How to remove PrivateBrowsing from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PrivateBrowsing?
PrivateBrowsing is promoted as a tool offering secure and anonymous web browsing. Although it is not inherently malicious, it may be distributed through dubious means, like being bundled with unwanted software or hosted on unreliable websites. As a result, we categorize PrivateBrowsing as a potentially unwanted application.
PrivateBrowsing potentially unwanted application overview
If downloaded from questionable, unofficial sources, the PrivateBrowsing app can be packaged with unwanted software. This additional software could include browser hijackers, adware, or other potentially disruptive programs that may interfere with browsing or other activities or cause other issues.
Also, PrivateBrowsing may not have actual impact on user privacy. Some potentially unwanted applications have been found to gather personal information, and if PrivateBrowsing falls into this category, its developers could be sharing or selling that data to third parties. This could cause problems related to user privacy.
PrivateBrowsing can also impact a computer's performance, potentially using up a lot of resources, which may result in slowdowns, system crashes, or other issues. In addition, it might display unwanted advertisements like pop-ups, banners, and coupons that can mislead users into visiting unsafe websites.
This can interfere with a browsing experience and increase the risk of falling victim to scams and other online dangers. Users should always ensure they download software from trustworthy sources and remain cautious during installation. If PrivateBrowsing is already installed and causing problems, it is best to uninstall it.
If users have trouble removing it manually (for example, it does not fully uninstall), tools like Combo Cleaner can help with the removal process.
| Name | PrivateBrowsing potentially unwanted program |
| Threat Type | Potentially unwanted program |
| Functionality | Web browser |
| Detection Names (Installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Application) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | High usage of hardware, unwanted redirects, suspicious ads. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake updates, questionable websites. |
| Possible Damage | Slow computer performance, unwanted ads, privacy and security issues. |
| 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, while PrivateBrowsing offers privacy benefits if obtained through questionable sources, it could raise potential risks such as performance issues, unwanted ads, and possible privacy concerns. Users should exercise caution when downloading and installing applications, ensuring they come from reliable sources.
If any problems arise, it is advisable to address them quickly, either by uninstalling the app or using a trusted security tool to remove it completely. More examples of apps sharing similarities with PrivateBrowsing are SafeGuard, GuardGlider, and PrivacyShield.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Unwanted applications can be packaged alongside free or questionable software. During the installation process, users might unknowingly accept the installation of these apps. This often happens when users skip over the "Advanced" or "Custom" setup options or when they overlook the included checkboxes.
Additionally, users may unknowingly install these apps through downloads from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, third-party app stores, and similar channels or through deceptive advertisements, misleading pop-ups, fake notifications from unreliable sites, or cracked (pirated) software versions.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Always use trusted sources, like official websites or well-known app stores when downloading apps or files. When installing software, carefully check the setup options and adjust them to prevent additional software from being installed. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, pop-ups, or ads.
Exercise caution when visiting websites that request notification permissions, particularly those that appear questionable. Keep your software and system up to date, and regularly use reputable security tools to run scans. 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 PrivateBrowsing application:
PrivateBrowsing's installation folder:
Results after entering a URL:
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 PrivateBrowsing?
- 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 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, PrivateBrowsing 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 privatebrowsing potentially unwanted program, 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 privatebrowsing potentially unwanted program 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 privatebrowsing potentially unwanted program, 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 are often developed with the intent to earn money by displaying advertisements, harvesting user data, redirecting to other websites, promoting in-app purchases, or using other strategies. In some cases, these apps may also carry more serious risks.
Is PrivateBrowsing application legal?
These apps are typically allowed by law because their End User License Agreements (EULA) disclose actions like showing ads or collecting data, which users are informed about before installation.
Is having PrivateBrowsing installed on my computer dangerous?
Downloading PrivateBrowsing from unreliable websites or sources could introduce risks, including potential privacy and security issues.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove PrivateBrowsing application?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and detect and remove any malicious or unwanted applications. Unlike manual removal, which may leave behind hidden files, Combo Cleaner ensures complete removal of these apps.
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