Remove YeaDesktop.com virus (Removal Guide)

YeaDesktop is a potentially unwanted program that affects users' browsing by redirecting them to rogue websites

YeaDesktop is a browser hijacker which is capable of changing the homepage, default search engine and new tab page settings without user's approval. Typically, this intrusive program infiltrates the system silently as it has been actively relying on bundling while trying to spread around. Unfortunately, programs like this can also install additional extensions or toolbars on the web browser, and alter the bookmarks' list. This background^[1] activity significantly decreases the speed of your device. All search queries added to YeaDesktop are additionally rerouted to Popular123.com or a similar website that delivers questionable online search results. On top of that, beware that the virus monitors your search entries and other browsing-related data. The main danger is that the collected information can be shared with third-party^[2] advertisers.

Name	YeaDesktop
Type	Browser hijacker
Category	Potentially unwanted programs
Symptoms	Changes homepage, new tab settings, delivers intrusive ads
Variants	1.0.0.1 YeaDesktop verification code virus; Yeadesktopbr.com virus
Distribution	Software bundles
Elimination	Use anti-malware like Fortect Intego for Yea Desktop removal and general system cleaning

In comparison with other search engines, the YeaDesktop search engine stands out: it is crammed with advertisements and links to popular social networks, gaming, and movie streaming websites. What is more, supposedly “funny” quotes might catch your attention. They seem to be translated from Chinese.

Thus, it is possible to assume that the hijacker might serve as a haven for exploit kits or another sort of malware. In fact, VirusTotal reports show that some anti-malware programs detect it as a malicious site. It is strongly recommended to remove YeaDesktop.com virus rather than use it as the search engine because it provides useless results. Fortect Intego will assist you in completing the procedure and further cleaning the device.

The developers of this potentially unwanted program^[3] clearly aim for a high number of visitors. Game advertisements, links to Facebook, LinkedIn, Wallmart, etc, quickly catch one‘s attention. The homepage also includes links to a variety of gaming sites. Such universal features might create an impression that the search engine is useful and reliable.

However, it does not take long to notice the other – dark – side of the YeaDesktop. The creators seem to evade any responsibility as you cannot identify what company created such website, there is no option of contacting them either. Furthermore, when Yea Desktop ads may direct you to other websites, there is a risk that you may find yourself in an insecure and infected domain.

Likewise, such redirect tendency might result in more troublesome outcomes. Secondly, since there is no document which defines what tools this domain uses for collecting users’ intention, you can assume it to spy on your browsing habits and generate revenue for the publisher and sponsor.

Such questionable domains as this one tend to compile non-personal information which includes browsing history, search queries, and PC technical details, but personal information as well. Such data is often used for “monitoring and delivering high-quality services.” Proceed with YeaDesktop.com removal as soon as possible and remove all additional pieces left by this hijacker. To eliminate virus damage, use Fortect Intego.

The image illustrating YeaDesktop

Main versions of the browser hijacker

Yeadesktopbr.com virus is a copy of the suspicious browser hijacker, which is aimed at Russian computer users. This hijacker reroutes all users' searches to popular123.com site which displays numerous advertisements in its search results. Using this search engine can lead to possibly dangerous websites and installation of malicious programs.

There is a possibility that this browser hijacker compromises browsers' shortcuts. If you happen to find these changes, fix them before virus removal and then follow the traditional routine to fix your computer – uninstall all questionable applications and browser extensions associated with the shady search engine.

1.0.0.1 YeaDesktop verification code virus. This particular version of a browser hijacker is difficult to remove, according to numerous victims. People claim that they could not remove the Yea Desktop virus because of a Verification Code error. It turns out that this suspicious message appears when trying to uninstall 1.0.0.1 version via Control Panel.

The uninstall process cannot be started until the victim enters a verification code displayed in Chinese characters. However, according to researchers^[4], users can get rid of 1.0.0.1 YeaDesktop Verification Code virus by deleting the hijacker's folder from the system and cleaning the device with an antivirus program.

The picture of YeaDesktop.com hijacker

Methods used to spread questionable software

Browser hijackers often get promoted using several different techniques. It mostly travels as an additional component alongside freeware or shareware, although you can also install it after clicking on a suspicious online advertisement or hyperlink that initiates a direct download.

If you tend to download new applications and rush through the installation process, there are high chances that your search engine will be replaced. If you did not change your browser settings deliberately, you might get confused figuring it out how could it happen.

Sadly, users install such engine themselves. They make a crucial mistake by choosing “Default” settings and then hitting the “Install” button. Next time you download new applications, opt for “Custom/Advanced” mode and de-select suspicious attachments.

Employ reputable tools to remove Yea Desktop

Users claim that it is extremely hard to remove YeaDesktop because of additional programs and general persistence. They often report about other versions that prevent them from uninstalling the main hijacker from their computers. However, if you follow the instructions provided below, it shouldn't become a troublesome task.

In order to remove any virus successfully, you can either choose manual guidelines or opt for the automatic option using anti-malware tools. Cybersecurity software might be a more convenient option, as this program also comes in handy dealing with more exquisite threats as well. Automatic YeaDesktop removal method might be more efficient since this search engine might have also installed add-ons and toolbars in your browser.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.

Remove the unwanted program:

In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).

Delete leftover files and folders:

Select Go > Go to Folder.
Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
Pick Manage Add-ons.
You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:

Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
Select Internet Options.
In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:

Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
Under Browsing history, click Delete...
Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:

Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
Select Reset.
In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
Click Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:

Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
Then find On startup section.
Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
Select Details tab.
Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

Clear cache and site data:

Click on Menu and go to Settings.
Select Privacy, search and services.
Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
Under Time range, pick All time.
Select Clear now.

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

Click on Menu and select Settings.
On the left side, pick Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values.
Confirm with Reset.
This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
Select Add-ons.
In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:

Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
Choose Settings.
Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

Click Menu and pick Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security section.
Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
Click on Clear Data...
Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

Click on Menu and pick Settings.
Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
Click Clear data.

Change your homepage:

Click menu and choose Settings.
Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

Click on Menu and select Settings.
In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Confirm with Reset settings.

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.

Clear history and website data:

Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.

Reset Safari:

Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.

How to remove YeaDesktop.com virus

YeaDesktop is a potentially unwanted program that affects users' browsing by redirecting them to rogue websites

Main versions of the browser hijacker

Methods used to spread questionable software