Removing DiskFresh malware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is DiskFresh?
DiskFresh is a piece of malicious software that our researchers discovered while inspecting "cracked" software download sites. This program is capable of force-opening various rogue, deceptive, and malicious websites. Furthermore, DiskFresh may have additional harmful functionalities.
DiskFresh malware overview
Software like DiskFresh typically force-opens various sites, e.g., hosting questionable material (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.), running online scams (e.g., phishing, fake virus/error warnings, etc.), promoting harmful software (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, fake anti-viruses, PUAs, etc.), and even those proliferating malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.). Hence, by visiting such websites, users can experience a wide variety of serious problems.
Additionally, applications like DiskFresh commonly have data tracking functionalities. Cyber criminals typically target the following information: user/system data, account log-in credentials (e.g., online banking, e-commerce, digital wallets, email, social networking, etc.), personally identifiable details, and so forth.
Furthermore, malware developers often update their programs with improved/additional functionalities. Therefore, the threats posed by DiskFresh may be broad.
To summarize, malware infections can result in severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | DiskFresh virus |
| Threat Type | Malware, Unwanted redirects, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Detection Names (installer) | Avast (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), DrWeb (Trojan.Zadved.1704), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/TrojanDropper.Agent.S), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.amhai), Microsoft (Trojan:Script/Phonzy.C!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (app) | Avast (Win32:CrypterX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.39801850), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HMQG), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Staser.gen), Microsoft (TrojanDownloader:Win32/Emotet!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Rogue Process Name | DiskFresh by Puran Software (process name may vary) |
| Symptoms | Unprompted redirects to suspicious and potentially malicious sites. |
| Distribution Methods | 'Cracked' software installers, infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar malware examples
We have analyzed thousands of malware samples; Strongix.exe, Words, and Dllhost.exe are a few malicious programs similar to DiskFresh. As previously mentioned, malware is often multifunctional.
The most common functions include: download/installation of additional malware, downloading/extracting content and data, spying (e.g., keylogging, recording audio/video via microphones and cameras, etc.), replacing clipboard data (clippers), encrypting data and/or locking the device screen (ransomware), abusing system resources to mine cryptocurrency (cryptominers), and so on.
However, regardless of how malware operates - its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, we strongly advise to eliminate all threats immediately upon detection.
How did DiskFresh install on my computer?
We downloaded DiskFresh from a site offering "cracked" software. However, malware is spread using various techniques. It is usually proliferated by employing phishing and social engineering tactics.
Malicious files can be archives, executables, Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, etc. Once such a file is opened - the infection process is initiated.
The most popular distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, online scams, malicious attachments and links in spam emails and messages, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. It is just as important to activate and update software with tools provided by legitimate developers, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and fake updaters can contain malware.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution with incoming mail. The attachments and links present in suspicious/irrelevant emails and messages - must not be opened since that can result in a system infection.
We must emphasize that having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated is essential to device/user safety. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues. If your computer is already infected with DiskFresh, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this malware.
Screenshot of another installation folder of DiskFresh:
Screenshot of DiskFresh's installation setup:
Screenshot of DiskFresh's process on the Windows Task Manager ("DiskFresh by Puran Software" process name):
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 DiskFresh?
- STEP 1. Uninstall DiskFresh malicious application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove unwanted ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove unwanted extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
DiskFresh malware removal:
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 "DiskFresh", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling potentially unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove malicious extensions/plug-ins from Internet browsers:
At time of research, DiskFresh did not install any browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, software of this type is often bundled with adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
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 diskfresh virus, 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 diskfresh virus 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 diskfresh virus, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with DiskFresh malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, DiskFresh's removal does not necessitate formatting.
What are the biggest issues that DiskFresh malware can cause?
What threats a malicious program poses depends on its functionalities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. DiskFresh is capable of force-opening various deceptive and malicious sites, visiting which can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, DiskFresh may have additional harmful abilities.
What is the purpose of DiskFresh malware?
Typically, cyber criminals use malware to generate revenue. However, this software may also be used for the criminals' amusement or to disrupt certain processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.). Malware attacks can even be motivated by personal grudges or political/geopolitical reasons.
How did DiskFresh malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily proliferated through drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, online scams, spam mail, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating practically all known malware infections. Note that high-end malware usually hides deep within systems - therefore, performing a full system scan is a must.
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