TopShape Unwanted Application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is TopShape?
According to developers, the TopShape (or TopShape-B4) program notifies users of outdated applications installed on their computers. Many people download and install TopShape inadvertently, and thus it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA), an adware-type app. TopShape displays pop-up ads by opening them in new windows or tabs.
PUAs such as TopShape serve users with various ads, including coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc. When displayed/enabled, these conceal underlying content of visited websites or are opened in new browser windows/tabs. If clicked they generally open untrustworthy websites or execute scripts designed to download and install other potentially unwanted apps. Some might be malicious.
Furthermore, many PUAs gather browsing related information such as geolocations, entered search queries, URLs of visited websites, IP addresses, and other data of this kind. Developers use the details to generate revenue. In addition, they share the information with other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who also misuse it to generate revenue.
Therefore, having apps such as TopShape installed can lead to installation of even more unwanted applications, issues with privacy and browsing safety, and other problems. We recommend that you uninstall this PUA immediately.
| Name | TopShape potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application). |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy software updating. |
| Detection Names (topshape_setup.exe) | Avast (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), AVG (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/XDiscCorp.A potentially unwanted), Kaspersky (not-a-virus:HEUR:Downloader.Win32.Snojan.gen), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Malicious Process Name | Updater |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. New application is performing computer scans and displaying warning messages about found issues. Asks for payment to eliminate the 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, slow computer performance. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Other examples of PUAs are Nero TuneItUp, G-Cleaner, and MatchPop. Typically, developers present these as legitimate programs, however, most people do not download and install them intentionally. When installed, rather than working as described, these apps simply cause problems.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
These apps are commonly downloaded and installed unintentionally. This usually happens when users download and install other regular software with additional (unwanted) bundled apps. Bundling is a deceptive marketing method that developers use to trick people into downloading/installing PUAs with their chosen software.
They achieve this by hiding PUAs in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar options or settings of software set-ups, however, they can succeed only if people skip steps and do not check/change included settings. Clicking intrusive ads can also lead to download/installation of PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To avoid from having PUAs installed on your system, download software using trustworthy, official websites and using direct links. Torrent clients, eMule (and other Peer-to-Peer networks), unofficial pages, third party software downloaders and other channels of this kind should not be used or trusted.
Handle software setups with care and check all available options/settings and deselect unwanted apps. Be careful when visiting untrustworthy websites, especially clicking ads displayed on them. Intrusive ads often redirect to untrustworthy websites (relating to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on).
If a default browser causes unwanted redirects or displays intrusive ads, check the list of installed applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) on your browser and remove all unwanted entries immediately. Also open the list of installed programs on the computer and uninstall unwanted entries (such as TopShape).
If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshot of TopShape folder and files:
Pop-up ad displayed by TopShape:
Screenshot of TopShape unwanted application's process ("Updater") in Windows Task Manager:
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is TopShape?
- 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 "TopShape" (or "TopShape-B4") 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, TopShape did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, 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 topshape 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 topshape 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 topshape 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 topshape 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on topshape potentially unwanted application or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion