How to remove Games Desktop (Virus Removal Guide)

Games Desktop virusGames Desktop (Games Desktop virus, GamesDesktop 025.12) is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) in the adware category of computer threats that computer users accidentally install without knowledge when downloading freeware or files from the web. Games Desktop adware is known to access, collect, and modify user browsing activities, bookmarks, history and settings in order to serve targeted advertisements, including advertisements that may be identified by text that says something similar to “Featured Deals” or “ads by Games Desktop” and cause unwanted browser redirects.

Games Desktop adware has also been reported to share collected user data with third-parties, including mailing and marketing lists, which can cause unwanted email spam, junk mail at home, and more.

Potential GamesDesktop malware is promoted as a free utility to play and download online games. The adware is frequently referred to as the “Games Desktop virus” because it is known to be destructive, create additional settings, and will bundle with other unwanted programs, malware, and malicious threats that can cause further issues.

How to remove Games Desktop

This Games Desktop removal guide will help you completely remove the Games Desktop virus, other unwanted programs, additional malware, and get rid of ads by Games Desktop on Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. If you need assistance removing this infection please call our toll free number at 1-866-521-2427.

Step 1: Scan your computer for malware

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

1-866-521-2427
if you need help give us a call

2. 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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3. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the Anti-Malware program. Malwarebytes may automatically begin to update and scan your computer at this point.

malwarebytes

4. Once Malwarebytes has been opened, if a scan or update has not automatically initiated, please click the large Scan Now button or visit the “Scan” tab to manually run a scan. Before the scan is started Malwarebytes may ask to update the software, make sure to do so if prompted to.

5. Once the scan is complete, click the Quarantine All button to isolate and remove the detected files. You may be asked to reboot your computer after removal to completely remove detected files.

malwarebytes quarantine log

6. You can chose to visit the History tab and click Delete All to remove these files from the Quarantine log, although these files no longer provide a threat.

If you are still having issues with malware after using Malwarebytes 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 2: Cleanup and repair settings

1. Install the free or full version of CCleaner by Piriform.

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CCleaner Analyze Cleaner

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.

CCleaner Startup

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.

4. To automatically uninstall Games Desktop using CCleaner, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for the program in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

Step 3: Uninstall Games Desktop

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel (on Windows 8, right click the bottom left corner to gain access to the Windows 8 Start Menu. Windows 8 may also select Programs and Features).

2. In Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section (If you are using Windows 8 you will bypass the Control Panel).

GamesDesktop

3. In the list of installed programs, search for GamesDesktop by GAMESDESKTOP (or other). Once the program is located, double click the unwanted program or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button. *Follow any on-screen instructions that may prompt to remove this program. Repeat the steps to remove additional unwanted programs.

4. Restart your computer.


Step 4: Remove Games Desktop browser attachments

Google Chrome

1. Click on the Customize icon (3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the Games Desktop extension and other suspicious extensions and remove them individually by clicking the trashcan icon next to it.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the Games Desktop add-on and other suspicious add-ons and remove them if located.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.

2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the Games Desktop add-on, click it, and click the Remove button. Remove other suspicious add-ons if found. If the Remove button does not appear you must first uninstall associated software through the Control Panel.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential Games Desktop malware 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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