How to remove Maxthon Browser virus

By Sean Doyle · July 19, 2016 · 5 min read

Maxthon Browser virus is a program that is promoted as a free alternative internet browser and browser utility. However, the program is not to be taken lightly. It is currently recognized as a potentially unwanted program and potentially malicious by reputable security vendors due to the way it is distributed and what it does after it is installed.

If you download free content online, including freeware and torrent files, it can result in potentially unwanted programs, adware, and malware infecting your computer. Even if the program you download is well known and trustworthy, like Google Chrome, it can lead to an infection if you download it from a malicious site or by using an untrustworthy download manager.

A security risk with the Maxthon Browser adware is that the adware usually bundles with potentially unwanted programs, malware, and other malicious threats. If you found this adware on your computer without manually installing it then it is likely that your computer is infected with malware that you should remove immediately.

Removing Maxthon Browser from your computer immediately is strongly suggested. You should do this as soon as possible. This program has a bad online reputation and may be the sign of a more serious computer infection. To completely remove Maxthon Browser and other threats from your computer use the removal guide below.

Alias: Maxthon Browser virus

Maxthon Browser Removal Guide

1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to detect and remove malicious files from your computer.

2. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

3. Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.

4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.

5. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright to perform a second-opinion scan.

6. Open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.

7. Once the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

8. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

9. Click the Reboot button.

10. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform to cleanup junk files, repair your registry, and manage settings that may have been changed.

11. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

12. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.

13. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.

How to manually repair your browser settings

How to remove extensions from Safari

How to stay protected against future infections

The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow common online guidelines and take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software with real-time protection.

Real-time security software

Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time features that can block malicious files before they spread across your computer. These programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals.

Common Online Guidelines

Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
Avoid torrents and P2P clients
Do not open email messages from senders you do not know

Helpful Links

Tags: Adware Potentially Unwanted Programs

Sean Doyle

Sean is a tech author and security researcher with more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware analysis, analytics, and online marketing. He focuses on clear reporting, deep technical investigation, and practical guidance that helps readers stay safe in a fast-moving digital landscape. His work continues to appear in respected publications, including articles written for Private Internet Access. Through Botcrawl and his ongoing cybersecurity coverage, Sean provides trusted insights on data breaches, malware threats, and online safety for individuals and businesses worldwide.

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