How to remove BrowserDefender (Virus Removal Guide)

BrowserDefender (Browser Defender) by PerformerSoft/Bit89/MediaTechSoft Inc. is a web application and variant of the Browser Protector Software. BrowserDefender is classified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and sometimes malware that usually bundles with PerformerSoft products including PC Performer. BrowserDefender is created to protect the software it bundles with and make sure they remain installed, enabled, and unchanged by third party programs or users who attempt to change relating programs.

BrowserDefender restricts and prevents automatic and manual changes to the registry other programs including the web browser itself. BrowserDefender  runs in the background of a Microsoft Windows operating systems and has full administrator privileges in order to prevent it’s removal.

BrowserDefender virus

BrowserDefender is promoted as an internet browser anti-hijack solution and web add-on and extension that allegedly helps your internet browsers safe from homepage, search providers, extensions and other hijacks. They claim to provide free anti-hijack browser protection for Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. However, the application has been found to bundle with browser hijackers and change existing settings of affected internet browser. In turn, this will cause browser redirects when a user opens a new internet browser window, opens a new browser tab, or searches the web using the browser address bar.

BrowserDefender is also known to bundle with additional unwanted programs, including adware. If you find a program, add-on, or extension named BrowserDefender on your computer or affected internet browser, it is most likely that your computer is also infected with adware.

How did BrowserDefender get on my computer?

BrowserDefender and the unwanted programs that it bundles with are usually always contracted without the consent or knowledge of the computer user. The unwanted application is used to promote free downloadable content from a variety of locations on the web; therefor it bundles with multiple objects. Free downloadable content that this unwanted application may bundle with includes freeware, shareware, torrents, and more.

Users who wish to consciously and manually install freeware may be given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install BrowserDefender and other objects alongside the freeware during the installation and setup process; However, the user request to decline the unwanted application from installing is often ignored by the program or presented in a deceptive manner and the unwanted application will install anyways.

This program and objects that it bundles with can also be promoted and contracted through questionable advertisements. These advertisements are usually dishonest, misleading, and can cause the program to automatically download and install once they’re clicked on.

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  • BrowserDefender is detected as malware or to bundle with malware
  • BrowserDefender adds a background Windows Service
  • BrowserDefender is delivered through a thrid-party offers and installers
  • BrowserDefender has a very bad online reputation
  • Common path: C:\ProgramData\browserdefender\2.6.1562.220\{c16c1ccb-1111-4e5c-a2f3-533ad2fec8e8}\BrowserDefender.exe
  • Executable File: BrowserDefender.exe (BrowserDefender.exe runs as a service named ‘BrowserDefendert’ and is added as a firewall exception for ‘C:\ProgramData\BrowserDefender\2.6.1519.190\{c16c1ccb-7046-4e5c-a2f3-533ad2fec8e8}\BrowserDefender.exe‘.)
  • Uninstall File: uninstall.exe

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How to remove BrowserDefender (Removal Guide)

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Step 1: Remove BrowserDefender extensions

We recommend that you write down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while removing this infection. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

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Google Chrome

1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon on the top menu and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the BrowserDefender extension in the list. Remove unwanted browser extensions individually by clicking the trashcan icon next to each one.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. Search for the BrowserDefender add-ons on the Extensions and Plugin tab. Highlight each one individually and click remove.

Apple Safari

1. Click Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.

2.  Find the BrowserDefender extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.

Step 2: Uninstall BrowserDefender from Windows

1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.

2. On Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section.

3. Search for BrowserDefender and other unwanted programs in the list of installed programs. Once an unwanted program is located, double click the item or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button. If you can not find this program in the list of installed program please see steps 3 and 4 below.

Step 3: Remove BrowserDefender virus with Malwarebytes

1. Download and install the free or full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The full version enables real-time protection to block malware and unwanted programs from infecting your computer, while the free version is just a free scan and removal tool.

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2. Open the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware program.

Malwarebytes

3. Click the large Scan Now button or visit the “Scan” tab to manually run a scan.

Malwarebytes 2

4. When the malware scan is complete, click the Remove Selected button and reboot your computer.

If you are still having issues with malware it is recommended to download and install a second opinion scanner such as HitmanPro by Surfright to eradicate existing malicious files and automatically repair corrupted settings.

Step 4: Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

1. Download and install the free or full version of CCleaner by Piriform.

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Antivirus PRO 2015 virus

2. Once installed, open the program and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

Antivirus PRO 2015 malware

3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential BrowserDefender malware after using this removal guide we recommend to perform a system restore/recovery or a reset/refresh for Windows 8.

Sean Doyle

Sean is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

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