360 Total Security virus: what it is and how to remove it

360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd. This program does not only offers poor protection from cyber threats but might get into the system unnoticed and aggressively urge to obtain the license key.

Facts checked October 11, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.

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360 Total Security virus: 360 total security alert
360 Total Security virus as our 2018 report showed it.

360 Total Security virus: summary

Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
DistributionNot recorded in the old report
DamageNot recorded in the old report
Name360 Total Security virus
TypeBundling installer
SymptomsAn unknown process in Task Manager
Removal

Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.
Show 4 more facts
Files and processesqhsafemain.exe
Evidence6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
First seen10 May 2018
Facts checked5 October 2026

Is 360 Total Security virus safe? Why it is flagged

Why 360 Total Security downloaded itself, whether it is a scam and what to do when it will not uninstall

360 Total Security usually appears without a clear choice because it travels inside bundled installers.

A free program, a fake update or a download manager can carry it as an extra offer that is ticked by default. Clicking Next or Express install accepts that offer. That is why many people say it downloaded automatically: the consent was hidden in another setup screen.

We would not call 360 Total Security a scam in the legal sense, because it is a real product made by Qihoo 360. Our reading is that it behaves like a potentially unwanted program: it can arrive unnoticed, it offers weak protection and it pushes you hard to buy a license. Pay nothing until you have checked whether you ever chose to install it.

If the program will not uninstall, close it first. Open Task Manager, find qhsafemain.exe or another 360 process, and end the task. Then go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the three dots next to 360 Total Security and choose Uninstall. If Settings fails, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features and uninstall it there.

Microsoft also suggests the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter when an uninstall ends with an error. After removal, restart the PC and run a full scan with Windows Security to catch any other bundled program. Check your browsers for a changed home page or new extensions too, since bundles often add more than one item.

From our report of Oct 2026 · outdated details corrected in October 2026

360 Total Security - a poor security software

360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd.

This program does not only offers poor protection from cyber threats but might get into the system unnoticed and aggressively urge to obtain the license key too.

So-called 360 Total Security virus is identified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP), and has been actively distributed for a couple of years. Among the most affected users are located in the United States, India, and Egypt. In 2018, it was compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.

From the first glimpse, 360 Total Security may seem as a genuine anti-spyware. It claims to be able to detect viruses, Trojans, and other emerging threats. According to the test results, the program does not detect major cyber threats and might provide fake system scan results.

Hence, 360 Total Security might inform about non-existent cyber threats on your computer. This sneaky technique is used to convince you to buy a license key of this questionable program. However, even the paid version of the program does not help to clean computer.

360 Total Security program has an official download website. However, it often sneaks into the system bundled with various free programs. What is worse, it does not arrive on the system alone.

If 360 Total Security manages to infiltrate a computer, it adds a scheduled task to Windows Task Scheduler and launches at certain scheduled times. Besides, it connects to the Internet and adds a Windows Firewall so that a genuine anti-spyware would not block it.

In addition to that, it installs a shortcut on the Internet and continuously runs the executable qhsafemain.exe in Task Manager. It seems that it is responsible for continuously displaying misleading 360 Total Security alerts.

Of course, you can stop these annoying activities. First of all, you have to uninstall 360 Total Security from Windows. However, we have told that it might bring other unwanted apps to the system, so you should find and get rid of all these entries.

If you want to remove 360 Total Security together with its related components manually, you can follow our prepared guide at the end of this article. Keep in mind that attentiveness is needed. Otherwise, you might overlook some of the PUP-related components.

However, if you have problems with 360 Total Security removal or want to speed up the procedure, you should opt for automatic elimination method. You have to obtain a professional anti-malware software, such as , and run a full system scan.

360 Total Security virus: 360 total security alert
360 Total Security virus in our 2018 report.
360 Total Security virus: 360 total security official website
360 Total Security virus in our 2018 report.

From our report of Oct 2026 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on 360 Total Security virus

  • It might also bring Bitdefender and Avira engines or other PUPs.
  • This tool is known for installing Bitdefender and Avira engines.

How 360 Total Security virus got installed

From our report of Oct 2026 · not reviewed since

Despite the fact that this suspicious security tool has an official download website; this tool might sneak into the system using other techniques.

Authors of the program might use the following methods to promote and install a program on as many computers as possible:

Users are most likely to experience 360 Total Security hijack when they download free programs carelessly. If you rely on Standard/Recommended installation settings, you should ditch this habit right now! It's the main way how PUPs enter the machine.

These settings do not openly disclose what additional apps might be included in the same package as a free program. Hence, all of the entries get into the system silently without asking user's permission. Fortunately, you can switch to Advanced/Custom setup and avoid this unpleasant situation.

Additionally, it is recommended to stay away from security alerts popping up on the screen while browsing the web or trying free online scanners to check if your device is not infected. Such ads are typically malicious.

  • fake update alerts,
  • fake online scanners,
  • malicious links
  • freeware or shareware downloads.

Check your PC and browser

  • File: qhsafemain.exe

How to uninstall 360 Total Security virus

How to remove 360 Total Security virus

Uninstall the bundle first, then everything it added:

  • programs
  • extensions
  • changed browser settings
  1. Step 1: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install

    360 Total Security virus rarely comes alone: it is usually installed by, or together with, a free program. In Windows 11 open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and sort by install date.

    Uninstall every entry from the day the trouble began that you did not install on purpose, for example a download manager, a converter or a browser you never chose.

    Keep drivers and entries from Microsoft, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or your PC's maker unless you are sure.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix

  2. Step 2: Remove it from startup

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and select Startup apps (Windows 11) or the Startup tab (Windows 10). Disable entries you do not recognise, especially ones with no publisher or with a name that copies a Windows component.

