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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • System tools
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · May 2020

How to remove Driver Update Plus virus

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Gabriel E. Hall · Passionate web researcher

Driver Update Plus – a dubious application that uses scare tactics to make users purchase its licensed version

Driver Update Plus

Driver Update Plus is a potentially unwanted application[1] that should not be trusted. The program is allegedly designed to update drivers for Windows operating systems automatically, although it notoriously fails to do so. Additionally, the developers are also using  scare tactics in order to make victims believe that their machines are in trouble, despite their actual condition.

Just as many other rogue apps of this kind, Driver Update Plus can be downloaded via a promotion on a random website, although most users notice software installed on their machines without permission. This happens due to deceptive distribution techniques that the app developers use, including software bundles, fake Flash Player updates,[2] and even scam messages encountered on malicious websites.

Name Driver Update Plus
Type Potentially unwanted program, rogue driver updater
Developer Energizer Softech PVT LTD
Related files DriverUpdater.exe
Infiltration Potentially unwanted applications are usually distributed via software bundles downloaded from third-party sites, although users might also encounter it when visiting malicious sites that show fake claims about computer's security or lack of mandatory components (online scams)
Symptoms 
  • Scans reveal that the machine is in trouble due to missing drivers
  • Pop-up ads ask to install the full version of the app
  • The app launches automatically due to a scheduled task set up during the installation
  • When trying to fix found issues, users will be redirected to the payment page
Risks  Users may lose money after they purchase a full version of Driver Update Plus, as the app will fail to update drivers that are actually needed (the app simply does not work). Also, users may be offered to install other potentially unwanted programs and suffer from increased amount of advertisements
Removal  The application is known to leave its components behind after its termination. You can attempt to uninstall the program manually as explained below, but we recommend also performing a scan with the anti-malware tool 
System fix  The program can negatively impact the system by installing wrong drivers, which could result in errors, crashes, BSODs, and other issues. To repair your operating system, use tools like FortectIntego 

Drivers are a fundamental part of any Windows operating system, as its software that allows hardware components (such as graphics card, motherboard, network card, etc.) and external input/output devices to operate properly. The discrepancies come due to the high customization of Windows OS, as parts are developed by different manufacturers and then combined into a single working machine. While some drivers might only cause issues, others will simply render hardware non-functional.

Since users are not very familiar with drivers and why they are needed, the demand for such tools like Driver Update Plus is huge. In general, updaters of this kind are highly discouraged by security and IT experts, as incorrect drivers might completely mess up the operation of an otherwise healthy operating system.

Once inside the system, Driver Update Plus will perform a scan of the system, seemingly checking for the outdated drivers. However, none of these detected issues are trustworthy. If the driver is updated manually, the app will still show users that it needs updating. Besides, if users choose to use the app to update drivers, it will lead them directly to the payment page where they will be asked to spend different sums of money (based on their geo-location).

Driver Update Plus virus

Driver Update Plus does not need to employ web browsers to generate ads and other sponsored content. Instead, it can install and operate on the system directly, meaning that pop-ups, system scan notifications, and upgrade suggestions that this questionable software generates are seen regardless of whether there is a network connection or not. Besides, those who do not upgrade will be constantly reminded that their system is in danger due to seemingly missing drivers – this behavior can only be stopped with Driver Update Plus removal.

There are many more suspicious behaviors that Driver Update Plus exhibits, including:[3]

  • Uses “high alert” colors (red, orange) in order to make users believe that the issue is critical (even though it is bogus);
  • Creates new scheduled tasks without user permission;
  • Is impossible to shut down via the system tray, as it only gives an option to open it instead;
  • Falsely claims that it is partnered with Microsoft and Norton;
  • Leaves various components behind after the uninstallation, etc.

Driver Update Plus malware has been developed by an Indian company called Energizer Softech PVT LTD. Interestingly enough, no clearly structured information about other products that this company has produced exists on the web. Nevertheless, after some research, we have discovered that the company is not new to the malware business and has already released a bunch of other questionable applications such as Game Booster, PC Booster, etc.

Thus, it is only natural to presume that Driver Update Plus will not be a miracle either. In fact, the research shows that 66% of all the users that have installed this program on their computers recommend to remove it. Besides, their opinion can be backed up by the reports of security software developers who claim their products detect DriverUpdater.exe as malware. That is why you should not ignore the appearance of unfamiliar programs on your computer and remove Driver Update Plus ASAP.

Since DriverUpdaterPlus might leave a variety of traces after its termination and proceed to show ads, we also recommend resetting the installed web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another browser and also scan the machine with FortectIntego to check for Windows system damage.

Fake driver updates and other software is typically downloaded unintentionally

Even if you haven’t been looking for a driver updater or any system optimization program whatsoever, it has probably entered your PC by deception. In other words, the malware creators have added the PUP to the software package of some popular freeware or shareware [4] application, which you have unknowingly downloaded and installed on the computer.

This is not an uncommon way to distribute malware around, so you should be aware that there are many threats that are spread via software bundle packages that can be downloaded from third party sites. In some cases, the accidentally installed software can completely corrupt your system, flood it with ads, result in crashes, and so on.

Driver Update Plus PUP

Thus, don't rush the installation, scan the downloaded software package with an antivirus program, follow the installation steps one-by-one, and always pick Advanced settings instead of Recommended ones. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to prevent something more major than a fraudulent driver updater.

Take on Driver Update Plus removal by yourself

If you do not investigate the Driver Update Plus virus a little closer, it sure may seem like a decent application that dwells on the pushy side concerning the pop-ups. Be careful – this is exactly what the virus creators want you to think. They don’t want you to remove Driver Update Plus before they have accomplished their plan and swindled some money from you.

Nevertheless, you should stay resilient to such claims and get rid of this useless program as soon as possible. You can try to eliminate the PUP by following our instructions below, although it is known to leave traces after termination. Thus, for a thorough Driver Update Plus removal, run automatic antivirus scanners on your computer. Besides, such a scan can ensure that no other malicious software is present on your device.

Uninstall from Windows

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

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

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

Remove from Google Chrome

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

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

Did this guide help?

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2 comments

  1. Poppy

    Same stuff as other fake tools like Backup Genie n stuff...

  2. arnose86

    Cant remove

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