Youboost (Virus Removal Guide)
Youboost
Youboost virus is a program that will invade a users system, infecting their browser after downloading a program from an disreputable client. It thrives on infected users clicking on the various ads that are strategically placed throughout the affected browser. These advertisements may appear to be legitimate, but they are often linked to untrustworthy sites. Following Youboost ads can lead to greater infection, so if you are infected it is important that you follow the steps for removal immediately. Whenever infected users surf the web they will notice a variety of ads in their browser window, most of which will contain tags such as “Ads by Youboost.”
Youboost adware is often hidden behind a a different potentially unwanted program that is downloaded by the user. The most common way this happens is by downloading a program or file from a disreputable source. Usually downloading freeware, download managers and torrent files will result in potentially unwanted programs infecting the user’s system. Even if a program is well known and trustworthy, downloading it from a malicious site will lead to infection. If the user had previously downloaded a malicious program, Youboost could have been downloaded in the background without need for the consent or knowledge of the user. The user might be tricked into accepting the download under the guise of a program update. Malicious authors often hide the download behind a terms and conditions page, effectively tricking users into downloading adware. In some instances Youboost may be advertised as an extension to improve the user’s browsing experience in order to encourage a direct download. Regardless of how the system was infected, removal remains relatively unchanged.
Youboost adware was designed to trick users into clicking on ads, some of which lead to malicious or misleading websites. It will attach itself to the primary web browser in order to gather the user’s browsing data. With this information Youboost will create misleading ads in the user’s browser that may lead to malicious web sites. Clicking on one of these ads or downloading a program offered will likely download more potentially unwanted programs onto your system. Youboost is compatible with major web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari. Indicators of infection include but are not limited to decreased browser speed, and advertisements by Youboost.
If you notice ads by Youboost in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari it is recommended to remove the adware immediately and scan your computer with reputable software to locate additional threats that may have been introduced to your system by Youboost. Our test machine was able to locate hundreds of malicious files that were introduced to our machine alongside this adware.
Threat Details
| Name | Youboost, Youboost virus *This infection is not technically defined as a computer virus |
| Detection Categories | Adware, Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Description | Alternative web browser |
| Symptoms | Advertisements in the web browser Browser redirects to sponsored webpages Decreased internet speed and performance Decreased computer functionality and performance Bundles with malware and other potentially unwanted programs |
| Common Path(s) | C:\Program Files (x86) C:\Users\{USER}\Downloads\ C:\Users\{USER}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage\ |
| Quick Detection & Removal Tool | Click Here To Download Malwarebytes |
How to remove Youboost (Virus Removal Guide)
This Youboost removal guide will remove Youboost, viruses, malware, and other threats from your computer and browser.
- Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
- Scan your computer with HitmanPro
- Uninstall Youboost and unwanted programs
- Remove Youboost extension
- Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
Call Virus Removal Helpline: 1-866-521-2427
1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
The first step to remove this adware is to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.
1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
2. 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 threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.
2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro
The second step to remove this adware is to download and install a second opinion scanner called HitmanPro by Surfright in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.
1. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright.
2. 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.
3. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
4. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
5. Click the Reboot button.
3. Uninstall Youboost and unwanted programs
The third step to remove this adware is to uninstall Youboost and other unwanted programs in Windows Control Panel.
1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.
2. In the Programs section click Uninstall a program. In earlier versions of Windows this is listed as “Add and remove programs.”
3. Search for Youboost Supporting Application in the list and double click it.
4. Once you have uninstalled Youboost Supporting Application search for other unwanted programs that may be installed on your computer and uninstall them as well.
4. Remove Youboost extension
The fourth step to remove this adware is to remove unwanted browser add-ons and extensions from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari.
Google Chrome
1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the Youboost extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.
2. Search for the Youboost add-on and click Remove.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Go to Tools (Alt+X) and click Manage add-ons.
2. Search for the Youboost add-on in the list, select it with your mouse, and click Remove.
Apple Safari
1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Search for the Youboost extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.
5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
The fifth step to remove this adware is to download and install CCleaner by Piriform in order to delete leftover junk files, tracking cookies, registry entries, unwanted start-up tasks, and more.
1. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.
4. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.
