How to remove Winload Toolbar – Winload malware removal instructions
What is Winload Toolbar?
Winload Toolbar, also referred to as the Winload virus is potential malware categorized as a browser hijacker that installs to computer systems as an add-on, browser helper object (BHO, and extension in order to change existing internet browser settings with or without user permission, including the home page and default search engine, which primarily causes infected internet browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer to start up on and redirect to search.conduit.com and other websites. Winload Toolbar also causes other issues for computer users relating to the invasion of privacy and computer functionality.
Winload Toolbar has been reported to redirect victims to unwanted and suspected malicious websites, as well as display unwanted advertisements that promote malware, including scareware, or non-beneficial security tools.
Winload Toolbar and third-party malware are known to collect and distribute personal information. The Winload Toolbar hijacker is a concern for computer users for reasons relating to the invasion of privacy and cyber crimes involving credit theft, extortion, and identity theft. On a lesser-scale, victims of Winload Toolbar and third-party malware have reported excessive email spam, junk mail, and even telephone calls from telemarketers. Some reports indicate the subject of spam emails (etc.) may contain information concerning recent internet browsing activity.
How does Winload Toolbar infect a computer?
Winload Toolbar can be manually and voluntarily installed from a variety of websites, though most reports indicate that Winload Toolbar installs without consent or knowledge of the computer user. It should also be noted that Winload Toolbar will install with software downloaded from winload.com and that the domain winload.com contains malicious software available for download.
Winload Toolbar may install alongside downloadable content such as freeware, shareware, torrents, and codecs and is often installed via direct links contained in suspicious advertisements. If you recently installed software from an online source or CD from a magazine, chances are Winload Toolbar bundled with the installed software.
Winload Toolbar may also allow additional third-party software to install without user consent or knowledge.
How to remove Winload Toolbar
How to remove Winload Toolbar- Automatically remove Winload Toolbar malware – Scan for and automatically remove Winload Toolbar and related malware
- Manually remove Winload Toolbar – Remove/Uninstall Winload software and third-party malware
1. Automatic Winload Toolbar removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove the Winload Toolbar browser hijacker and third-party malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your 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.
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.
CCleaner
CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall Winload Toolbar and associated third-party software.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.
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.
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 Winload Toolbar and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for Winload Toolbar, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.
2. Manual Winload Toolbar removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall Winload Toolbar and third-party software using generic Microsoft Windows removal procedures.
How to uninstall Winload Toolbar
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 Winload Toolbar (various titles) and other potentially unwanted software. Once located, double click the unwanted programs or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.
How to remove Winload Toolbar add-ons and extensions
Use the instructions to remove Winload Toolbar add-ons, extensions, and plug-ins. Please note, it may be necessary to remove multiple third-party titles.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the Winload Toolbar extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to them.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the Winload Toolbar add-on and remove it.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the Winload Toolbar add-on and remove it if located.
