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How to uninstall the "World Wide Web" unwanted application

Also Known As: "World Wide Web" potentially unwanted application
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is World Wide Web?

This app named "World Wide Web" is a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). Software within this classification typically possesses undesirable and even harmful functionalities.

The installer we discovered promoting the World Wide Web application included other suspicious software. It is noteworthy that this app may infiltrate systems alongside the Artificius rogue browser.

World Wide Web unwanted application install folder

Potentially unwanted application overview

As mentioned in the introduction, potentially unwanted applications commonly have harmful capabilities. Most apps of this kind collect sensitive user data. Information of interest could include browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

PUAs may also have adware. These applications display advertisements on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, and others. The ads can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Unwanted apps can have browser-hijacking abilities as well. They modify browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of endorsed sites. Browser hijackers promote fake search engines that cannot generate search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search websites (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.).

It is pertinent to mention that PUAs are often bundled with other undesirable/dangerous software. For example, World Wide Web can be installed together with Artificius – a rogue browser.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted programs on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name "World Wide Web" potentially unwanted application
Threat Type PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)
Detection Names (installer) ESET-NOD32 (Win32/DragonBossSolutions.B Potentially), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (app) Gridinsoft (no cloud) (PUP.Win32.Chromnius.dg!c), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Rogue redirects. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling).
Damage Privacy issues, potential monetary losses, unwanted 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.
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Potentially unwanted application examples

We have written about countless potentially unwanted applications; MP3 Cutter Joiner FreeInternetGuardianSystem UtilitiesSilver Wave, Virtue Software – are merely some of our newest articles.

This software can appear legitimate and useful. PUAs may promise a broad range of handy capabilities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be emphasized that operational features alone do not prove an app's or extension's legitimacy/safety.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs can have "official" promotional pages, and they are endorsed on scam sites (using various false claims or scare tactics).

Users primarily access webpages of this kind via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Unwanted applications are also distributed using the bundling technique, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.

Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. Some of the adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We also advise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and remove all suspicious applications and 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.

Installation setup of World Wide Web application:

World Wide Web PUA installation setup

Deceptive website promoting World Wide Web unwanted application:

Deceptive website used to promote World Wide Web unwanted application

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▼ 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:

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

World Wide Web uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "World Wide Web" 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, World Wide Web 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:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "world wide web" potentially unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "world wide web" 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, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "world wide web" potentially unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of an unwanted application?

The purpose of unwanted apps is to generate revenue for their developers/publishers. Profit can be made by pushing users to buy fake activation keys, promoting in-app purchases, collecting/selling private data, endorsing content (via ads, redirects), and so on.

Is World Wide Web unwanted application legal?

Unwanted applications are usually considered legal because their EULAs (End User License Agreements) inform users of the software's capabilities.

Is having World Wide Web installed on my computer dangerous?

Unwanted applications typically have dangerous abilities like gathering sensitive information, displaying advertisements, generating redirects, etc. Additionally, PUAs commonly infiltrate systems in bundles. Generally, the presence of this software on devices is associated with system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove World Wide Web unwanted application?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate unwanted/malicious apps. Manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the application has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remnants might resume running and causing issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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