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What a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) is?

So, we will start by defining PUP. A Potentially Unwanted Program is software that gets on your system while installing another program. The installation prompts request that you install additional bundled components, such as toolbars, programs, adware, etc., on your PC. However, these unwanted computer programs are bundled on many freeware installers available on the WWW. Hence, you need to beware of optional installs as they may be budding PUPs. To avoid labeling downloadable programs as malware, your antivirus software labeled these unwanted programs as Potentially Unwanted Programs.

How do I get rid of a PUP?

PUPs damage your PC by replicating its process activity; some Windows users reported that PUPs increase on their PCs, especially once connected to the Internet. These programs can wreck the PC even more than viruses; for instance, a web browser with more than ten PUP toolbars will be slow, impede performance, and even constantly crash. You can get rid of them manually or by using specialized software. The manual process is laborious, while the software process comes with numerous advantages, including:

Auto-detection – You would not have to point the tool towards a direction to work on; it will automatically detect these PUPs. Faster alternatives – Because the tool does all the work for you, it is a fast and convenient alternative. It also will ensure operations are no longer uncompleted because of the PUPs. Multi-threat removal – Other than PUPs, because these apps are often antivirus, they protect your computer all around.

Now we have discussed these benefits, let us look at our top recommendations.

What are the best PUP removal tools?

Firstly, right upon installing ESET, you are prompted to enable or disable the detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications. Whereas the detection of PUP is configured during installation, the detection of potentially unsafe apps is disabled by default, and the detection of suspicious apps is enabled by default. However, you can change these settings from the ESET console under the Real-Time & Machine Learning and Protection section. Finally, you can modify the settings for Potentially Unwanted Programs from that menu according to your preferences. Important features:

Anti-Phishing Banking & Payment Protection improved Device Control Parental Control

You won’t need to worry about their removal, as Bitdefender will block them even before they reach your PC. However, you could have a PUP already installed on your PC without knowing. Usually, the first scan with Bitdefender will reveal the culprits in an event, and you can get rid of it with a single click. Lastly, Bitdefender, as a top security solution, will protect you from every single possible threat, not only PUPs but also malware, ransomware, phishing, and all other modern scamming techniques. Important features:

Network threat prevention Vulnerability assessment Anti-fraud Wi-Fi security advisor

This tool detects as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) all those which attempt to inject malicious content or request an unjustified amount of personal data. Additionally, Avira considers PUP any payment processing app that may overcharge the user without explicit consent. Lastly, products that require unnecessary access rights or inject unwanted advertising on the device, not to mention spy or remotely controlled software, all get detected by the Avira radar. Important features:

Antivirus scanner Ransomware protection Device optimization Browsing Security

SPONSORED Some types of malware can be difficult to identify and remove. But, that’s not something to worry about when using Malwarebytes. Its efficiency is proven against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and not only. Lastly, we love it because it is straightforward and highly efficient. Important features:

Centralized threat reporting Cleans infected devices Prevention tools Centralized management

From the Protection category, you can modify the settings for the Core Shields. Also, you can find there a Potentially Unwanted Programs tab. Also, you will see three options and can choose how the antivirus will treat PUP. And finally, you can choose to be fixed, ask, or ignore them. Important features:

Ransomware shield Core firewall functionality Software updater

The program is primarily an uninstaller that improves Microsoft’s standard approach to removing applications. Lastly, programs, toolbars, and any traces in the registry or browser extensions are all deleted. Important features:

Resolves hidden software permissions Removes uninstallation leftovers Silences disturbing notifications Locates malicious extensions and software

However, there is a paid option for $25. You might argue that at a price of only $25.00 per year, Zemana Antimalware is a genuinely excellent piece of software. The Zemana antimalware desktop and mobile apps are available at this low cost. Finally, with this tool, you can remove PUP from Chrome and other standard browsers. Important features:

Real-time Antivirus Registry startup scan Scheduled scan Anti-Rootkit

⇒ Get ZemanaAntiMalware Portable We also love it because it has an excellent user interface and is pretty easy to use. Finally, it does not offer protection to the same extent as some of the tools in this guide, but it should suffice if you want a PUP remover. Important features:

Scheduled scan Password dumping protection Webcam protection Remote session protection

⇒ Get Hitman Pro This will altogether remove all the PUPs leftovers on your web browser. In addition, we recommend that you run a full system scan on your Windows PC. Lastly, if you are facing PUP issues afterward (which is most unlikely), let us know by commenting below. Name * Email * Commenting as . Not you? Save information for future comments
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