How to remove PlaySushi (Virus Removal Guide)

PlaySushi (also referred to as PlaySushi virus, Play Sushi) is a generic gaming platform that most Antivirus and Anti-Malware engines have included in the adware and potentially unwanted program (PUP) category of computer infections. PlaySushi is usually spread by various unwanted programs and deceptive freeware. Once PlaySushi adware has been contracted it will gather user browsing data and inject the webpages you visit with targeted and pop-up advertisements.

PlaySushi virus

What is PlaySushi?

PlaySushi is usually promoted as a free flash gaming platform that allows users to download free games and play free streaming games using their interface. This program can be found as a Microsoft Windows program that can be uninstalled from Windows Control Panel or as a web browser add-on and extension.

One of the biggest concerns the cyber security community has with this adware is that it serves ‘targeted’ advertisements to users while they browse the web. This is a privacy concern because targeted advertisements can only be produced by the adware if it has access to user browsing data, such as  all browsing activities, bookmarks, app data, and browser history. This information is observed and used to generate advertisements it feels users are most likely to click on.

Furthermore, PlaySushi adware primarily bundles with additional unwanted programs, malware, and other possible malicious threats. This means that it might be necessary to uninstall multiple programs from Windows and remove multiple browser add-ons and extensions from Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari. Many of these programs can not easily be found on a computer system without third-party security software.

Potential PlaySushi malware and the  programs that it bundles with also schedule new tasks and change existing Windows start-up settings in order to run every time Windows starts and remain enabled. Programs and browser attachments that bundle with this deceptive piece of adware can also cause other issues for computer and internet users aside from pop-up advertisements including browser redirects and a loss in computer and internet functionality.

PlaySushi adware is usually contracted without consent or knowledge of the computer user alongside third-party programs and files, such as freeware, shareware, torrent files, and other free downloadable content. The potentially unwanted programs and files that deliver the adware can be introduced to a computer system and affected internet browsers with or without user authorization.

Computer and internet users who seek to download and install free programs and files online may be presented with an opportunity to accept or decline a ‘custom’ offer to install PlaySushi adware and other programs during the setup and installation process. However, the request to decline PlaySushi adware from installing is often presented in a very confusing manner. In some cases, the download manager may completely ignore the user request to decline PlaySushi from installing and the adware will install against user consent and knowledge.

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  • The PlaySushi extension can read and change all your data on the websites you visit and read and change your browsing history.
  • The PlaySushi extension can manage your apps, extensions, downloads, and themes.
  • PlaySushi bundles with other potentially unwanted programs and possible malware.
  • PlaySushi can arrive on a computer system packed inside installers and downloaders from websites such as download.com, Softonic, and others.
  • PlaySushi injects visited webpages with pop-up, pop-under, in-text, and in-image advertisements.
  • PlaySushi makes unwanted changes to existing Windows settings and schedules new tasks allowing it to run every time Windows starts and to check to see if the program has been disabled. If the program has previously been disabled it will enable itself to run.

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How to remove PlaySushi

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Step 1: Remove PlaySushi extensions


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

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Google Chrome

1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon on the top menu and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the PlaySushi extension in the list. Remove unwanted browser extensions individually by clicking the trashcan icon next to each one.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. Search for the PlaySushi add-ons on the Extensions and Plugin tab. Highlight each one individually and click remove.

Apple Safari

1. Click Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.

2.  Find the PlaySushi extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.

Step 2: Uninstall PlaySushi malware from Windows

1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.

2. On Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section.

3. Search for PlaySushi and other unwanted programs in the list of installed programs. Once an unwanted program is located, double click the item or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button. If you can not find this program in the list of installed program please see steps 3 and 4 below.

Step 3: Remove PlaySushi virus with Malwarebytes

1. Download and install the free or full edition of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The full edition of this program enables real-time protection to block malware and unwanted programs from infecting your computer, while the free version is only a free scan and removal tool.

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2. Open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Malwarebytes

3. Click the Scan Now button or go to the “Scan” tab to manually run a scan.

Malwarebytes 2

4. When the malware scan is complete you will notice a list of files it has detected. Click the Remove Selected button, then click Finish, and reboot your computer.

If you are still having issues with malware 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 4: Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

1. Download and install the free or full edition of CCleaner by Piriform.

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2. Open the program and go to Cleaner and click the Analyze button. After files and have been analyzed, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

3. Go to Registry and click Scan for Issues. When the scan is complete click Fix selected issues… and then click the Fix All Selected Issues button.

CCleaner startup

4. Go to to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from Windows, Internet Explorer, all the way to Context Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click  Delete once anything suspicious is found to remove it.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential PlaySushi malware after using this removal guide 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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