How to uninstall the WirelessNetView potentially unwanted application?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is WirelessNetView?
WirelessNetView is a piece of software endorsed as a tool to monitor the activity of wireless networks in the vicinity.
According to its promotional material, this application is capable of acquiring the following information about nearby wireless networks: SSID (Wi-Fi network name), quality of the last and average signals, authentication and cipher algorithms, MAC (Media Access Control) addresses, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), channel frequency and number, etc.
However, due to the questionable techniques used to distribute WirelessNetView, it is classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). It is noteworthy that software within this classification is often nonoperational and may have unmentioned, harmful abilities.
Dubious distribution methods might be used for legitimate products, yet they are more commonly employed to proliferate unreliable software (e.g., PUAs). Alternatively, genuine software may be packed together (possibly without the developers' permission) with untrustworthy content.
Unwanted applications usually appear ordinary and innocuous. They also tend to offer various seemingly handy functionalities, though they are seldom operational. Fake anti-viruses are prime examples of this PUA type. They require activation (i.e., purchase) to perform the advertised features; however, following activation - the functions remain nonoperational.
As mentioned in the introduction, PUAs can have heinous functionalities. Some can force-open unreliable, misleading, deceptive/scam, and malicious websites. Adware-types deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.
The delivered adverts diminish the browsing quality and endanger device/user safety. Once clicked on, intrusive advertisements redirect to untrustworthy/dangerous sites, and some can stealthily download/install software. Browser hijackers are another type of PUAs.
They operate by making changes to browser settings and restricting/denying access to them - in order to promote (cause redirects to) fake search engines. The promoted web searchers rarely can provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other legitimate search engines.
Furthermore, most PUAs have data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes (but is not limited to): URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, and personally identifiable details.
PUA developers monetize the collected data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices - can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
| Name | WirelessNetView potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | Activity monitor for nearby wireless networks |
| Detection Names (installer) | BitDefender (Application.Agent.INM), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/PSWTool.WirelessNetV), Fortinet (Riskware/WirelessNetView), Gridinsoft (Trojan.Win32.Kryptik.ns), Malwarebytes (Generic.Malware/Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (application) | BitDefender (Application.Agent.INM), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/PSWTool.WirelessNetView.A Po), Fortinet (Riskware/WirelessNetView), Gridinsoft (Trojan.Win32.Kryptik.vb), Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.WirelessNetworkTool), 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. |
CRaccoon, PDFConverter, REGSERVO, DriverToolkit, and PC CURE PRO are some examples of potentially unwanted apps. They appear legitimate and harmless.
Users are enticed into download/installation and/or purchase with a broad range of functionalities. However, despite how "useful" the features may sound - they are usually nonoperational.
Functionality and user safety are irrelevant, as the only goal of this software is to generate profit for the developers. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can force-open webpages, run intrusive advert campaigns, hijack browsers, and collect private information.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Select PUAs (e.g., WirelessNetView) have "official" promotional/download websites. These applications can be downloaded/installed alongside other programs.
This false marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". The supplements are commonly left unmentioned and/or hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings.
Hence, rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive advertisements are also used to proliferate PUAs.
Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install this software without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to always research software products before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources.
Since untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - offer hazardous and bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features, etc. It is advised to exercise caution when browsing.
Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so forth). In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it.
If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Installation setup of the WirelessNetView application:
Website promoting the WirelessNetView application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is WirelessNetView?
- 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 "WirelessNetView" 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, WirelessNetView 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 wirelessnetview 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 plugins 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 wirelessnetview 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 wirelessnetview 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.
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 wirelessnetview 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.
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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