WindApp Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is WindApp?
WindApp is a bogus application that infiltrates Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox) using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling'. Therefore, this application is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). WindApp is also classed as adware.
After successful browser infiltration, WindApp generates various intrusive online advertisements (banner, in-text, etc.), some of which, may redirect to bogus websites containing infectious content.
In addition, WindApp automatically updates its software occasionally - third party PUPs are often installed during these updates, and therefore, having WindApp installed on your computer can lead to further computer infections.
WindApp is often distributed via small programs called 'download managers' on freeware download websites such as softonic.com, soft32.com, download.com, etc. Download managers are used to monetize these websites' traffic and free services by offering installation of additional programs together with the chosen software.
According to the developers, these additional programs are '100% legitimate and virus-free', however, reckless download and installation of freeware often results in adware or malware infections. Bogus applications of this type are likely to collect various Internet browsing-related information and display intrusive online ads.
This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to uninstall WindApp from your system immediately.
There are many adware applications similar to WindApp including, for example, Swift Search, HQCinema Pro, and MediaPlayer. Although these applications claim to provide various useful features, they are in fact, useless. Their purpose is to generate revenue by the display of intrusive ads and sharing collected data with third parties.
To avoid installation of WindApp, or other similar adware, pay close attention during download of free software and ensure that no other applications are included.
Furthermore, installation of downloaded programs should be performed using the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' installation options - this will reveal any bundled applications listed for installation and allow you to opt-out. If you have installed WindApp, follow the guidelines below to eliminate this adware from your system.
WindApp update installer set-up (propagating installation of additional PUPs):
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:
▼ 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:
- What is WindApp?
- STEP 1. Uninstall WindApp application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove WindApp adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove WindApp ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by WindApp' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove WindApp ads from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
WindApp adware removal:
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 "WindApp", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes WindApp ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove WindApp adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, WindApp did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the windapp ads, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the windapp ads, 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". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with windapp ads 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 windapp ads, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on windapp ads or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
▼ Show Discussion