DNS Unlocker version 1.3. is a potentially unwanted program that shows misleading and annoying ads
DNS Unlocker version 1.3 is a browser add-on that belongs to the family of DNS-related add-ons. It is compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. Also, it can easily slither on PC's that feature poor security.
If you are a security-minded person, you must have heard about DNS Keeper, DNS Unblocker, DNSblock, and similar apps that belong to 'adware' and PUP categories. All these programs claim to provide access to custom DNS servers. The trick that such programs promise to do is related to the emulation of the real user's location.
In other words, apps that belong to the DNS crew are supposed to delude the system by modifying the actual user's location. Such a service might be useful, isn't it? However, malware studies have revealed that such and similar programs to DNS Unlocker version 1.3 have hidden traits and usually appear to be more than useless.
People keep asking about DNS Unlocker version 1.3 ads popping all the time when they browse the net. This browser add-on is, in particular, unwanted due to irritating and misleading advertising that can cause issues.
In most of the cases, DNS Unlocker version 1.3 ads are brought as pop-ups; however, quite often it generates banners, in-text links, full-page ads, or in some rare cases even video ads.
Once inside the system, DNS Unlocker version 1.3 keeps installing other PUP. There are not many instances of registries when this adware downloads/installs other adware or browser hijackers on its own.
However, ads brought by DNS Unlocker version 1.3 redirects people to third-party domains some of which may contain PUP installers. No need to say that people can inadvertently click on the links and allow other unwanted programs to settle down on the system.

Another downside that this adware feature is related to uninstalling. DNS Unlocker version 1.3 won't go away easily. It can install a variety of additional components, corrupt registries, and Windows startup to prevent itself from being detected/uninstalled easily.
Thus, there is a handful of activities that this potentially unwanted program is set to perform secretly. In spite of unwanted infiltration, it can display sponsored ads, cause redirects, track users, corrupt settings, and so on. Therefore, DNS Unlocker version 1.3 removal using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, or another antimalware is highly recommended.
We also explain how to delete DNS Unlocker version 1.3 manually. You will find detailed instructions at the end of this article.
Potentially unwanted programs are distributed along with freeware/shareware
This particular tool has been classified as a PUP (potentially unwanted program) because it is usually spread bundled with freeware/shareware. Most users do not notice additional programs because they are in a hurry to complete the installation as soon as possible. However, such a rush is not the best choice.
It is vital to check the Advanced/Custom settings of each freebie and remove ticks that notify installation of free optional downloads. This will prevent all potentially unwanted programs. Also, keep in mind that you should install software only from trusted sources.
If you have already downloaded adware to your computer, then use our tips to remove it. It's quite simple with a reliable antivirus program or our manual removal instructions.
Get rid of DNS Unlocker version 1.3 to avoid additional ads
DNS Unlocker version 1.3 uninstall from Chrome, Firefox, IE, and Safari can be performed manually and automatically. However, malware removal forums are full of comments where people claim that removing this PUP manually is a challenging task because it's not enough to disable the extension. Usually, it has additional components or installs other PUPs that can help this adware reinstall itself again and again.
For those who prefer manual DNS Unlocker version 1.3 removal, our security experts prepared a guide that is given at the end of this post. However, if after all this PUP keeps coming back, we highly recommend you to check the system with a powerful anti-spyware and get rid of all the unwanted/malicious files.
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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