) 100vw, 346px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Uninstall a Program&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the <em>Control Panel<\/em>, click &#8220;<strong>Uninstall a Program<\/strong>&#8221; under the <em>Programs<\/em> category.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105478 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-a-program-windows-7.jpg\" alt=\"Select Uninstall malicious program from Control Panel\" width=\"557\" height=\"298\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-a-program-windows-7.jpg 557w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-a-program-windows-7-300x161.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 557px) 100vw, 557px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. <strong>Click to highlight it<\/strong>, then click the &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105477 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-Windows-7-Programs.jpg\" alt=\"Uninstall malware from Windows 7\" width=\"614\" height=\"398\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-Windows-7-Programs.jpg 614w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-Windows-7-Programs-300x194.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Yes<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. <strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Is a stubborn program refusing to uninstall? Use <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/get-revo-uninstaller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Revo Uninstaller<\/strong><\/a> to force-remove it completely, including leftover files and registry entries.<\/div>\n<p>With the malicious programs removed, you&#8217;re ready for the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n\n<h4 id=\"cmd-windows\">STEP 3: Remove malicious browser policies from Windows<\/h4>\n<p>In this third step, we will download the Chrome Policy Remover file (credits to Stefan Van Damme) and remove the malicious browser policies. .<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br \/><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download the Chrome Policy Remover.<\/p><br \/><p>Download the &#8220;Chrome Policy Remover for Windows&#8221; file from the below link. This file is a batch script designed to automatically remove Chrome policies.<\/p> <div class=\"mwt_download_box\"> <figure><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"41\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/policy.jpg\" alt=\"Policy Logo\"\/><\/figure>    <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stefanvd.net\/download\/chrome-policy-remover\/windows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CHROME POLICY REMOVER DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em>(The above link will download delete_chrome_policies on your computer.)<\/em><\/div><br \/>\n<p>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 &#8220;Keep&#8221; allows you to proceed with the download.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Right-click &#8220;delete_chrome_policies.bat&#8221; file and select Run as administrator <\/p>\n<p>We will now run the &#8220;delete_chrome_policies.bat&#8221; 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.<\/p>\n \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"758\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BAT1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-301497\" style=\"width:399px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BAT1.jpg 819w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BAT1-300x278.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click Yes\/Run at the confirmation prompt and allow the process to complete.\n<\/p>\n<p>Windows will ask for confirmation before allowing the script to make changes. Clicking &#8220;Yes&#8221; or &#8220;Run&#8221; (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.\n<\/p>\n<br \/>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"736\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BAT2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-301499\" style=\"width:462px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BAT2.jpg 792w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BAT2-300x279.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that the malicious policies were removed, in the next step, we will reset your browser settings to their defaults.<\/p>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"malicious-folders\">STEP 4: Remove malicious files and folders from Windows<\/h4>\n<p>In this fourth step, we will manually search and remove malicious scheduled tasks and folders on your computer. <\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Delete malicious scheduled tasks.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3537607992\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309691-placement_381406\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Search for &#8220;<em>Task Scheduler<\/em>&#8221; in the windows search as shown below.<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-159620 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TS-1.jpg\" alt=\"Search for Task Scheduler\" width=\"800\" height=\"644\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TS-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TS-1-300x242.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>. \n<p><\/p>You can also open the Task Scheduler app by pressing the <strong>Windows + R<\/strong> buttons and then type &#8220;<strong>taskschd.msc<\/strong>&#8221; and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the Task Scheduler window, navigate to the <strong>Task Scheduler Library<\/strong> on the left side of the screen. Sort by <strong>Last Run Time<\/strong> and look for tasks that ran exactly when the popup appeared. Open suspicious tasks \u2192 <strong>Actions<\/strong> tab.<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"460\" class=\"size-full wp-image-159621 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TS-2.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Task Scheduler Library\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TS-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TS-2-300x173.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locate the <strong>malicious scheduled task<\/strong> in the list of tasks. It may have a randomly generated nameor may be identified as a suspicious or unknown task. Right-click on the malicious task and select &#8220;<strong>Delete&#8221;<\/strong>&nbsp;from the menu.  If you see <code>Alpha-centavr.cc<\/code> (or <code>mshta.exe<\/code> launching a URL or script), <strong>Disable<\/strong>, then <strong>Delete<\/strong> the task.<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"460\" class=\"size-full wp-image-159622 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TS-3.jpg\" alt=\"Find the malicious task and delete it\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TS-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TS-3-300x173.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Delete malicious files located in AppDataRoaming folder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will now delete the malicious file that is located in the AppDataRoaming folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Search for &#8220;<em>Run<\/em>&#8221; in the windows search as shown below, or press the <strong>Windows + R<\/strong> button to open the <strong>Run<\/strong> app.