How to uninstall the WeatherZero potentially unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is WeatherZero?
While analyzing a rogue installation setup, our researchers discovered the WeatherZero PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). This app provides a desktop widget that displays local weather data. However, PUAs often possess harmful functionalities and tend to infiltrate systems in bundles.
The installer carrying WeatherZero that we analyzed included other suspicious software. We even observed this unwanted app being installed together with the Altruistics cryptocurrency miner.
Potentially unwanted application overview
Potentially unwanted applications tend to appear legitimate and innocuous. They can also offer various "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities, yet they are rarely operational. Yet just because the features work – for example, WeatherZero does provide a weather widget – that does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.
PUAs commonly have harmful capabilities, and data-tracking is incredibly prevalent. Targeted information can include browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The vulnerable can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
Unwanted apps can have adware-type abilities, such as displaying ads or generating redirects. Advertising-supported software typically endorses deceptive and malicious content (e.g., online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, malware, etc.). Some adware-delivered adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Browser hijacking is another potential functionality of these applications. This software modifies browser settings to promote fake search engines. When users search the Web via the URL bar or open a new browser tab/window – they are redirected to the promoted webpage.
In most cases, illegitimate search engines cannot provide search results, and redirect to genuine Internet search websites (e.g., Yahoo, Bing, Google, etc.). The rare exceptions that can – produce irrelevant search results, which may include sponsored, misleading, unreliable, and possibly dangerous content.
However, even if a PUA does not have these or other hazardous capabilities, this software is often promoted by installers containing multiple unwanted applications and browser extensions.
The setup containing WeatherZero that we examined included other suspect software, including the Altruistics app. It operates as a cryptocurrency miner – by abusing system resources to generate cryptocurrency.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted programs on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | WeatherZero potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) |
| Supposed Functionality | Providing current weather reports |
| Detection Names (installer) | NANO-Antivirus (Trojan.Win32.Lazy.kqlvoc), Webroot (W32.Adware.Gen), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (app) | Webroot (W32.Adware.Gen), 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 | 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 applications; FlipPlayer, Applvl, IcuApp, NeverSleep, and Movidown are merely some of our latest articles.
The purpose of this software is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through nefarious means. Hence, its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, unwanted apps must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with (possibly multiple) undesirable/malicious supplements – is used to distribute PUAs. Pre-packed setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources.
The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by approaching installations with negligence, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.
PUAs can also have "official" promotional pages, and they are endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
Additionally, unwanted software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
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 additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious 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 WeatherZero application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is WeatherZero?
- 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 "WeatherZero" 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, WeatherZero was installed alongside other suspicious and harmful 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 weatherzero 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 weatherzero 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 weatherzero 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?
Unwanted apps are designed for profit. The developers/publishers may generate revenue by tricking users into buying fake activation keys, promoting in-app purchases, endorsing content (via ads, redirects, etc.), collecting/selling private information, and so on.
Is WeatherZero unwanted application legal?
Unwanted applications are usually considered legal because their End User License Agreements (EULAs) inform users of the software's mode of operation.
Is having WeatherZero installed on my computer dangerous?
Unwanted apps typically have harmful functionalities and can infiltrate software alongside other undesirable and even malicious software. We have observed cases where WeatherZero was installed together with the Altruistics cryptominer. 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 WeatherZero unwanted application?
Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed unwanted/malicious applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after an app has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate undesirable software thoroughly.
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