How to uninstall WinTrackerSP unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is WinTrackerSP?
During a routine investigation of a Torrenting website that uses rogue advertising networks, our research team discovered a scam site promoting an installer containing the WinTrackerXP PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). Apps within this category usually possesses undesirable and possibly malicious functionalities.
It is noteworthy that the installation setup carrying the WinTrackerSP application that we investigated contained other suspicious software.
Potentially unwanted application overview
Potentially unwanted applications typically have harmful capabilities. Data tracking is particularly prevalent, and these functionalities can be used to acquire browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, and finance-related information. The gathered data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
PUAs often operate as adware as well. These apps can display intrusive ads or cause redirects. Adware-delivered adverts may promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Browser-hijacking abilities are also common for unwanted applications. They make changes to browser settings to promote (via redirects) fake search engines.
With this software installed, users can get redirected to the endorsed website when they open a new browser tab/window or enter a search query into the URL bar. Most illegitimate search engines cannot provide search results and redirect to genuine Internet search sites (e.g., Yahoo, Bing, Google, etc.).
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software like WinTrackerSP on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | WinTrackerSP potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) |
| Detection Names (installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (app) | Avast (Win32:TrojanX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.72716654), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Packed.VMProtect.BI S), Kaspersky (Trojan-PSW.Win32.RisePro.noi), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Acll), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Rogue Process Name | WinTrackerSP.exe (process name may vary) |
| 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 | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), privacy issues, 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
We have investigated countless unwanted apps; ExtreamFanV5, Victoria Pigments, and World Wide Web are merely a few examples. PUAs typically appear legitimate and innocuous. These apps can offer a wide variety of useful features, which are rarely operational. Yet even if a piece of software works as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
We acquired an installer containing WinTrackerSP from a deceptive webpage using a film-themed lure to promote it. It is pertinent to mention that this setup included other undesirable and possibly dangerous software.
PUA-endorsing pages are primarily accessed via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and adware.
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to proliferate PUAs.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread unwanted software. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and hazardous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect 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.
WinTrackerSP application's process on Task Manager ("WinTrackerSP.exe" – process name):
Deceptive website promoting WinTrackerSP 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is WinTrackerSP?
- 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.
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 "WinTrackerSP" 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, WinTrackerSP itself did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, the installer promoting it that we analyzed contained other suspicious software (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, etc.). 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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the wintrackersp 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with wintrackersp 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 wintrackersp 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.
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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of an unwanted application?
The purpose of unwanted apps is to generate revenue, e.g., by pushing users into buying fake activation keys, promoting in-app purchases, displaying ads, force-opening websites, gathering/selling sensitive information, etc.
Is WinTrackerSP unwanted application legal?
Since their EULAs (End User License Agreements) tend to provide information regarding behavior – unwanted applications are typically considered legal.
Is having WinTrackerSP installed on my computer dangerous?
The dangers posed by any software depend on its capabilities and uses. Unwanted apps usually have harmful functionalities, such as data tracking, displaying adverts, generating redirects, etc. Generally, the presence of unwanted software on devices is associated with system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove WinTrackerSP unwanted application?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed unwanted/malicious applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after an app has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.
Outstanding!
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