Application.exe Has Stopped Working Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Application.exe Has Stopped Working?
Displayed by a malicious website, "Application.exe Has Stopped Working" is a fake error similar to Your Device Is Under Threat, Threats Detected, Windows Product Key Failure, and many others.
Research shows that users often visit this website inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission. In addition to redirects, PUPs misuse system resources, generate intrusive ads, and record sensitive data.
The "Application.exe Has Stopped Working" error imitates Windows Operating System's pop-up displayed when any application crashes. It encourages users to contact computer technicians via a toll-free telephone number ("+1-844-284-8623") provided.
In addition, the aforementioned malicious site appears very similar to the "My Computer" window, making this error seem even more genuine. In fact, it is entirely fake. Cyber criminals attempt to trick users into calling and paying for technical support that is not required. Be aware that cyber criminals may demand remote access to your computer.
This is to stealthily install malware and/or change system settings. They then claim to "detect" additional errors and offer further help for an extra fee. Therefore, we strongly advise you to ignore "Application.exe Has Stopped Working". It can be eliminated by closing the web browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or rebooting the system.
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs (and some malicious websites) misuse system resources to run various unwanted processes (e.g., to mine cryptocurrency) in the background. The presence of these applications significantly diminishes overall computer performance.
Furthermore, PUPs are likely to deliver various intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.) These are delivered using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, they often conceal underlying website content, thereby significantly diminishing users' Internet browsing experience.
Furthermore, these ads typically lead to malicious websites and, in some cases, execute scripts that download/install malware (or PUPs). Therefore, clicking them risks various computer infections.
Furthermore, bear in mind that potentially unwanted programs record keystrokes, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, IP addresses, and other information that might include personal details. After recording this data, PUP developers sell it to third parties.
This information tracking might lead to serious privacy issues. For these reasons, all potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled with no delay.
| Name | "Application.exe has stopped working" virus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are dozens of fake errors such as "Application.exe Has Stopped Working". All claim that the system is infected, missing files or damaged in other similar ways, however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users by tricking them into purchasing services that are not required.
Research shows that potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering various "useful features", PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, only a small percentage provide the functionality promised - most deliver no real value for regular users.
PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. The purpose all PUPs is to generate revenue for the developers.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
In some cases, PUPs have official download websites, however, these programs are often proliferated using the aforementioned intrusive ads, and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, users often install PUPs inadvertently, without their consent. "Bundling" is stealth installation of third party programs along with regular software/apps.
Developers are aware that many users rush the download/installation processes and skip steps. Therefore, they conceal "bundled" apps within various sections (usually the "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes. By clicking various advertisements and skipping download/installation steps, users expose their systems to risk of various infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. Therefore, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that criminals invest many resources into malicious ad design. Therefore, most look genuine.
Once clicked, however, they redirect to survey, adult dating, gambling, and other dubious websites. If you encounter such ads, immediately eliminate all suspicious programs and browser add-ons. In addition, closely observe each window of the download/installation dialogues and cancel all additionally-included programs. The key to computer safety is caution.
Text presented in the "Application.exe Has Stopped Working" pop-up:
Application.exe has stopped working
Windows can check online for a solution to this problem.
Check online for a solution and close the program
Close the program
View problem details
Call Toll Free: +1-844-284-8623
The appearance of "Application.exe Has Stopped Working" pop-up (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is Application.exe Has Stopped Working?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted programs:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "application.exe has stopped working" virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "application.exe has stopped working" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "application.exe has stopped working" virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "application.exe has stopped working" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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