How to remove Playback (Virus Removal Guide)

Playback virus

Playback (also searched for as Playback virus) is not a computer virus, but it is probably something you do not want installed on your computer. The program is recognized as adware and a browser hijacker by most Antivirus program. It is known to cause many problems for computer users. Once Playback is installed it will replace existing internet browser settings and display commercial search results and pop-up advertisements inside open internet browser windows.

playback virus

Playback adware essentially injects the webpages you visit in your browser with disruptive advertisements that say Ads By Playback on them. The advertisements can be displayed across multiple internet browsers that are installed on the PC, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Internet Explorer and Edge.

Playback Distribution Method

Playback is like most adware and typically bundles with other programs. This usually happens if the user downloads a program or file from a questionable source. Downloading items like freeware and torrent files can result in potentially unwanted programs infecting the user’s system. Even if a program is well known and trustworthy, if you download it from a malicious site it can lead to a computer infection.

If the computer user has previously downloaded a malicious program, Playback adware might have automatically downloaded in the background 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 Playback 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.

playback distribution method

Users who have found Playback installed on their computers without their knowledge may have accidentally installed the program from websites that promote streaming videos. Playback may claim to allow users to stream torrents in open browser windows on certain websites once it has been installed.

Playback Details

Names Playback, Playback virus
Detection Categories Adware, Browser HijackerPotentially Unwanted Program (PUP)
Publisher’s Description N/A
Symptoms Advertisements in the web browser
Browser redirects to sponsored webpages
Decreased internet speed and performance
Decreased computer functionality and performance
Bundles with malware and other potentially unwanted programs
Common Path N/A
Quick Detection & Removal Tool Click Here To Download Malwarebytes

How to remove Playback (Virus Removal Guide)

  1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
  2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro
  3. Uninstall Playback and unwanted programs
  4. Remove unwanted add-ons and extensions
  5. 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 Playback 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 Playback Supporting Application in the list and double click it.

4. Once you have uninstalled Playback, 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.

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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