DriverAgent Unwanted Application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is DriverAgent?
DriverAgent is presented as a driver update application. According to developers, it contains a huge database of drivers for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7. This may seem to be a useful tool, however, it is promoted using the "bundling" method, and thus most people install it unintentionally. For this reason, DriverAgent is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
To update drivers, a system scan must first be run. When finished, it displays a number of drivers that are up-to-date and out-of-date. To update outdated drivers, users must apparently register the DriverAgent program and then purchase it. Do not trust apps promoted using the "bundling" method.
They often provide fake scan results and give the impression that there are many 'issues' (such as outdated drivers) that can be fixed with a certain program. It is unknown whether DriverAgent is one of these apps, however, many apps promoted in this way are rogue. Furthermore, browser hijackers and adware-type apps are commonly installed together with bundled apps.
Apps of this type are also categorized as PUAs. They gather browsing-related data and feed users with ads. Typically, PUAs collect information relating to users' browsing activities. For example, URLs of visited websites, entered search queries, geolocations, IP addresses, and so on.
Their developers send gathered data to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue, however, information tracking is not the only problem.
Apps of this type often feed users with pop-up ads, banners, coupons, and surveys. When clicked, they cause redirects to potentially malicious websites or run scripts designed to download/install even more unwanted apps. Furthermore, these ads usually conceal underlying content of visited websites and are thus very annoying.
| Name | DriverAgent potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application). |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy driver update/installation. |
| Detection Names (driveragent-setup.exe) | Avast (Win32:DriverAgent-A [PUP]), AVG (Win32:DriverAgent-A [PUP]), ESET-NOD32 (a variant of Win32/DriverAgent.A potentially unwanted), Kaspersky (Hoax.Win32.DeceptPCClean.wq), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. New application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about found issues. Asks for payment to eliminate supposedly found errors. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, reduced computer performance. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are many examples of apps that are similar to DriverAgent including Qbit Speedup Pro, Nero TuneItUp, and Qbit PC Speedup.
Most supposedly provide 'useful' features, tools, however, apps that are promoted using the "bundling" method should not be trusted. They deliver non of the promoted benefits and sometimes even cause problems (especially with apps that are installed together).
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
DriverAgent is available for download on its website, however, most people download and install bundled apps inadvertently. Bundling is the inclusion of unwanted apps into the set-ups of other software. Developers use this method to trick people into downloading apps (PUAs) with other, regular software that people wish to download/install intentionally.
Typically, they hide information about the bundling of unwanted apps in settings such as "Custom", "Advanced" and so on. Therefore, it is easy to overlook them. People who do not check settings can inadvertently download and install PUAs. Clicking intrusive ads can cause problems, since they often run scripts designed to cause unwanted downloads and installations.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Pay close attention to the details of download and installation set-ups. To check all included "Advanced", "Custom" and other similar options and settings and dismiss offers to download/install unwanted programs. The best way to download software is using official websites and direct download links.
Third party software downloaders/installers, torrent clients, eMule (and other Peer-to-Peer networks), unofficial sites and so on are poor sources to use. Avoid clicking intrusive ads, since they can redirect to dubious websites associated with gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on.
If you experience these ads or redirects, check the list of installed applications (plug-ins, add-ons, and extensions) on your browser and remove all suspicious (unwanted or unknown) entries immediately. The same applies to programs of this type installed on the operating system.
If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Website promoting DriverAgent:
DriverAgent installation setup:
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 DriverAgent?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove malicious plug-ins 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 applications:
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 "DriverAgent" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, 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:
At time of research, DriverAgent did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, note that some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.
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 driveragent potentially unwanted application, 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 and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the driveragent potentially unwanted application, 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with driveragent potentially unwanted application 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 driveragent potentially unwanted application, 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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Outstanding!
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