    Right-click an entry and choose Open file location to see where it runs from: programs in %AppData% or %Temp% deserve a closer look. Some entries are not listed there but in the registry Run keys, which the procedure below shows how to check.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix

  3. Step 3: Delete the folders left behind

    Uninstalling often leaves the program's folders, and some threats reinstall themselves from them.

    Press Windows + R, type %LocalAppData% and press Enter, then do the same for %AppData% and %ProgramData%, and look for folders named after 360 Total Security virus, its publisher or created on the day the problem started.

    Delete those folders, and check C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) too.

    If Windows says a file is in use, end it in Task Manager or delete the folder after a restart in Safe Mode. The folders are the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows

  4. Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan

    A scan finds the parts of 360 Total Security virus that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.

    Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.

    It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.

    Windows Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

Instructions for each browser and system

The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.

Uninstall from Windows

Follow these steps to uninstall 360 Total Security and other questionable programs:

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows
Remove from Google Chrome

Reset Google Chrome to get rid of suspicious search engines that may have been installed together with a primary program:

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

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

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2
Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

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

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

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

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

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

Reset the homepage:

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

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

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

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2
Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

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

Clear history and website data:

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

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari
Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

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

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

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

Change your homepage if it was altered:

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

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

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

Protect your privacy - employ a VPN

There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.

However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.

Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.

No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool

If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.

In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.

If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.

From our report of Oct 2026 · not reviewed since

Uninstall 360 Total Security antivirus entirely

We have briefly mentioned two possible ways to remove 360 Total Security from Windows OS.

If you are willing to get rid of the program and its related components manually, follow these steps:

Additionally, you should check your web browsers from unknown extensions or search engines. We highly suggest terminating these tools because they might have features of the browser hijackers. You can find more information on how to fix your browsers below. Additionally, you can opt for automatic 360 Total Security removal.

  • Click Start and select Control Panel.
  • Click Uninstall a Program under Programs.
  • Choose 360 Total Security and select the Uninstall/Change option.
  • Click Yes and OK to save the changes.

Questions about 360 Total Security virus

What is qihoo 360 total security?

360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd. This program does not only offers poor protection from cyber threats but might get into the system unnoticed and aggressively urge to obtain the license key too.

So-called 360 Total Security virus is identified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP), and has been actively distributed for a couple of years.

It claims to be able to detect viruses, Trojans, and other emerging threats. 360 Total Security - a poor security software. Can get installed unnoticed and bring other unwanted apps to the system.

Is qihoo 360 total security safe?

No. This program does not only offers poor protection from cyber threats but might get into the system unnoticed and aggressively urge to obtain the license key too.

It claims to be able to detect viruses, Trojans, and other emerging threats. According to the test results, the program does not detect major cyber threats and might provide fake system scan results.

Hence, 360 Total Security might inform about non-existent cyber threats on your computer. 360 Total Security - a poor security software. 360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd.

What is 360 total security should i remove it?

Yes. 360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd. This program does not only offers poor protection from cyber threats but might get into the system unnoticed and aggressively urge to obtain the license key too.

So-called 360 Total Security virus is identified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP), and has been actively distributed for a couple of years.

It claims to be able to detect viruses, Trojans, and other emerging threats. 360 Total Security - a poor security software. Can get installed unnoticed and bring other unwanted apps to the system.

Is 360 total security should i remove it safe?

No. This program does not only offers poor protection from cyber threats but might get into the system unnoticed and aggressively urge to obtain the license key too.

It claims to be able to detect viruses, Trojans, and other emerging threats. According to the test results, the program does not detect major cyber threats and might provide fake system scan results.

Hence, 360 Total Security might inform about non-existent cyber threats on your computer. 360 Total Security - a poor security software. 360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd.

What is 360 total security virus?

360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd. This program does not only offers poor protection from cyber threats but might get into the system unnoticed and aggressively urge to obtain the license key too.

So-called 360 Total Security virus is identified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP), and has been actively distributed for a couple of years.

It claims to be able to detect viruses, Trojans, and other emerging threats. 360 Total Security - a poor security software. Can get installed unnoticed and bring other unwanted apps to the system.

Is 360 total security virus safe?

No. This program does not only offers poor protection from cyber threats but might get into the system unnoticed and aggressively urge to obtain the license key too.

It claims to be able to detect viruses, Trojans, and other emerging threats. According to the test results, the program does not detect major cyber threats and might provide fake system scan results.

Hence, 360 Total Security might inform about non-existent cyber threats on your computer. 360 Total Security - a poor security software. 360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd.

How do I remove 360 total security virus?

Yes. Sudden system scans and virus alerts. According to the test results, the program does not detect major cyber threats and might provide fake system scan results.

If you want to remove 360 Total Security together with its related components manually, you can follow our prepared guide at the end of this article.

However, if you have problems with 360 Total Security removal or want to speed up the procedure, you should opt for automatic elimination method. 360 Total Security - a poor security software. 360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd.

Why does 360 total security virus keep appearing?

Can get installed unnoticed and bring other unwanted apps to the system. So-called 360 Total Security virus is identified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP), and has been actively distributed for a couple of years. In addition to that, it installs a shortcut on the Internet and continuously runs the executable qhsafemain.exe in Task Manager.

360 Total Security - a poor security software. 360 Total Security is a suspicious antivirus program created by the Chinese company called Qihu 360 Software Co Ltd. This program does not only offers poor protection from cyber threats but might get into the system unnoticed and aggressively urge to obtain the license key too.

Will Fortect remove 360 Total Security virus?

Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.

For 360 Total Security virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.

Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.

Sources

More removal guides

Questions and experiences: 360 Total Security virus

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