Uninstall WinThruster virus (Jan 2021 updated) - Uninstall Guide
WinThruster is a system optimizer which shows corrupted scan results
WinThruster is a legitimate system optimizer tool developed by Solvusoft. The company is already known for many similar programs, such as DriverDoc, FieViewPro and others. Even though the application cannot be considered malicious, security experts find it unreliable as it falls into potentially unwanted program category.
| Name | WinThruster |
| Type | Potentially unwanted program |
| Distribution | Bundling, official website |
| Main symptoms | Fake system scanners and reports about non-existent computer problems |
| Main dangers | Money loss, identity theft |
Creators of the optimizer promise to ‘Fix errors and optimize the PC’. Such slogan sounds rather cheesy and used by many developers of similar software. Therefore, there is no doubt that there is a catch. Let’s dig into a full examination of this program.
WinThruster is available to download on official website. However, this software is also often distributed via software bundling – a typical way to deceive users and make them install unwanted applications. Thus, this is the red flag number one.
As soon as the program invades users’ machines, it instantaneously performs a full system scan. It is completed as quickly as possible, namely after the application is installed. This is done so that users could be exposed to scan results immediately. These results might look extremely alarming, as the program suggests that multiple issues have been detected.
However, the presented scan results are not entirely genuine. Typically, the issues detected are related to corrupted or old registry entries, which do not influence computer performance. Additionally, these files which hold information about application settings only take up approximately few kilobytes of space. Therefore, there is no need to delete them or modify them in any way.
Many inexperienced users might not be familiar with computers and the way they operate. Thus, they might find these errors frightening. If they would like to fix these issues using WinThruster however, they will be prompted to buy a premium version of the program which costs 39.95 USD.
Furthermore, this program is subscription based, making users who enter their credit card details resubscribe a year later. Unfortunately, this information is shown in tiny writing and some users might not even notice it, and their credit card will be charged again. To avoid this, do not subscribe to these services.
Users who do not wish to purchase the full version but refuse to remove WinThruster will be forced to view reminders about system breakdowns, errors, and performance issues. Therefore, you might want to consider WinThruster removal before pop-ups drive you mad. Even then, you may be in trouble as tools like these are designed to stay in the system as long as possible. Hence, install a robust security tool like ReimageIntego or Malwarebytes and eliminate unwanted programs for good.
Some users consider WinThruster to be a virus. However, we must remind you, that the program is safe to use if anyone would desire to do so. Remember, the information displayed by the program is hugely controversial and one might argue if it provides any credible data at all.
Software bundling is responsive for PUP distribution
As we already mentioned – WinThruster can be downloaded from the legitimate website. Nevertheless, bundling is used to make the program as popular as possible. This deceptive marketing technique is hugely successful and often used by free software developers who sign agreements with PUP authors.
To reject these installations, we urge you to scrupulously follow installation instructions and read EULA and privacy policy thoroughly (after all, the information provided might change your mind about installing the program altogether).
When prompted, never select Recommended/Quick settings as your proffered ones as that is where all the PUPs are hidden. Instead, opt for Advanced settings and untick all checkmarks by optimization tools, search engines, browser extensions, media players and similar useless software.
Uninstall WinThruster and save your money
For those who got this unwanted application installed unwillingly and want to remove WinThruster – we suggest using legitimate security software to deal with it. Please notice few listed programs below – download, install and run a full system scan.
Alternatively, you can try to remove WinThruster by checking our guidelines beneath this article. However, we cannot guarantee that the invader will not return. Thus, make sure to follow each step attentively.
You may remove virus damage with a help of ReimageIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove WinThruster virus, follow these steps:
Uninstall WinThruster in Windows systems
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Go to Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, open Add/Remove Programs).
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If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, click on Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen to open Quick Access Menu. Then click Control Panel and select Uninstall a Program.
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Remove WinThruster and programs related to it
Now, take a look at the list of programs and find WinThruster or other programs that you do not remember installing. -
Right-click on these programs and select "Uninstall." Then click OK to save changes.
