How to uninstall the DiskFixer unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is DiskFixer?
DiskFixer software is endorsed as a tool for system optimization. It is allegedly capable of running various detection and removal processes, which supposedly enhance system performance. This program has a promotional website from which a free trial version can be downloaded and the full version purchased, however, DiskFixer also proliferates in other dubious ways.
Therefore, it is classed as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
All software classified as PUAs is untrusted. You are strongly advised against downloading/installing and/or purchasing this software. PUAs such as DiskFixer usually require activation to perform their advertised functions. I.e., users need to purchase them.
Despite any purchases made, however, they remain nonoperational. Furthermore, their download/install set-ups frequently contain more than one PUA (e.g. browser hijackers or adware). While fake system cleaners/optimizers extort money from people, unwanted applications can also possess dangerous capabilities.
Some PUAs can cause unwanted redirects to sale-oriented, untrustworthy, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious sites. Others can run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., deliver pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons and so on).
The delivered ads significantly diminish the browsing experience, generate redirects to harmful web pages and stealthily download/install unwanted content (including PUAs). Another type of PUA can make unauthorized changes to browsers and limit/deny access to settings. All types have data tracking capabilities.
They monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and collect users' personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This private data can then be shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) intent on misusing it for profit.
To summarize, unwanted apps can cause various browser and system infiltration/infections and lead to financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. Therefore, you are advised to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
Name | DiskFixer potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application). |
Supposed Functionality | This application is supposedly capable of scanning and optimizing the operating system. |
Detection Names | Cybereason (Malicious.070bf2), SecureAge APEX (Malicious), Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.DiskFixer), McAfee-GW-Edition (BehavesLike.Win32.AdwareFileTour.gc), Webroot (W32.Trojan.Gen) Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displays 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. |
OneSafe PC Cleaner, The PC Power, and Full System Care are examples of other PUAs similar to DiskFixer. These often seem legitimate and normal. They entice users to install with a wide array of "useful" functions, however, the advertised features rarely work as promised and, in most cases, are nonoperational.
The only purpose of this unwanted content is to generate revenue for the developers and is not designed with user convenience in mind. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs force-open untrustworthy/malicious pages, run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers and gather vulnerable data.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
DiskFixer can be downloaded from its official download web page. Yet, promotional sites are not the only way that PUAs proliferate. They can also be downloaded/installed together with other content. "Bundling" is the term used to describe this deceptive marketing tactic of pre-packing regular programs with unwanted or malicious additions.
Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps, using pre-set options) increases the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content onto systems. When clicked, intrusive ads can execute scripts designed to download/install PUAs without users' consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Research all content to verify its legitimacy, prior to downloading/installing. Use only trustworthy and verified download channels. Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), unofficial and free file-hosting websites, third party downloaders and similar sources are untrustworthy and should be avoided.
Untrusted download channels are far more likely to offer deceptive and/or bundled software.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and so on. Intrusive ads typically seem normal and harmless, however, once clicked, they can redirect to dubious pages (e.g. pornography, adult-dating, gambling and others).
If you encounter these advertisements/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of DiskFixer application (GIF):
DiskFixer installation setup:
Website promoting DiskFixer application:
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 DiskFixer?
- 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 "DiskFixer" 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, DiskFixer 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 diskfixer 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 diskfixer 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 diskfixer 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 diskfixer 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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