How to remove the WonderBrowse virus (Removal Guide)

by Sean Doyle · Published November 25, 2013 · Updated September 11, 2022

WonderBrowse virus (WonderBrowse ads)

The WonderBrowse virus (also found as Wonder Browse virus, WonderBrowse Search, WonderBrowse pop-ups, WonderBrowse menu, brought by WonderBrowse virus, or WonderBrowse ads; though not technically a computer virus) is potential malware categorized as adware and a browser hijacker that installs to a Microsoft Windows computer system and attaches to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer as a browser add-on, browser helper object (BHO), and extension with or without user consent. WonderBrowse primarily bundles with third-party items, as well as other potential malware that may cause further complications for users.

WonderBrowse virus

Once WonderBrowse malware is installed, the unwanted program will begin to replace existing internet browser settings and displays unwanted pop-up advertisements, in-text ads, banner ads, and drop-down coupon ads on popular online retail websites including walmart.com, ebay, and others. Even advertisements on our website botcrawl.com as shown in the image above. Most of the time WonderBrowse ads will appear on the left side of an open internet browser window and wills how targeted links and advertisements for the visited website or search term. Some of the ads and links may contain malicious payloads, direct users to suspicious and harmful websites, or direct users to broken links.

WonderBrowse adware will attempt to display targeted coupons and offers for searched items or currently viewed products on retail websites by displaying a drop down tab and menu that can be identified by text that says the user has a numerical amount of coupons or a large banner at the bottom of an open browser window. The advertisements may drop down from the top right of the open internet browser window in a light colored drop-down list that contains links to coupons. Once clicked a coupon may be applied to the visited webpage. A drop-down list may also appear on the left side of an open browser window at all times containing targeted links.

Some WonderBrowse pop-up advertisements are lists that can be identified by a white or light grey background that contains a link to WonderBrowse at the top, a large advertisement link at the top of the list, and similar list of links below (first image above). There will also be an option to close the WonderBrowse pop-up by visiting the webpage to enable or disable the service. Please avoid visiting the website to disable the service.

Once a program that is used to assist in displaying WonderBrowse advertisements is installed it will begin to change Microsoft Windows start-up settings and internet browser settings. Furthermore unwanted applications used to promote WonderBrowse advertisements may violate user privacy by collecting and distributing sensitive user information and ruin a computer’s functionality and internet browsing experience (often associated with unwanted browser redirections and changed homepage settings).

WonderBrowse malware

WonderBrowse has permission to access your data on all websites, access your tabs and browsing activity, and manage your apps, extensions, and themes. WonderBrowse malware may be identified as spyware.

WonderBrowse malware and third-party items have also been reported to submit collected user information to third-party marketing and mailing lists without user consent. Some users have reported unwanted email spam, junk mail, and have even complained of unwanted telephone calls from telemarketers concerning their recent browser activity and history.

WonderBrowse is also stubborn to uninstall and will make users reboot their systems and/or enter a verification code before the adware can be removed properly.

How does WonderBrowse adware get onto a computer?

WonderBrowse adware often bundles with third-party freeware and shareware from websites such as download.com. In some cases users are given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install WonderBrowse 2013 or 2014 adware, alongside Wonder Browse by the same publisher and other items; however, the request to decline the offer is often ignored or presented in a very confusing manner as pictured below where the Accept button will appear where the Next button does during the installation process in order to trick users into installing excessive bloatware and malware.

WonderBrowse adware can also be manually and voluntarily downloaded from a variety of unethical sources including the company website.

How to remove WonderBrowse adware

Automatically remove WonderBrowse virus – Scan for and automatically remove WonderBrowse and third-party malware
Manually remove WonderBrowse virus – Remove/Uninstall WonderBrowse software and third-party malware (if necessary)

1. Automatic WonderBrowse virus removal

Use the instructions below to automatically remove WonderBrowse adware and third-party malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your installed internet browsers.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, make sure to do so.

3. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.

Malwarebytes Perform Full Scan

4. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a notice stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer (the image below shows a file that is NOT selected) or click the Delete button to remove quarantined files.

Malwarebytes Gadgetbox

CCleaner

CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall WonderBrowse adware and associated third-party software.

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

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 WonderBrowse (WonderBrowse 2013, WonderBrowse 2014) and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for WonderBrowse, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

2. Manual WonderBrowse virus removal

Use the instructions below to manually uninstall WonderBrowse adware and third-party software using Microsoft Windows removal procedures.

How to uninstall WonderBrowse

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.

2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.

3. In the list of installed programs search for WonderBrowse (WonderBrowse 2013.05.005108 or other similar title) and other potentially unwanted software. Once the adware program is located, double click the unwanted program(s) or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button. Keep in mind that WonderBrowse may use a different title name than suggested.

How to remove WonderBrowse add-ons and extensions

Use the instructions to remove WonderBrowse add-ons, extensions, plug-ins, and toolbars. Please note, it may be necessary to remove multiple third-party items.