<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-159623 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Run-app.jpg\" alt=\"Open Run app\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Run-app.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Run-app-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the run app text box, enter &#8220;<strong>%AppData%<\/strong>&#8221; and click <strong>OK<\/strong>. Windows will directly open up the <strong>Roaming<\/strong> folder which is inside the AppData folder.<br \/>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-159624 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Roaming-folder.jpg\" alt=\"Roaming folder\" width=\"500\" height=\"284\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Roaming-folder.jpg 500w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Roaming-folder-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the AppDataRoaming folder, <strong>search and delete<\/strong> 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).<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-159625\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Roaming-Folder-Malicious-File.jpg\" alt=\"Roaming Folder Malicious File\" width=\"800\" height=\"419\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Roaming-Folder-Malicious-File.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Roaming-Folder-Malicious-File-300x157.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Delete malicious files located in AppDataLocal folder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, we will delete the malicious folders that are located in the AppDataLocal folder and the malicious Chrome browser extensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Search for &#8220;<em>Run<\/em>&#8221; in the windows search as shown below, or press the <strong>Windows + R<\/strong> button to open the <strong>Run<\/strong> app.<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-159623 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Run-app.jpg\" alt=\"Open Run app\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Run-app.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Run-app-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the run app text box, enter &#8220;<strong>%localappdata%<\/strong>&#8221; and click <strong>OK<\/strong>. Windows will directly open up the AppDataLocal folder which is inside the AppData folder.<br \/>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-159626 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Local-Folder.jpg\" alt=\"Local Folder\" width=\"500\" height=\"284\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Local-Folder.jpg 500w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Local-Folder-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the AppDataLocal directory, <strong>search and delete<\/strong> the <em><strong>Default,<\/strong> <strong>WindowsApp and ServiceApp<\/strong><\/em> folders.<p><\/p>\n<p>Next, find the <strong>Google<\/strong> folder and go to <strong>Google &gt; Chrome &gt; User Data &gt; Default (or Profile) &gt; Extensions<\/strong>. <strong>Find the malicious extension folder<\/strong> within the Extensions folder and delete it. It may have a randomly generated name or may be identified as a suspicious or unknown extension.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-159627 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Delete-chrome-extensions.jpg\" alt=\"Delete chrome extensions\" width=\"800\" height=\"419\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Delete-chrome-extensions.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Delete-chrome-extensions-300x157.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Remove Chrome Shortcut Modification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Right-click on the Google Chrome shortcut on your desktop or Start Menu and select &#8220;<strong>Properties<\/strong>&#8220;. <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"409\" height=\"400\" class=\"size-full wp-image-210041 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/P1.jpg\" alt=\"Open Chrome Properties\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/P1.jpg 409w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/P1-300x293.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 409px) 100vw, 409px\" \/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the <em>Shortcut tab<\/em>, look for the &#8220;<strong>Target<\/strong>&#8221; 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.<br \/>For example, remove text like <strong>&#8220;&#8211;load-extension=C:Users%USERNAME%AppDataLocalDefault&#8221;<\/strong>.<br \/>The target should point only to the chrome.exe file location, nothing more. <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"582\" height=\"588\" class=\"size-full wp-image-210042 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Remove-Malicious-Chrome-Shortcut-Hijack.jpg\" alt=\"Remove Malicious Chrome Shortcut Hijack\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Remove-Malicious-Chrome-Shortcut-Hijack.jpg 582w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Remove-Malicious-Chrome-Shortcut-Hijack-297x300.jpg 297w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>OK<\/strong> to save the changes and close <em>Properties<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Launch Chrome again normally through the shortcut. The extension should no longer load on start up.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also right click the shortcut and select &#8220;Open File Location&#8221; to open the chrome.exe folder. Drag chrome.exe directly to your taskbar to create a clean shortcut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"browser-windows\">STEP 5: Reset your browser settings to their defaults<\/h4>\n\n<p>In this step, we will remove spam notifications,&nbsp; malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware.<br \/>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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Chrome<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Firefox<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Microsoft Edge<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Internet Explorer<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Chrome\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Chrome for Windows to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Chrome browser settings to their original defaults. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3894490846\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360582-ad_309691-placement_360581\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9971336976\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<ol>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Chrome menu<\/p>\n<p>In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the three-dot (\u22ee) icon to open the menu.