Dashlane is free password-encryption software that might sometimes be flagged by your security application

Dashlane is a password managing application[1] that is available for free but also offers two paid versions. While the program is legitimate, many users have complained that they found the app installed without permission or that their anti-malware programs such as Avast were flagging it as malicious.
In case you installed the program yourself, you should not be worried as the application can actually help you protect your privacy and security your online login information, i.e., Dashlane is not a virus. However, in case the app got into your computer without permission, you should uninstall it immediately, as it could be a fake version, which means that it could be malware in disguise.
Finally, if you have been using Dashlane for a long time without problems and your security app suddenly started to flag it as malicious, you should add the exception for it to allow it through your anti-virus. This happens when security vendors update their databases or when the developers of Dashlane ship new patches. In most cases, behavioral analysis shows that the app is trying to encrypt[2] everything on the PC, resulting in a false -positive.
| Summary | |
| Name | Dashlane |
| Developer | Dashlane Inc. |
| Type | Password managing application/false-positive |
| Official website | www.dashlane.com |
| Compatibility | Windows OS, Mac OS, iOS, Android |
| Release date | 2012 |
| Distribution | Users might install the app via its official website or in a bundle from third-party sites (software bundling) |
| Related issues/concerns | Users reported that the app is being flagged by the security software as malicious, which usually happens after an update of either of the apps. The program might also appear on the computer unexpectedly due to software bundle packages |
| Elimination | To uninstall Dashlane, follow the instructions we provide in our removal section below |
| In case your machine is suffering from BSODs, errors, crashes, and other issues, you can attempt to fix them with automatic repair software FortectIntego | |
Some antivirus programs identify this password manager as a virus. However, such Dashlane virus does not exist. This program is not malicious and cannot harm your PC. The problem is that security tools might warn about it due to released updates, added new features, and improved functionality.
However, Dashlane has some negative functionality that raises users’ suspicions. The program is reported to appear on the computer and hijack browser’s homepage. This might happen because the software might be spread bundled with free programs. It was also indicated as bloatware software on ACER computers.
Though, such cases are not very common. Most of the time, users install it from the official website Dashlane.com. Additionally, the Dashlane app can be downloaded from iTunes or Google Play Store. However, before installing it, it’s important to read user reviews. Some of them not only report about the program’s functionality but high CPU usage as well:
Normally okay but loads of issues at the minute.
Using 99% CPU when trying to login, often doesn't popup, only working in standalone mode.
This is happening on my laptop and my desktop![3]
There’s no doubt that such high usage of device resources might lead to serious damage to it. Hence, such activities should not be tolerated. However, some reports also tell about annoying pop-ups delivers by Dashlane password manager too.
Dashlane ads might promote its paid versions – Premiums and Business. However, after the installation of the app, you might also notice an increased amount of advertisements on the web. Though the majority of problems might occur if users download the app from third-party sources, for instance, P2P networks, or inattentively install freeware.[4]

If you noticed that your computer or smartphone started acting oddly after the installation of the password manager, you should scan the device with anti-malware just to be sure. If you installed a malicious version of the app, you would be able to remove Dashlane within a few clicks. Afterward, we suggest resetting all the web browsers to eliminate all the unwanted components if such were left behind. In case your Windows system is broken, you can attempt to fix virus damage with tools like FortectIntego.
However, if you are just not satisfied with the app’s functionality, you can uninstall it as an ordinary program or browser extension. This program is absolutely legit, so you should not have any difficulties with uninstallation. If you need help with Dashlane removal, scroll down to the of the article.
Distribution methods and download sources of password manager
The program has an official website and is available on Chrome Play Store, iTunes, and Google Play Store. Additionally, you might find it on P2P networks or file-sharing sites or even software bundles. Though, you should not install software from these sources.
Keep in mind that both legit and insecure programs can enter the system if you use unknown download sites or use incorrect installation settings. For installation, always use official developers' websites and use Advanced/Custom settings only.
Differently than Quick/Recommended setup, Advanced settings reveal what optional components were included in the software bundles. Keep in mind that many free programs spread together with additional downloads! However, a security team from Utanvirus.se[5] suggest opting out all of the third-party apps that are offered to download. Typically they are potentially unwanted programs.
Instructions on how to uninstall Dashlane
If you accidentally installed or you do not want to use this password manager anymore, you can remove Dashlane as an ordinary application:
- Uninstall it via Control Panel if you use Windows;
- Move to Trash from Applications folder if you use Mac;
- Click a Trash icon in the extensions list if you installed it on Google Chrome;
- Click Remove button in Firefox extensions list.

However, if you downloaded this program in the software bundle or suspect that you may have obtained a corrupted version, you should opt for automatic Dashlane removal, meaning that you should scan the device with an updated anti-malware and make sure that your PC is not infected.
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.

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