What is WebCompanion.exe? Should I remove it?

WebCompanion.exe is a software component related to a potentially unwanted program that claims to keep your system secure

WebCompanion.exe is an executable file that launches functions of the rogue security program. This file is responsible for WebCompanion that is allegedly improving the performance of your device. However, this is a potentially unwanted program itself, and this application cannot be trusted. Various users complain^[1] about the sudden appearance of this program and caused issues. This application is developed by Lavasoft that is known as the developer of various security tools and applications. However, the legitimacy and usefulness are questionable. Since this is not an essential Windows file, you need to eliminate it from the system alongside the main program.

Users tend to call it a WebCompanion.exe virus because of the unwanted content delivered to the screen and constant error messages stating about the program, file or a questionable installation in general. Various pop-up messages appear on the screen due to the suspicious installation:

• Another instance is running;
• Object reference not set to an instance of an object;
• The type initializer for WebCompanion.UI.AppCore.Service.InstallerService threw an exception.

These messages delivered because of the WebCompanion.exe intruder may appear on the system while rebooting the device or starting the system. However, this is not the only frustrating feature of the program launched using this executable. Typical PUP^[2] symptoms also include changed browser settings, online search engine preferences, and even data tracking.

Unfortunately, due to the WebCompanion.exe existence on the system, you may encounter various commercial content in the form of banners, pop-up windows or hyperlinks, redirects delivered on the screen directly. Unfortunately, redirects may expose you to possibly dangerous content or even lead to more cyber infections. 

You need to remove WebCompanion.exe from the device as soon as you notice any of the unwanted behavior. This file is a part of the program so you should rely on automatic virus elimination methods to get rid of the intruder and additional data or programs.

However, WebCompanion.exe might be infected with other cyber threats and distributed as a separate malware. This fact makes it more dangerous, so you need to employ tools like FortectIntego for the process.

Unfortunately, the main file cannot be found easily on the system, you may need to search program file folders and various other parts to delete it manually. For this reason experts^[3] recommend automatic WebCompanion.exe removal and general system cleaning using PC repair tools.

Various distribution methods used to distribute questionable files and programs

You may have the application itself installed on the system, and this is the reason you encounter messages on the system and other intrusive behavior. However, the main program comes via software bundles or deceptive websites. Also, if you download this program intentionally the executable is a part of it. 

Unfortunately, there is an opportunity that executable file format is misused by malicious actors and file is infected with other type malware. If this is the case, you got this intruder from spam email attachment. Email spam often distributes data and malware using safe-looking document attachments filled with macros.^[4] When you download and open the infected file malicious script is loaded on the system directly.

Get rid of WebCompanion.exe and various caused issues

This is not an essential file of the Windows system so you can freely remove WebCompanion.exe from the device and forget about the related problems. Use FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes for the process and scan the device thoroughly, this way you can eliminate all associated files and programs. 

WebCompanion.exe removal is a process that can be frustrating. If your anti-malware program is not finding the intruder on the first try, use an alternative tool or try to find the associated application in Program files. You should search Lavasoft or WebCompanion and remove them manually. Then uses system repair tools to clean the possible damage.