<\/p>\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344168 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to Settings<\/p>\n<p>From the menu, select <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad698082538\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360567-ad_309691-placement_360771\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6224621518\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344169 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select \u201cReset settings\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the left sidebar, scroll down and click <strong>Reset settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344166 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Choose \u201cRestore settings to their original defaults\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Click the <strong>Restore settings to their original defaults<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344171 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm the reset<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2732758213\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360571-ad_309691-placement_360772\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5867729999\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>In the dialog that appears, click <strong>Reset settings<\/strong> to restore Chrome to its default state. Bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will remain, but extensions will be disabled and temporary data cleared.<\/p>\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344172 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Firefox\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Firefox for Windows to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Firefox browser settings to their default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on &#8220;Help&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Click on Firefox&#8217;s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled &#8220;<strong>Help<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136955 alignnone\" title=\"Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on Help\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Firefox Menu button then select Help button\" width=\"800\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings-300x182.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;More troubleshooting information&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>From the <em>Help<\/em> menu, click on &#8220;<strong>More troubleshooting information<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136954 alignnone\" title=\"Click the More Troubleshooting Information link\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu.jpg\" alt=\"Click More Troubleshooting Information\" width=\"800\" height=\"487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Refresh Firefox&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When the &#8220;<em>Troubleshooting Information<\/em>&#8221; page opens, click on the &#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136956 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Refresh Firefox\" width=\"800\" height=\"488\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm that you want to reset your browser settings.<\/p>\n<p>To finish the reset process, click on the &#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221;&nbsp;button in the new confirmation window that opens.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136957 alignnone\" title=\"Click the on Refresh Firefox to confirm\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm.jpg\" alt=\"Click again on Refresh Firefox button\" width=\"800\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Finish&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Firefox will now close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it&#8217;s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on &#8220;<strong>Finish<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p>Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named &#8220;<em>Old Firefox Data<\/em>&#8220;. If the reset didn&#8217;t fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don&#8217;t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Microsoft Edge\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Microsoft Edge to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings to their default. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on &#8220;Settings&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>In the top right corner, click on Microsoft Edge&#8217;s main menu button, represented by <strong>three horizontal dots<\/strong>. When the drop-down menu appears, click on &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136961 alignnone\" title=\"Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on Settings\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Reset Settings&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>On the left side of the window, click on &#8220;<strong>Reset Settings<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136962 alignnone\" title=\"Click Reset Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser.jpg\" alt=\"Click Reset Settings option\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Restore settings to their default values&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>In the main window, click on &#8220;<strong>Restore settings to their default values<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136963 alignnone\" title=\" Click Restore settings to their default values\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button.jpg\" alt=\"Select Restore settings to their default values\" width=\"800\" height=\"541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Reset&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136960 alignnone\" title=\"Click Reset to reset Microsoft Edge\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser.jpg\" alt=\"Click Reset to reset your browser\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><br \/>Microsoft Edge will now erase all your personal data, browsing history, and disable all installed extensions. Your bookmarks, though, will remain intact and still be accessible.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Internet Explorer\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Internet Explorer to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Internet Explorer browser settings to their default. You can reset Internet Explorer settings to return them to the state they were in when Internet Explorer was first installed on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to &#8220;Internet Options&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Open Internet Explorer, click on the <strong>gear icon<\/strong> in the upper-right part of your browser, then select &#8220;<strong>Internet Options<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select the &#8220;Advanced&#8221; tab, then click &#8220;Reset&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Internet Options<\/em>&#8221; dialog box, select the&nbsp;&#8220;<strong>Advanced<\/strong>&#8221;&nbsp;tab, then click&nbsp;on the &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Reset&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Reset Internet Explorer settings<\/em>&#8221; section, select the &#8220;<em>Delete personal settings<\/em>&#8221; checkbox, then click on the &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Close&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the &#8220;<strong>Close<\/strong>&#8221; button in the confirmation dialogue box.<br \/>Close your browser and then you can open Internet Explorer again.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h4 id=\"malwarebytes-windows\">STEP 6: Use Malwarebytes to remove trojans and browser hijackers<\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes<\/strong> is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows \u2014 and it&#8217;s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes<\/p> <p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Windows<\/strong> from the official source. The free version is all you need \u2014 it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.<\/p> <div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\"\/><\/figure> <strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/downloads\/MBSetup-076886.076886-consumer.exe\" onclick=\"window.open(&#039;https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/malwarebytes-free&#039;);\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS (FREE)<br \/>\n<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes<\/p>\n\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <strong>Downloads<\/strong> folder and <strong>double-click the MBSetup file<\/strong>. If Windows shows a <strong>User Account Control<\/strong> pop-up, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to allow the installation.<\/p>\n\n \n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285934\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg 975w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1-300x154.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n \n\n \n  \n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p> \n\n<p>The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \n  <li>\n    <p>Choose where you&#8217;re installing the program \u2014 &#8220;<strong>Personal Computer<\/strong>&#8221; or &#8220;<strong>Work Computer<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 then click <strong>Next<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285953\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg 737w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285937\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg 759w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>When installation is complete, the &#8220;<strong>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/strong>&#8221; screen will open automatically.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285951\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg 705w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>On the final screen, click <strong>Open Malwarebytes<\/strong> to launch the program.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"749\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285952\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Scan for Rootkits&#8221;<\/p><div id=\"mwtad71297976\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360576-ad_309691-placement_360773\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6594472392\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the <strong>Settings<\/strong> gear icon on the left side of the screen.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285942\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the settings menu, find &#8220;<strong>Scan for rootkits<\/strong>&#8221; and click the toggle so it turns blue.\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285943\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg 841w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Done? Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; in the left pane to return to the main screen.\n\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p> <p>Click the blue <strong>Scan<\/strong> button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285941\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg 849w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285944\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found \u2014 malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all of them at once.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285945\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285946\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n  <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Computer<\/p>\n  <p>Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click <strong>Yes<\/strong>. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"eset-windows\">STEP 7: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for rootkits and other malware<\/h4>\n<p>In this next step, we will scan the computer with HitmanPro to ensure that no other malicious programs are installed on your device.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> is a second-opinion scanner \u2014 it&#8217;s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it&#8217;s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: <strong>Bitdefender<\/strong> and <strong>Kaspersky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good news: <strong>scanning is completely free, with no limits<\/strong>. You only need a license when it&#8217;s time to remove what was found \u2014 and even then, you can activate a <strong>free one-time 30-day trial<\/strong> to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong>. Remember \u2014 the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-81147 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/icon-hitmanpro.png\" alt=\"HitmanPro Logo\" width=\"38\" height=\"38\" title=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/hitmanpro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>DOWNLOAD HITMANPRO (FREE SCAN)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file: <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 32-bit Windows, or <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro_x64.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 64-bit Windows.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136909 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg\" alt=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro file\" width=\"800\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>If a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136916 alignnone\" title=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg\" alt=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup \" width=\"676\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg 676w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts<\/p>\n<p>On the HitmanPro start screen, click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required \u2014 it goes straight to work.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136913 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg\" alt=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC\" width=\"800\" height=\"639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136912 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to finish the HitmanPro install\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro final installer screen\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p><div id=\"mwtad1494281675\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360583-ad_309691-placement_360774\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8849826992\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136915 alignnone\" title=\"HitmanPro while scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results and Click &#8220;Next&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to remove the detected threats.