Driver Support (Tech Support Scam) - 2021 update
Driver Support Removal Guide
What is Driver Support?
Driver Support – a system optimization tool that is advertised as a premium technical support service
Driver Support is a legitimate application described as the only program on the market that finds the matching driver to the make and model of the consumer's PC hardware to reach the best PC optimization and prevention of crashes, BSoDs, and other Windows OS issues.
Even though this application can detect missing drivers, the only solution is to pay $9.99 per month to download them. Likewise, security experts categorize the application as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) because it most commonly spreads as an optional component in software bundles that can be downloaded from third-party websites.
To make matters worse, several reputable security engines detect this app and suggest removing it immediately. This is not surprising, as users complained about being tricked into paying for the app's license and not being able to uninstall the program easily.
Name | Driver Support |
---|---|
Category | System tools |
Related files | driversupport.exe |
Similar tools | Advanced Mac Cleaner, Winthruster, KMSPico |
Main issues | Reports about exaggerated PC issues; displays fake errors and other computer-related problems |
Main dangers | The money loss. The paid program's version is presented as the only way to fix the system |
Other problems | Continuous interruption by the program's ads and notifications, sudden redirects to sponsored websites |
Removal | You can safely remove this PUP by scanning your device with a reliable anti-malware tool |
system health | To properly fix Windows issues and delete all tracking cookies, you should use the time-proven FortectIntego PC repair tool |
Even though you can install the article's culprit by downloading it from the official website, people report that it also appears on the systems out of nowhere. According to the IT experts, developers of this PUP use a popular distribution tactic called bundling, which helps the application enter the computer unnoticed.
So, no matter that it is presented as an innovative tool, which can be used for detecting missing, out-of-date, and corrupted drivers[1], users are annoyed by the fact that they are not asked for permission to install the software and started calling it Driver Support virus in online forums.
While we do NOT claim that it is a malicious application, we want to warn you that it can lead you to some inconveniences. If you think that you are ready for its removal, you should follow a step-by-step guide or go to the program's official website and use the provided tips.
Furthermore, it seems that the most annoying issue that DriverSupport users typically discuss is its scan result notifications. According to them, these pop-up messages appear quite often and inform about an excessive amount of detected driver and optimization issues.
Even though there is a substantial risk that there might be some errors present on your computer, security researchers believe that these scan notifications can be pretty deceptive. In other terms, the developers might exaggerate the scan results to encourage users to purchase the program's registration key.
However, if you really think you need to improve your computer's performance, we suggest researching and choosing a more reliable system optimization software. In case you have already installed this tool and want to remove Driver Support, you can use the free elimination guidelines below this article.
You should try to find and then uninstall every component of this application to eliminate this program completely. A quick way to get rid of it is to use dependable security tools, such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. Merely download either of them and run a full system scan to clean your computer. Once that's done and your PC runs sluggishly, you should consider using a time-tested system diagnostics tool like the FortectIntego.
Reasons why PUPs appear on the system without your notice
As we have already mentioned, usually, people install this potentially unwanted program from its official website. However, if it has appeared on your computer without your consent, it might have sneaked into the system as an optional component of freeware[2]. This distribution technique can help infiltrate your PC with various PUPs without your notice.
In order to avoid potentially unwanted programs, you should choose only the Custom or Advanced installation method when downloading free programs from the web. In addition, experts[3] warn that you should uncheck checkmarks that claim that you agree to install “free additions” on your PC system.
As soon as it enters the system, this program scans the system and then shows a detailed Driver Support review. You will receive information about outdated drivers and similar issues. However, we must warn you that these alerts may appear every time when you decide to launch your computer. Before you pay for this licensed version of the app, we think that you should check the system with an alternative application.
Easy ways to get rid of the so-called virus
Note that the only reason why you might encounter the Driver Support virus term online is that this application can sneak into your system without your consent. Experts note that this system optimization tool is not malicious itself and more likely falls into the category of potentially unwanted programs that should be eliminated from the system.
Suppose you have decided that you want to switch to more reliable software and remove Driver Support from your computer. In that case, you have two easy options — manual or automatic elimination of the PUP. Regular computer users are advised to download and install an antivirus to help them uninstall this program automatically.
More advanced computer users can perform manual removal. Although, if you feel that you might need some help with the procedure, feel free to check the step-by-step instructions, which are appended at the end of this article. They are entirely free of charge.
Getting rid of Driver Support. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Driver Support registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting system tools
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
- ^ Device Driver. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ Liam Tung. Google: Unwanted bundled software is way more aggressive than malware. ZDNet. Technology News, Analysis, Comments and Product Reviews.
- ^ LesVirus. LesVirus. Malware, Spyware Removal Guides, Security News.