How to remove KMS (Virus Removal Guide)
KMS virus
KMS virus is a term used to identify a potentially unwanted program that is spread by malicious software bundlers. Victims whom have discovered KMS installed on their machines are usually never aware that the program was installed in the first place or how it got there. That is because KMS and software bundlers that install the program utilize stealth methods to obtain access to a computer system. One malicious software bundler that spreads KMS uses a fake Windows alert on Windows desktop that claims a software pack is available to download. Once the link on the fake Windows message is clicked unwanted programs and malware will begin to circulate on the computer.
The malicious software bundlers used to spread KMS malware are typically downloaded from a questionable source by the user. Downloading objects online including freeware and torrent files can result in potentially unwanted programs and malware infecting the computer system. Even if a program is well known and trustworthy, if you download it from a malicious website it can lead to a computer infection.
If the computer user has previously downloaded a malicious program, KMS malware might have automatically downloaded in the background and without disclosure. The user might also be tricked into accepting the download under the guise of a program update or something else. Malicious publishers sometimes hide the download behind a terms and conditions page, effectively tricking users into downloading adware. In some instances KMS may be advertised as an extension to improve the user’s browsing experience in order to encourage a direct download. Regardless of how the system was infected, removal remains relatively unchanged.
Once KMS is installed it will inject the webpages you visit with advertisements, show advertisements on Windows desktop, and change your existing internet browser settings. The program can change your browser’s homepage, new tab page, and default search engine in order to cause you to redirect to commercial content and search results.
How to remove KMS (Virus Removal Guide)
- Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
- Scan your computer with HitmanPro
- Uninstall KMS and unwanted programs
- Remove unwanted add-ons and extensions
- Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
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.
2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro
1. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright.
2. 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.
3. Once the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
4. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
5. Click the Reboot button.
3. Uninstall KMS and unwanted programs
1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.
2. In the Programs section click Uninstall a program. In earlier versions of Windows this is listed as “Add and remove programs.”
3. Search for KMS in the list of installed programs and double click it to initiate the manual uninstall process.
4. Once you have uninstalled KMS, search for other unwanted programs that may be installed on your computer and uninstall them as well.
4. Remove unwanted add-ons and extension
Google Chrome
1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.
2. Search for the unwanted add-on and click Remove.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Go to Tools (Alt+X) and click Manage add-ons.
2. Search for the unwanted add-on in the list, select it with your mouse, and click Remove.
Apple Safari
1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.
5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
1. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.