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136914 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to remove the malware that HitmanPro has detected\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Activate Free License&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To remove the malicious files, click the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button. This starts your <em>free 30-day trial<\/em> \u2014 no payment details needed \u2014 and unlocks the full cleanup.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136911 alignnone\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click <strong>Next<\/strong>, then click <strong>Reboot<\/strong> if prompted. If there&#8217;s no reboot prompt, just click <strong>Close<\/strong> \u2014 your PC is clean.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<h4 id=\"adwcleaner-windows\">STEP 8: Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies<\/h4>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars \u2014 the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It&#8217;s a quick scan that&#8217;s well worth running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> \u2014 it&#8217;s free, portable, and requires no installation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><\/figure> <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/adwcleaner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-84923 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/AdwCleaner-Icon.png\" alt=\"AdwCleaner Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure> <strong>DOWNLOAD ADWCLEANER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file named &#8220;<strong>adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe<\/strong>&#8220;. There&#8217;s no installation \u2014 the program starts right away.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136932 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the AdwCleaner setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Download AdwCleaner on your computer\" width=\"800\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner-300x159.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click &#8220;<strong>Yes<\/strong>&#8220;. When the license agreement appears, click <strong>I agree<\/strong> to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136935 alignnone\" title=\"Click Yes to allow AdwCleaner to run\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Windows ask if you want to run AdwCleaner\" width=\"585\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg 585w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner-300x217.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Reset Chrome policies&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This setting removes malicious browser policies \u2014 a trick malware uses to lock your browser settings so you can&#8217;t change them back. Click &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then turn on &#8220;<strong>Reset Chrome policies<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136933 alignnone\" title=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malicious browser policies\" width=\"800\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then click the &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136934 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes \u2014 it&#8217;s one of the fastest scanners around.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136931 alignnone\" title=\"AdwCleaner scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"AdwCleaner scanning for adware and other malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner will list everything it found. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all the malicious items at once.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136930 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x177.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Continue&#8221; to Finish the Cleanup<\/p> <p><strong>Save any open work first<\/strong> \u2014 AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you&#8217;re ready, click the &#8220;<strong>Continue<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Save your work and then click on the Continue button\" width=\"800\" height=\"477\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136929 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click Continue to remove malicious files\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files-300x179.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p> <p>AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it \u2014 your computer will be clean when you log back in.<\/p> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1018140674\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309691-placement_381390\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If the popups still come back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3559818285\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360584-ad_309691-placement_360775\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3952847241\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you completed all steps and the site still appears, one of these is usually true:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There is <strong>another Scheduled Task<\/strong> you missed (sometimes it is buried in subfolders under Task Scheduler Library)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A startup entry is launching it (Task Manager \u2192 Startup tab)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A malicious service is recreating tasks and policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sync is reintroducing bad settings (Chrome or Edge sync)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At that point, re-check Task Scheduler and look specifically for tasks whose Actions reference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><code>mshta.exe<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><code>powershell.exe<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><code>wscript.exe<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><code>cmd.exe \/c start http...