How to uninstall Keep Awake from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Keep Awake?
Keep Awake is promoted as an app that allows users to stop their computers from entering sleep mode with just one click. However, our analysis shows that multiple security vendors flag Keep Awake (and its installer) as malicious. For this reason, we classified Keep Awake as an unwanted application. Users should avoid installing apps of this kind.
Potentially unwanted application overview
Keep Awake might use a large amount of CPU, memory, or other computer resources. This could lead to slow computer performance, system crashes, freezes, or frequent errors, which could degrade the overall user experience. The app may also be capable of accessing various data, such as location, browsing history, email addresses, and more.
Since security vendors flag Keep Awake as malicious, it could collect and transmit data without the user's consent, putting their privacy at risk. Furthermore, the app may deliver intrusive advertisements or pop-ups designed to trick users into opening fraudulent websites, including scam pages.
On these pages, users may be tricked into downloading more unwanted (or even malicious) apps, paying for fake products or services, providing scammers remote access to their computers, disclosing sensitive information (e.g., credit card details or login credentials), or taking other actions.
Furthermore, Keep Awake may be bundled with other unwanted applications, including adware and browser hijackers. These components can flood users with annoying ads, change the settings of web browsers (e.g., homepage and default search engine), gather data, and perform other actions.
It is important to mention that some unwanted apps install themselves deeply into the system, making them difficult to uninstall or allowing them to reinstall after removal. In such cases, it is advisable to use tools like Combo Cleaner to achieve full removal.
Name | Keep Awake suspicious application |
Threat Type | Unwanted Application |
Supposed Functionality | The app offers to stop computers from entering sleep mode |
Detection Names (Installer) | Avira (TR/Agent.vgauv), CrowdStrike Falcon (Win/grayware_confidence_60% (W)), DeepInstinct (MALICIOUS), GData (Win32.Trojan.Agent.JUSDFC), Varist (W32/ABTrojan.UVWV-4073), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Detection Names (Application) | Google (Detected), Ikarus (Trojan.SuspectCRC), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Slow performance, frequent pop-up ads, unexpected redirects to unfamiliar websites, changes in browser settings, and the presence of unfamiliar programs or toolbars. |
Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), misleading notifications, dubious websites. |
Damage | Unwanted ads, browser hijacking, privacy breaches, slow system performance. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Keep Awake is an app that may lead to security risks, system performance issues, privacy breaches, and frustration for users. In order to avoid potential issues, it is advisable to be cautious when downloading and installing apps and remove any unwanted apps that are already installed.
More examples of unwanted applications are Ervoql App, SecuriGuard, and App x.
How did unwanted applications install on my computer?
Sometimes, unwanted apps have seemingly official web pages and can be downloaded from there. Also, users can obtain dubious apps through deceptive ads, pop-ups (e.g., messages offering fake software updates), notifications, links on unreliable pages, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar channels.
Also, unwanted apps are often packaged with other software. They are concealed behind pre-selected checkboxes or settings like "Advanced" or "Custom" during installation. Users who rush through the setup process may unknowingly grant permission for these additional programs to be installed on their computers.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Always download software from official sources (developer websites, trusted app stores). When installing programs, carefully read installation prompts and uncheck boxes or change settings mentioning extra software. Avoid clicking pop-ups or ads offering urgent updates, free scans, and similar elements on dubious pages.
Do not agree to receive notifications from questionable websites. Keep the operating system and installed apps up to date, and regularly scan your computer using a reputable security tool. If your computer is already infected with rogue apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Website promoting Keep Awake application:
Second site promoting the app:
Installation setup of Keep Awake application:
Keep Awake disguising itself as "Node.js JavaScript Runtime" in Windows Task Manager as:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Keep Awake?
- 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 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 suspicious 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, Keep Awake 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage 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 keep awake suspicious 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 keep awake suspicious 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 keep awake suspicious 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 applications generate revenue through intrusive ads, data collection, browser hijacking, in-app purchases, and other methods. Also, these apps can be used to inject other unwanted (potentially malicious) apps.
Is Keep Awake unwanted application legal?
Applications like Keep Awake are generally considered legal because their End User License Agreements (EULA) specify the app’s actions and behaviors. When users agree to the EULA, they give permission for these activities, making the app's actions legally acceptable.
Is having Keep Awake installed on my computer dangerous?
It could pose risks such as excessive resource usage, privacy concerns, exposure to scams and unwanted downloads, and other issues. Thus, installing this app may be harmful.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Keep Awake unwanted application?
Combo Cleaner conducts a thorough scan to detect and remove malicious or unwanted applications. Manual removal may be ineffective, as hidden files can persist on the system.
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