How to remove WNetEnhance (Virus Removal Guide)

WNetEnhance (WNetEnhance virus) is an ad injector program that produces ads across Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Antivirus and Anti-Malware software have detected this object as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware. Users infected with WNetEnhance adware will notice ads by WNetEnhance while browsing the web. These ads target internet users based off of browser history, bookmarks, and content on currently viewed webpages.

WNetEnhance virus

WNetEnhance is known to install without user knowledge, access and gather user browsing data, make changes to browser and system settings, and serve targeted advertisements in search results and webpages across Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

The WNetEnhance program creates new tasks on Windows Task Scheduler and makes unwanted changes to Windows Start-up settings. These changes will allow the adware to run every time Windows starts and will allow the adware to check if it’s running. The adware will enable itself it it is not running. It may also create new tasks that update the adware and allow additional programs permission to automatically install.

WNetEnhance is not technically defined as a computer virus, but the program is still a threat or the sign of a serious computer infection. Potential WNetEnhance malware is known to download and install alongside third-party malware, malicious files, and additional potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), including Health Alert. This means that it will be necessary to uninstall multiple programs and remove multiple browser add-ons and extensions to stop all unwanted activities. Apart from manually eradicating the program and others that it bundles with, files may remain undetected to the average computer user. That is why it is recommended to use a reputable anti-malware product to remove WNetEnhance and malicious files that it installs alongside with.

The WNetEnhance extension and browser attachments that it may bundle with have ‘permissions’ set allowing them to perform tasks users may find undesirable. These permissions are listed below.
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  • Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.
  • Read and change your browsing history.
  • Manage your apps, extensions, and themes.
  • Manage your downloads.

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The WNetEnhance program is usually contracted without user consent or knowledge alongside free downloadable content from a variety of locations on the web. Free downloadable content includes freeware, shareware, torrents, and more.

Users who wish to install freeware may be given a “custom installation” option to accept or decline an offer to install WNetEnhance adware and similar products during the installation; However, the user request to decline the adware from installing can be ignored by the program or presented in a confusing manner.

In some cases, WNetEnhance and other unwanted programs are deceptively promoted through questionable advertisements. These advertisements may be dishonest, misleading, and cause the program to automatically download and install once clicked on.

How to remove WNetEnhance (Removal Guide)

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Step 1: Remove WNetEnhance add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

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

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

Step 2: Uninstall WNetEnhance

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 WNetEnhance 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.

Step 3: Remove WNetEnhance malware with Malwarebytes

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 program.

Malwarebytes

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

Malwarebytes 2

4. Once the malware scan is complete, click the Remove Selected button 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 version of CCleaner by Piriform.

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Antivirus PRO 2015 virus

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.

Antivirus PRO 2015 malware

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.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential WNetEnhance 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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