How to remove GameLauncher (Virus Removal Guide)

GameLauncher virus is a term used to identify specific adware that displays pop-up, pop-under, and in-text advertisements across Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and other popular internet browsers. Advertisements displays by this adware usually say Powered by GameLauncher, Ads by GameLauncher, and GameLauncher Ads on them; However, they can also be served by other advertising networks including Spoutable, earnify, and adnow. The adware will also generate fraudulent update notification messages on Windows desktop which are designed to dupe Windows users into downloading additional potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), malware, adware, and rogue software.

GameLauncher virus

If you find this this program installed on your computer or notice unwanted advertisements in your browser it means that your computer is infected with adware. It is also the sign of a more serious computer infection because there is no option to manually and voluntarily download GameLauncher. This means that the program is distributed by a third-party threat or malicious download manager. The program used to infect your computer with this program was likely present before you were able to locate this threat.

What is GameLauncher?

GameLauncher adware generates pop-up ads, pop-under ads that take up a new browser window, in-text ads that turn text into hyperlinks, and generic banner-type ads that can additionally cover-up legitimate advertisements on the webpages you visit.

If this adware is installed on your machine you might notice some or all of these symptoms:

  • Pop-up advertisements, pop-under advertisements, in-text advertisements, and banner advertisements
  • Commercial search results or advertisements that appear in search results pages
  • Modified homepage, new tab page, and search engine
  • Slow and sluggish computer
  • Internet browser connectivity issues or crash
  • Bundles with malware, PUPs, adware, spyware, and other threats

A big concern with this adware is that it bundles along with other potentially unwanted programs, malware, and potentially malicious trace files that can remain hidden on your computer system including a program named Traffic Exchange. If you did not install this program but find it installed on your computer it is likely that the threat was part of a package alongside other malicious objects that should be removed as soon as possible.

Removing this program and other threats that come along with it immediately from your computer or device is heavily recommended. This program has a bad online reputation and may be the sign of a more serious computer infection. To completely remove GameLauncher and other threats from your computer use the removal guide below.

How did GameLauncher virus get onto my computer?

This adware is usually distributed like most common adware is. The adware can be contracted via free downloadable content, including freeware and torrent files. It may also be advertised as something it is not in order to trick victims into installing it and other potentially unwanted programs and malware.

The adware is often bolstered by third-party download managers for freeware programs. The download managers may offer this adware as a custom install and give the user a chance to accept or decline the offer to install this program and others. If the user does not opt out the program will install in the background. The way that the custom installation is presented may also be inadequate and designed to trick the user into installing programs they did not mean to install. It’s advised to be alert when installing free programs from the internet and keep an eye out for custom installation presentations to avoid any confusion and security risks.


How to remove GameLauncher adware (Removal Guide)


STEP 1: Scan your computer for malware

The best way to remove GameLauncher and other threats from your computer is to scan your computer for malware using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro softawre. Malwarebytes and HitmanPro will locate and eradicate this threat and other malicious files installed on your machine automatically.

1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to run a scan and remove malicious files from your computer.

download malwarebytes

buy now button

2. Once installed, open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

3. When the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.

4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected malware click the Finish button and reboot your computer if promoted to do so.

5. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files.

download hitmanpro

6. Once installed, 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.

7. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

8. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

9. Click the Reboot button.

Your computer should now be free of GameLauncher and other threats completely; However, you can still use the manual repair and uninstall instructions below if your browser settings have not been repaired or if you think an unwanted program is still installed on your machine.


STEP 2: Manually repair your browser settings

If your browser settings have been changed use these instructions to manually repair your settings.


STEP 3: Manually uninstall programs

If you are infected with adware and other unwanted programs you might be able to manually uninstall programs from your computer. Use these instructions to uninstall unwanted programs that may have installed on your machine. If you do not find a program installed on your machine make sure to scan your computer for malware using the instructions above.


TIPS: How to stay protected against future infections

The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow common online guidelines and take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software with real-time protection.

Real-time security software

Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time features that can block malicious files before they spread across your computer. These programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals.

download norton security
Common Online Guidelines
  • Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
  • Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
  • Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
  • Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
  • Avoid visiting fake “spyware removal” blogs and websites that promote “spyware removal software.” These are usually malicious websites designed to phish your personal information, infect your computer with a rogue program and trick you into paying for rogue “spyware removal software.”
  • If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
  • Avoid torrents and P2P clients
  • Do not open email messages from senders you do not know

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.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.