How to remove WinSnare (Virus Removal Guide)

WinSnare removal steps: 1. Uninstall unwanted programs from your computer | 2. Remove unwanted browser attachments from your browsers | 3. Remove WinSnare with Malwarebytes | 4. Perform a second opinion-scan with HitmanPro

WinSnare

WinSnare

WinSnare is a dubious Windows program that is detected as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). The WinSnare PUP can cause many issues for computer users once it is installed. The program is primarily distributed by free online programs and content that utilize deceptive marketing tactics in order to infiltrate computer systems without user consent or knowledge. Once WinSnare is installed it will run a process named WinSnare (32bit).exe (or other), schedule new tasks in Windows Task Manager to run every time Windows starts, display advertisements on Windows Desktop and inside open programs (such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Safari), and collect user data from the computer. The extent of the usage of the collected user data is unknown; However, the data can be employed to generate advertisements that target specific users. WinSnare will serve advertisements and cause affected internet browsers to open or redirect to new webpages after it is contracted. WinSnare also bundles with and installs alongside third-party PUPs and Malware that can be the cause of other serious computer problems.

Uninstall unwanted programs from your computer

  1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel (or select Programs and Features).
  2. Click Uninstall a program (in earlier versions of Windows this is called Add and remove programs) in the Programs section in Windows Control Panel.
  3. Search for WinSnare and other unwanted programs in the list of programs installed on your computer. If you cannot find programs installed on your computer it is recommended to remove WinSnare with Malwarebytes and then perform a second opinion-scan with HitmanPro to remove remaining trace files.
  4. Double click the program you want to remove to begin the uninstall process.
You might find these useful:

Remove unwanted browser attachments from your browsers

Chrome

  1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.
  2. Click the trashcan icon next to the unwanted extension to remove it.

Firefox

  1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.
  2. Click Remove next to the unwanted add-on you to remove it.

Safari

  1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
  2. Click the Uninstall button next to the unwanted extension you to remove it.

Remove WinSnare with Malwarebytes

  1. Open your browser window and download Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free. <<CLICK HERE TO BUY MALWAREBYTES 3.0>>
  2. Open the executable file (mb3-setup.exe) to begin installing Malwarebytes.
  3. Select your language, click Next, then select “I accept the agreement,” click the Next button several times, and then click the Install button to install Malwarebytes. Click Finish once the install process is complete.
  4. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button on the Dashboard to begin scanning your compiter.
  5. Click the Quarantine Selected button once the scan is finished.
  6. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.

Perform a second opinion-scan with HitmanPro

  1. Open your browser window and download HitmanPro<<CLICK HERE TO BUY HITMANPRO>>
  2. Open the executable file (hitmanpro_x64.exe or hitmanpro_x32.exe) to begin installing HitmanPro.
  3. Click the Next button, check “I accept the terms of the license agreement,” and click the Next button again.
  4. On the Setup page select “Yes, create a copy of HitmanPro so I can regularly scan this computer (recommended)” and add your email address to the registration fields to begin the free trial.
  5. Click Next to begin scanning your computer.
  6. Once the Scan results are displayed click the Next button and click the Next button again on the Removal results page.

Troubleshoot

How to restore your computer

If a restore point has previously been established on your machine you will be able to perform a system restore in order to restore your machine to a date and time before it was infected. You will lose files on your computer that were obtained prior to the restore point.

There are several options to restore your computer. Most computers have their own restore software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default restore program that can also be found by performing a search.

A boot screen that can be used to access options to restore your computer can be reached by rebooting your computer and pressing the F8 key once the manufacture screen is displayed.

How to recover your computer to factory settings

A system recovery (or reset) will recover your computer to factory settings. You will lose the current programs and files on your computer.

There are several options to recover your computer to factory settings. Most computers have their own recovery software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default recovery program that can also be found by performing a search.

A boot screen that can be used to access options to restore your computer can be reached by rebooting your computer and pressing the F8 key once the manufacture screen is displayed.

How to protect your computer against future threats

The key to staying protected against future infections is to take advantage of reputable Antivirus software and Antimalware software with real-time protection.

Security software like Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium and Vipre Antivirus 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.

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.