Driver Updater (Virus Removal Guide) - updated Feb 2019

Driver Updater Removal Guide

What is Driver Updater?

Driver Updater is an unreliable system optimizer that prompts users to buy its full version

Image of Driver UpdaterDriver 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Once installed, the application immediately scans the device and, unsurprisingly, finds a large number of outdated drivers.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 scan examplesDriver 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 bogus scanDriver 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)

Driver Updater virusSeveral 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.

Offer
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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.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Driver Updater. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

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:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK. Uninstall from Windows 2

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

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 on Uninstall at the bottom. 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 Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

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

If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick Delete Advanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose Advanced MS Edge reset 2

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. 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 unwanted plugin 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 Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall. Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History. Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches. Reset Safari

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.

About the author
Olivia Morelli
Olivia Morelli - Ransomware analyst

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