How to uninstall the SimplePlayer unwanted application?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SimplePlayer?
Potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are the apps that users download and install unknowingly, accidentally when they are distributed using questionable methods. SimplePlayer is a PUA too. It is unlikely that this app is harmful in some way.
However, there is a possibility that users who have SimplePlayer installed on their computers have some other PUA or multiple apps of this kind (browser hijackers, adware-type apps) installed as well. In other words, it is possible that SimplePlayer is distributed together with other apps of this kind using one installer.
It is known that SimplePlayer is distributed via a deceptive website claiming that the installed media player might be out of date and encouraging to download and install an updated version. That website downloads the installer for SimplePlayer. It is very common that deceptive websites are used to distribute potentially unwanted applications that are bundled together with other apps of this kind.
Therefore, it is likely that SimplePlayer gets installed together with some browser hijacker, adware, or other PUA. A browser hijacker is a type of PUA that modifies the browser's settings to force users to visit a specific address.
In most cases, browser hijackers change the address of a default search engine, homepage, and new tab to an address of a fake search engine. Quite often, fake search engines are designed to show results generated by legitimate search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.
Although they can be designed to generate misleading results (include potentially malicious pages in their results), display ads as well. It is not safe to trust fake search engines or the apps (browser hijackers) that promote them.
The purpose of adware-type apps is to generate ads on websites while users browse the web. Typically, their ads are annoying and used to promote questionable websites and applications (they can be designed to cause unwanted downloads, installations by running certain scripts).
It is common that apps of this type serve banners, pop-up ads, coupons, surveys, or other ads. In one way or another, it is highly advisable not to click ads displayed by adware.
Another issue with adware and browser hijackers is that apps of this kind often are designed to gather IP addresses, entered search queries, URLs of visited websites, geolocations, and other details related to Internet browsing activities. Sometimes apps of this kind can access personal details as well.
For example, passwords, credit card details. What is worse, data collected by PUAs may be used for marketing purposes, sold to third parties (potentially cybercriminals), or monetized in other ways.
| Name | SimplePlayer potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | Media player |
| Detection Names (Application) | SecureAge APEX (Malicious), 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. |
To summarize, the main reason not to trust SimplePlayer is that this app is promoted via a deceptive website designed to trick users into downloading it. Also, its installer is likely to be used to distribute other PUAs.
It is worthwhile to mention that PUAs can be designed to perform fake virus (or other) scans to trick users into believing that their computers are infected, etc., and paying money for malware removal. In one way or another, it is recommended not to trust PUAs, especially the ones that require paid activation, registration.
More examples of apps that are categorized as PUAs are Telamon Cleaner, WirelessNetView, and REGSERVO.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Users often download or install browser hijackers, adware, and other potentially unwanted applications through downloaders and installers for other programs. It is common that PUAs are included in various downloaders and installers as additional offers.
Usually, they can be found and declined via settings like "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual", or by unticking ticked checkboxes. Although, not all users check and change those settings before they finish downloading or installing programs.
In such cases, they allow for included apps to be downloaded or installed together with those programs. This distribution method is known as "bundling".
In other cases, users cause unwanted downloads or installations via deceptive advertisements - by clicking ads designed to run certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Applications, files downloaded from unofficial web pages, via third-party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks like torrent clients, eMule, etc., or installed via third-party installers can be malicious. It is strongly recommended to download programs (and files) only from official pages and via direct links.
Furthermore, downloaders and installers with ticked checkboxes or settings like "Custom", "Advanced" should be checked for bundled applications (unwanted offers). It is common that the settings mentioned before can be used to opt out bundled PUAs/decline unwanted offers.
Advertisements on untrustworthy websites (e.g., on pages related to pornography, gambling, adult dating) should not be clicked - it is common for those ads to be designed to promote untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites or distribute PUAs (download, install those apps by running certain scripts).
Unwanted, suspicious apps (extensions, plug-ins or add-ons) installed on a web browser and programs of this kind installed on the operating system should be removed. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Deceptive website used to trick users into installing SimplePlayer:
SimplePlayer's installer:
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 SimplePlayer?
- 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 "SimplePlayer" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications (e.g., "V0.2"), 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, SimplePlayer 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 simpleplayer 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 simpleplayer 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 simpleplayer 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 simpleplayer 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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