<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any URL shorteners or unfamiliar domains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also remember: <code>mshta.exe<\/code> itself is not what you delete. The fix is removing what is telling it to run a malicious URL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3362735332\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309691-placement_381395\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to avoid this infection in the future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Avoid \u201cfree\u201d installers, cracks, and fake driver updates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be cautious with browser extensions. Recent campaigns have shown how extensions can become malicious over time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a site shows urgent alerts, treat it as hostile. Universities and IT departments routinely warn that fake virus warnings are designed to push users into unsafe actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep Windows and browsers updated, and leave SmartScreen and Safe Browsing enabled when possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alpha-centavr.cc popups are a symptom. The underlying cause is typically adware or malware persistence on Windows, very often a Scheduled Task abusing <code>mshta.exe<\/code> to open the site repeatedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you remove the trigger (task, startup item, or script) and then clean the system with Malwarebytes, HitmanPro, and AdwCleaner, the popups usually stop for good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Alpha-centavr.cc?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alpha-centavr.cc is a suspicious domain associated with unwanted popups, scam redirects, and malware-driven browser launches. Many reports link it to persistence on Windows, where something on the PC repeatedly opens the site without user action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Alpha-centavr.cc a real \u201cvirus\u201d or just an annoying website?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The site itself is usually just the destination. The real problem is the trigger on your computer, commonly adware, a potentially unwanted program, or malware that forces Windows to open the URL repeatedly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why does it keep popping up even when I am not browsing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A very common cause is a malicious Scheduled Task that runs at login, on a timer, or at startup and launches the URL automatically. Microsoft\u2019s community guidance for Alpha-centavr.cc highlights Task Scheduler as the most likely persistence method. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why do I sometimes see a blank white window instead of a normal browser tab?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many infections, the popup is opened via <code>mshta.exe<\/code> (Microsoft HTML Application Host), which can show a simple blank window while it loads or executes web-based script content. Attackers are known to abuse <code>mshta.exe<\/code> as a \u201cliving off the land\u201d technique to run code through a trusted Windows binary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is mshta.exe, and should I delete it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not delete <code>mshta.exe<\/code>. It is a legitimate Windows component. The fix is to remove whatever is launching it with suspicious arguments (often a Scheduled Task or script). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can this steal passwords or compromise my accounts?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can, depending on what installed the popup trigger. <code>mshta.exe<\/code> abuse is a recognized technique used by real threats for execution, including running malicious scripts from a URL, which can lead to broader compromise. Treat it as potentially unsafe until the system is cleaned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is this caused by browser notifications?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, but not always. If the site was allowed to send notifications, it can spam alerts even when the browser is closed. Also, the \u201cAlpha-centavr.cc opens a window by itself\u201d pattern is more consistent with a scheduled task or similar persistence than notifications alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will resetting Chrome or Edge remove the problem?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resetting the browser helps remove unwanted settings, extensions, and some hijacker changes, but it may not stop popups if a Scheduled Task or Windows-level malware is launching the site. Google still recommends resetting Chrome as part of cleanup for unwanted popups and malware symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I block Alpha-centavr.cc popups in Chrome?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can block popups and redirects at the browser level, but this is best used as a backup, not the main fix. Chrome provides steps to block sites under Pop-ups and redirects and remove allowed entries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the fastest way to confirm it is a Scheduled Task?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Open Task Scheduler and check tasks that ran at the exact time the popup appeared, then review the task\u2019s Actions. Microsoft\u2019s Q&amp;A thread on Alpha-centavr.cc specifically calls out hidden tasks that run <code>mshta.exe<\/code> and point it to the domain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I remove one task but it comes back, what does that mean?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It usually means there is still a loader on the system that recreates tasks and policies, such as adware, a trojan, or another persistence mechanism. Malware-removal cases commonly report multiple malicious scheduled tasks tied to <code>mshta.exe<\/code>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What security scans are most useful for this kind of issue?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use reputable scanners that can detect adware, PUPs, and trojans, then remove what they find. Cases involving repeated <code>mshta.exe<\/code> popups often require more than one scan because the task is only a symptom of a broader infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I prevent this from happening again?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid bundled installers, cracks, and \u201cupdate\u201d prompts from random sites. Keep your browser protections enabled, review extensions regularly, and block unknown sites from sending notifications or popups. Chrome also provides official guidance on removing unwanted popups and malware symptoms. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you keep seeing a blank white window or a browser window that opens to Alpha-centavr.cc, you are not alone. Reports show it can appear even when you are not browsing, which is a strong &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Alpha-centavr.cc Virus Removal Guide\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/alpha-centavr-cc-2\/#more-384837\" aria-label=\"Read more about Alpha-centavr.cc Virus Removal Guide\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":374139,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-384837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scam-reports","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/384837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=384837"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/384837\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/374139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=384837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=384837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=384837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}