Driver Updater is an unreliable system optimizer that prompts users to buy its full version
Driver Updater is a potentially unwanted program that may inflict damage to your computer by downloading and installing wrong drivers
Driver Updater is a bogus driver updater software created by the infamous PCVARK and can be download from driverdetails.com. The application is meant to keep the Windows computer up to date by automatically updating drivers for various PC components. However, the truth is that Driver Updater shows exaggerated or even fake scan results in order to make users believe that their computer is highly unstable. However, as soon as they click on the “Update” button, they are led to a payment page which asks for $29.95 every six months. Essentially you are paying for a tool that can not only compromise your device but also will charge your credit card every six months until you cancel the subscription (which on itself might be quite complicated). Regular Windows users rarely need driver updates, unless they are using their PC for gaming or video editing; and even then there are official tools that can update the computer for you.
Summary
Name
Driver Updater
Type
Scareware
Category
Potentially unwanted application
Developer
PCVARK
Distribution
Software bundling, promotion campaigns, official website
Main dangers
Installation of incompatible drivers that might corrupt system operation, as well as money loss due to useless application
Elimination
Check out our instructions below
Recovery
Use FortectIntego to restore normal operation of the device
PCVARK is a notorious PUP publisher and distributor, with creations like Mac Auto Fixer, Advanced Password Manager, Malware Crusher, and the infamous Advanced Mac Cleaner under its belt. These apps, along with Driver Updater, are mostly distributed with the help of software bundling and are also actively promoted via advertisement campaigns.
Once installed, the application immediately scans the device and, unsurprisingly, finds a large number of outdated drivers. Driver Updater shows numerous entries, all in red, claiming that the system is in danger, making unaware users quite concerned. Fake system optimizers are designed to scare the user, creating the illusion that the only way to fix their device is by paying for the full version of the program.
Based on social engineering, Driver Updater works very similarly to tech support scams, apart from that these are usually shown on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or other browsers. They claim that the PC is infected with malware, and the only solution is to download bogus software or call the criminals. It is all a hoax, and Driver Updater removal should be performed before it can inflict damage to the system.
Driver Updater is rough PC optimization software that can sneak into the system unnoticed and trick you into purchasing useless program.
To remove Driver Updater, you should check our guide below. In some cases, the potentially unwanted program[1] might install additional apps to your system without your permission. In such a case, use security software that specializes in PUP elimination, such as Malwarebytes. Once complete, we recommend using FortectIntego for system recovery – it can remove registry entries created by the PUP and fix other damage done by Driver Updater virus.
Why drivers are important and why you should not employ bogus software to update them
As we already mentioned, drivers[2] are an important software component that keeps the operation between hardware and software compatible. In some cases, new released can improve the performance of the device and patch the bugs. However, these releases are relatively rare, and most regular users do not need to update their drivers to keep the normal functioning of the machine.
Generally, you should only update drivers if you are having problems with a device, for example, graphics card. However, you most certainly do not need tools like Driver Updater to do so, as it costs you money and can download wrong drivers, compromising the device.
You can rely on tools like official Nvidia Geforce Experience or AMD application to update drivers securely. Additionally, there are other two options: using Device Manager and downloading them from the official websites. Remove Driver Updater bloatware and do not pay – it is merely a scam and will not provide your computer with anything useful.
Driver Updater finds numerous outdated drivers.
Driver Updater tricks
We downloaded Driver Updater to check out its functionality. It found 17 outdated drivers (allegedly back from 2006) and prompted us to update them immediately. We proceeded, and the application was offered to us for $29.95. We declined and continued with Driver Updater uninstallation.
As soon as we entered the Control Panel and selected the program to remove it, we were immediately redirected to the “75% discount offer” and now offered the application for $5.99. We can assure you that it is typical PUP behavior, and no legitimate software developers would do that. That is another reason you should not trust Driver Updater and its developers – it is merely a scam that tries to take your money.
Finally, multiple AV engines recognize the threat as potentially dangerous and mark it as:[3]
FileRepMalware
a variant of Win32/GT32SupportGeeks.M.gen
PUA/GT3Geeks.EC
Hoax.Win32.DeceptPCClean.abi
W32.Deceptor.Driverupdater
driverdetails.com Driver Updater (PUA)
Several AV vendors recognize the application as malicious.
Distribution methods and download sources of the PC optimization software
Driver Updater has an official website that offers to download it directly. Additionally, you can find it available on various file-sharing sites, P2P networks, and similar free download sources. Of course, we do not recommend using them.
However, authors of the program also take advantage of software bundling method that allows spreading it in freeware or shareware packages. It means that this tool can be offered to download with any free program or sneak into the system unnoticed if you do not pay proper attention to the needed software installation.
Specialists from LesVirus.fr[4] note that using Recommended or Standard settings are the easiest way to install PUPs without realizing it. These settings do not reveal about additional components. To avoid unwanted apps, you have to use Advanced or Custom settings only and opt out pre-selected optional downloads.
Uninstall Driver Updater and other PUPs
You can remove Driver Updater from Windows computer just like any other program. Navigate to Control panel, find it and click Uninstall button. However, if you accidentally installed in a software bundle, you have to look up for other unwanted entries that may have been installed too.
To quickly find and eliminate suspicious components that may have been installed on your device, you should opt for automatic Driver Updater removal. All you have to do is to scan the computer with updated and reliable security software.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. 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.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows
Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Check for the suspicious programs and browser extensions that may have been installed together with Driver Updater. Remove all these entries as shown below to get rid of the PUP entirely:
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.
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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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.
Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
Click Safari > Clear History…
From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
Click Safari > Preferences…
Go to Advanced tab.
Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
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 Updater 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
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 from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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