Uninstall WinThruster in Mac OS X system
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Users who use OS X should click on Go button, which can be found at the top left corner of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for WinThruster or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Eliminate WinThruster virus from Microsoft Edge browser
Reset settings in Microsoft Edge (Technique No.1):
- Open Microsoft Edge browser, then click on More button, which is situated at the top right edge of the screen
- Select Settings from the drop down menu.
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When the Settings panel appears, find Clear browsing data section and hit Choose what to clear button.
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Then mark all components that you wish to delete and after that hit Clear.
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Right-click the Start button (that has Windows logo on it) and choose Task Manager.
- Go to Processes tab and look for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and select Go to details. If there is no Go to details option, select More details and carry out previous instructions.
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Once Details tab appears, look for entries that contain Microsoft Edge name. Right-click on such individual entries and choose End Task option to terminate them.
Reset Microsoft Edge (Technique No.2):
In case the Technique No.1 did not help you to fix the problem, use advanced Edge reset option.
- Important: you must backup your files before you use these tips
- Locate this folder on your PC:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select all items in this folder and right-click with your mouse. Select Delete.
- Click on the Start button (that has Windows Logo on it) and in Search my stuff field, type in window power.
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With the right button of your mouse, click on every entry and select Run as administrator.
- Once you get Admin's rights, Windows PowerShell window should show up shortly. Paste this line:
after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and hit Enter.Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge should be WinThruster-free.
Delete WinThruster from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
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Delete suspicious browser extensions
Launch Mozilla Firefox, and then open menu (click a button at the top right corner). Then, go to Add-ons → Extensions.
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Now, locate WinThruster and other suspicious extensions. Click Remove to eliminate them.
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Reset all Mozilla Firefox settings
Click on the Firefox at the top left corner and then click the question mark. Then, select Troubleshooting Information.
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Reset Firefox to its default state message should appear then. You will see Reset Firefox button. Click this button a few times and finalise WinThruster removal.
Delete WinThruster from Google Chrome
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Remove malicious extensions
Launch Google Chrome, and then open menu (click a button at the top right corner). Then, go to Tools → Extensions.
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Now, look for WinThruster and other suspicious extensions and then click the trash icon to remove them.
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Open Chrome menu and go to Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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In Search Engines..., configure default search engine settings. Remove untrustworthy ones. We advise you to leave only Google or another reputable website of your choice.
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Reset all Google Chrome settings
Open menu by clicking the button at the top right corner of Google Chrome, and go to Settings. -
Scroll down to find Reset browser settings button. Click on it.
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Click Reset to approve this action and finish WinThruster removal.
Delete WinThruster from Safari
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Delete suspicious browser extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
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Here, select Extensions and look for WinThruster or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Reset all Safari settings
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....
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Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete WinThruster removal process.
Even if you have completed all the steps above, we still strongly recommend you to scan your computer system with a powerful anti-malware software. It is advisable to do that because an automatic malware removal tool can detect and delete all remains of WinThruster, for instance, its registry keys. The anti-malware program can help you to easily detect and eliminate possibly dangerous software and malicious viruses in an easy way. You can use any of our top-rated malware removal programs: ReimageIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
A proper web browser and VPN tool can guarantee better safety
As online spying becomes an increasing problem, people are becoming more interested in how to protect their privacy. One way to increase your online security is to choose the most secure and private web browser. But if you want complete anonymity and security when surfing the web, you need Private Internet Access VPN service. This tool successfully reroutes traffic across different servers, so your IP address and location remain protected. It is also important that this tool is based on a strict no-log policy, so no data is collected and cannot be leaked or made available to first or third parties. If you want to feel safe on the internet, a combination of a secure web browser and a Private Internet Access VPN will help you.
Recover files damaged by a dangerous malware attack
Despite the fact that there are various circumstances that can cause data to be lost on a system, including accidental deletion, the most common reason people lose photos, documents, videos, and other important data is the infection of malware.
Some malicious programs can delete files and prevent the software from running smoothly. However, there is a greater threat from the dangerous viruses that can encrypt documents, system files, and images. Ransomware-type viruses focus on encrypting data and restricting users’ access to files, so you can permanently lose personal data when you download such a virus to your computer.
The ability to unlock encrypted files is very limited, but some programs have a data recovery feature. In some cases, the Data Recovery Pro program can help recover at least some of the data that has been locked by a virus or other cyber infection.
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