Remove Driver Update Plus virus (Removal Instructions) - updated May 2020
Driver Update Plus – a dubious application that uses scare tactics to make users purchase its licensed version
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.
Questions about Driver Update Plus virus
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 |
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| 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 Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego |
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 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 Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego 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.
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.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove Driver Update Plus virus, follow these steps:
Uninstall Driver Update Plus from Windows systems
Below, we present manual Driver Update Plus removal instructions that you should follow attentively, to get this fraudulent application out of your system.
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Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
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If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
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Uninstall Driver Update Plus and related programs
Here, look for Driver Update Plus or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
Eliminate Driver Update Plus from Mac OS X system
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If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Driver Update Plus or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Erase Driver Update Plus from Internet Explorer (IE)
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Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons.
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You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Driver Update Plus and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
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Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
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When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Driver Update Plus removal.
Delete Driver Update Plus virus from Microsoft Edge
If after Driver Update Plus appearance on your system, you have been noticing strange new browser extensions and add-ons – eliminate them without hesitation.
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
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Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
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Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
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Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
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When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
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Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, Driver Update Plus should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
Remove Driver Update Plus from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions.
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Here, select Driver Update Plus and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
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Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information.
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Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete Driver Update Plus removal.
Get rid of Driver Update Plus from Google Chrome
To eliminate all the consequences of Driver Update Plus hijack, make sure you review the extensions and add-ons on your Chrome and delete unfamiliar ones.
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Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions.
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Here, select Driver Update Plus and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
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Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
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Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
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Click Reset to confirm this action and complete Driver Update Plus removal.
Uninstall Driver Update Plus from Safari
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
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Here, select Extensions and look for Driver Update Plus or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....
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Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Driver Update Plus removal process.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
About the author
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References
- ^ Chris Hoffman. PUPs Explained: What is a “Potentially Unwanted Program”?. How-to-geek IT news site.
- ^ Henry T. Casey. Adware Attacks Macs with Fake Flash Updates. Tom's Guide. Tech Product Reviews, Top Picks and How To.
- ^ Deceptor Apps. AppEsteem. Application certification body.
- ^ Freeware vs. Shareware. Diffen.com. Compare anything.
December 9th, 2016 at 9:12 am
Same stuff as other fake tools like Backup Genie n stuff…
December 9th, 2016 at 9:13 am
Cant remove