How to remove Steel Cut (Virus Removal Guide)

The Steel Cut virus is a phrase used to identify a potentially unwanted program (PUP) in the adware class of threats that aids pop-up advertisements across Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. Steel Cut is infamous for creation of new tasks that are scheduled to run each time Windows starts.

Steel Cut

What is Steel Cut?

Publisher Description: N/A

  • This program packages with third-party malware, malicious files, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
  • This program can view and change all your data on the websites you visit.
  • This program can scan and modify your browsing history.
  • This program can readjust and control your apps, extensions, and themes.
  • This program can manage your downloads.

How does Steel Cut get on a computer?

The Steel Cut virus (although not technically a computer virus) is mainly gained without knowledge alongside free downloadable content, like freeware, shareware, torrents, and other items. Traditionally, internet users get a chance to accept or refuse a custom offer to install this program and other items; However, the offer to decline the program from installing is typically neglected by the distributor and shown in a malicious manner.

How to remove Steel Cut

Step 1: Remove Steel Cut add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

1. Click on the Customize icon (3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the Steel Cut extension and other suspicious extensions. Remove them individually by clicking the trashcan icon next to each one.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the Steel Cut add-on and other suspicious add-ons and remove them if located.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.

2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the Steel Cut add-on, click it, and click the Remove button. Remove other suspicious add-ons if found. If the Remove button does not appear you must first uninstall associated software through the Control Panel using the steps below.

Step 2: Uninstall Steel Cut

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.

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

3. In the list of installed programs, search for Steel Cut and other unwanted programs. Once an unwanted program is located, double click the unwanted program or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button.

4. Restart your computer.

Step 3: Scan your computer for malware

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

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2. Open the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

malwarebytes

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

4. Once the malware scan is complete, click the Quarantine All button and reboot your computer.

If you are still having issues with potential Steel Cut malware after using Malwarebytes 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

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

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CCleaner Analyze Cleaner

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.

CCleaner Startup

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 unwanted programs using CCleaner, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for the program in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential Steel Cut 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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