How to uninstall the Fast! program from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Fast!?
Fast! supposedly allows computers to run faster by speeding up applications, improving CPU execution and lowering data transmission latency, however, developers use dubious methods for distribution and thus users often install Fast! onto their computers inadvertently. Therefore, Fast! is categorized as potentially unwanted application (PUA).
Fast! application overview
The free version of Fast! allows users to run a scan designed to evaluate computer hardware and ascertain which actions can be taken to make the system run faster. In fact, users of the free version cannot take any further actions to improve computer performance without having to activate this program through making payment.
PUAs often run fake scans and do not fix any errors, remove viruses, clean unnecessary, unwanted files, etc. Commonly, they generate fake results to trick users into believing that they can improve computer performance (and provide other useful functions) by paying for software activation/registration.
It is unknown whether Fast! is one of these rogue programs, however, there is a strong possibility. Furthermore, installers for PUAs are often used to promote various browser hijackers, adware-type apps (and others of this kind). Browser hijacking apps promote fake search engine addresses by changing browsers settings.
Adware-type apps often serve ads that, when clicked, open dubious pages or even cause unwanted downloads and installations by running certain scripts. Note that adware-type apps and browser hijackers can gather browsing-related information.
In some cases, they target private, sensitive details as well. Developers sell the data to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misuse it in other ways. Therefore, apps of this type should never be downloaded or installed.
Name | Fast! potentially unwanted appplication |
Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application). |
Supposed Functionality | Improved computer performance |
Detection Names | DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.4293), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/Adware.VeryFast.B), Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.VeryFast), VBA (Suspected Of Trojan.Downloader.gen.s), 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. |
Potentially unwanted application examples
More examples of programs that are categorized as PUAs include PC SmartCare, PCMate Free Driver Backup and SuperEasy Registry Cleaner. Some PUAs are legitimate, however, many are useless. They generally do not function as promised by the developers and are designed only to trick users into paying for activation/registration.
Some examples how users download and install PUAs are described below.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
By rushing through download/installation of software (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well.
When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission. Some PUAs have "official" download web pages from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to download files and programs from official websites and via direct download links. Other tools and sources such as third party downloaders and installers, unofficial pages, and Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., eMule, torrent clients) should not be used to download or install software.
Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings (or available checkboxes) for offers to download and/or install unwanted apps. Do not click ads on dubious websites, since they can be designed to open bogus web pages or cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious extensions, plug-ins and add-ons installed on the browser, and software of this kind from 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.
Appearance of Fast! application (GIF):
Installation setup of Fast! application:
Website promoting Fast! application:
Updater interface of Fast! unwanted 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 Fast!?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
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 "Fast!" 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, Fast! 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 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 fast! potentially unwanted appplication, 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 fast! potentially unwanted appplication 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 fast! potentially unwanted appplication, 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.
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 fast! potentially unwanted appplication, 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.
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 fast! potentially unwanted appplication or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of an unwanted application?
Unwanted apps are designed to generate revenue for their developers/publishers through nefarious means. For example, these applications may endorse content (via ads, redirects, etc.), promote in-app purchases, trick users into buying fake activation keys, collect/sell private information, and so forth.
Is Fast! unwanted application legal?
Usually, unwanted applications are considered legal due to their End User License Agreements (EULAs) providing information about the software's behavior.
Is having Fast! installed on my computer dangerous?
Unwanted applications often possess harmful capabilities, and they tend to infiltrate systems in bundles (multiples). Generally, the presence of unwanted software on devices is associated with system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Fast! unwanted application?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed unwonted/malicious applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after an app has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is essential.
▼ Show Discussion