What is unins000.exe? Should I remove it?

Unins000.exe – a component used for software uninstallation on Windows

Unins000.exe is an executable file you might come across when trying to uninstall certain program, for example, K-Lite Codec Pack or Inno Setup. Its name shows up in User Account Control prompt which also commonly warns users about publisher not being verified, which might be a cause of concern.

While in most cases there is nothing wrong with this behavior and it is just a part of uninstallation process, some executables might be malicious. Keep in mind that any executable can be renamed as anything, so it is always important to ensure that the one you are attempting to launch is safe.

First of all, a clarification on what a User Account Control (UAC) here is needed. It is a built-in Windows component that relies on administrator permissions, and it is the first line of defense against malicious files that could be executed either accidentally or after being tricked by a clever online scam.

When you launch a file that is not signed by the publisher, Windows might use orange or red to warn you about potential danger. There are plenty of programs that are not signed with a certificate due to one reason or another, hence this might be completely harmless.

However, you should always ensure that the Unins000.exe you are dealing with is not malicious. One of the best ways to do that is by performing a full system scan with anti-malware software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Security software is one of the most important parts of your system defense, so you should trust it almost always (small discrepancies – the so-called false positives – might occur, however). ReimageIntego can also be used as complementary software that would be able to fix virus damage after it's deleted.

It is also known that adware programs such as AceNotes Free use this file. In this case, you should check the listed installed programs on your PC and eliminate everything unwanted quickly. Otherwise, adware might hijack your web browsers, change various settings, redirect to malicious sites, display intrusive ads, and spy on your online activities regularly.

Other malicious programs that might be related to this executable are:

• Midnight Oil;
• Free Popup Killer;
• GoGoTools;
• Paq Keylog;
• Spy4PC;
• Beyond Keylogger;
• Activity Keylogger;
• Golden Eye, etc.

These threats can use unins000.exe for different purposes, as the file's functionality depends on a particular parasite it belongs to. In this case, you have to delete the file immediately after you have found it. Otherwise, the parasite will continue to violate your privacy and harm your computer unless all related objects will be completely removed from the system.

General tips to avoid malicious files

Malware can be found anywhere on the internet: from high-risk sites that distribute software cracks to reputable websites that have been hacked by cybercriminals. While it is important to note that no security software could protect you from all malware that has been created throughout three decades, new analysis techniques and behavioral detection is a very strong initial defense that is mandatory for every modern operating system.

Therefore, in order to be the infection chances to the minimum, you should ensure that your machine is protected with robust security software that has real-time protection feature. Patching your programs/operating system with security patches, avoiding high-risk websites, and not opening email attachments of unknown origin can almost guarantee that dangerous malware such as Wrui ransomware.

Unins000.exe removal steps

As already mentioned, In some cases, the presence of unins000.exe does not mean that your system is infected. The file may actually belong to some fully legitimate applications and, therefore, must stay intact. If you are in doubt, please scan the unins000.exe file using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or another spyware remover or antivirus program. It is also important to clean your web browsers – especially after adware infection – to remove cookies and prevent tracking activities by third parties. For that, you can use ReimageIntego or do it manually.

If the executable is legitimate (you made sure by scanning it with a security app), there is no need to delete it manually, as you might have problems with the associated program removal.