EasyXplore: what it is and how to remove it
EasyXplore is a free desktop toolbar app for Windows that creates an impression of a legitimate search tool. However, it's yet another potentially unwanted program (PUP) that is being actively promoted via hyperlinks on shady websites and freeware downloads.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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EasyXplore: summary
| Distribution | The toolbar can be downloaded from the official website. However, typically it is installed after clicking on hyperlinks positioned on the affiliate websites or along with freeware |
|---|---|
| Name | EasyXplore |
| Classified as | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) / browser hijacker |
| Compatibility | Windows OS |
| Symptoms | The main symptom – a simple black search toolbar installed directly on Windows desktop. Aside from that, search results may be generated via an alternative search engine, people may receive loads of ads and popups, the performance of the system may diminish, etc. |
| Danger | This PUP is not dangerous. It's a free app that can be used if the user approves of such service. However, it may get installed without permission, run background processes, display sponsored content among search results, or harvest search data. Thus, it is not recommended using. |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 7 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | Loader |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| File names | easyxplore-setup.exe |
| First seen | 28 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What EasyXplore does on an infected PC
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
EasyXplore is a potentially unwanted program that injects unwanted toolbar and generates sponsored search results
EasyXplore is a free desktop toolbar app for Windows that creates an impression of a legitimate search tool.
However, it's yet another potentially unwanted program (PUP) that is being actively promoted via hyperlinks on shady websites and freeware downloads. Its installer easyxplore-setup.exe can also be downloaded right after clicking on click-to-download ads. Although technically PUPs are not malicious, they can implement unpleasant activities, diminish the system's performance, and even provoke the installation of malware.
The cybersecurity community started referring to this toolbar as a virus when people flooded forums with a question on how to uninstall easyxplore app. Although it's promoted as a "simple, but efficient desktop browser," it runs various background processes, installs a direct search toolbar on the Windows desktop, can promote sponsored Yahoo search, and load many commercials during web browsing.
Such modifications are as intrusive as potentially dangerous due to misleading content that may be presented to the users. Moreover, upon the browser's hijack, this toolbar may regularly record and share people's browsing history, thus posing a risk of privacy violation.
Information on what is EasyXplore and its functionalities people can find out visiting its official website. However, in short, it's promoted as an easy-to-access desktop-based search toolbar, which has a go back / forward and refresh functions. Besides, it is supposed to display Google-based search results.
One user on Reddit provided an overview of the easyxplore toolbar and, in fact, expressed likes for its performance. However, he pointed out that it lacks some features, for example:
Nevertheless, there are more negative references to this toolbar than positive. In fact, the most common discussions related to it on online forums escalate easyxplore removal problems. It turns out that it may not be easy to delete this application from the system even though it has a direct uninstaller.
Cybersecurity experts from novirus.uk initiated research on this PUP and claim that easyxplore removal can be disrupted by additional processes that it runs in the background of the system. The processes associated with it are the following:
Usually, these files are located in the following directories:
- c:\$Recycle.Bin\S-1-5-21-1747808641-3243463197-911884978-1001\
- System32
- AppData\Local
- System32\Tasks
- similar directories
However, even knowing the package of files that belongs to the easyxplore virus is not a solution because detecting and disabling them manually may be difficult or impossible.
If you have installed this PUP accidentally, use programs like or to remove easyxplore completely. This way, you will ensure the successful elimination of the entire software bundle. Besides, don't underestimate the need to recover the system after malware infiltration. Compromised registries and other side effects can lead to various disruptions and significant slowdowns.
As we have pointed out before, this questionable toolbar is not malicious. However, it may be a reason why your web browser's settings have been altered without your permission, why you keep being redirected to questionable websites, or why you see intrusive ads all the time. Beware that easyxplore redirects can be used for promoting affiliate websites the content of which is not controlled by this policy of the toolbar.
Moreover, easyxplore spam can be extremely intrusive. The toolbar may inject ads on every website that you visit or turn random texts into hyperlinks. An accidental click on any of these commercials can trigger the browser's redirects thus disrupting your activities and posing a risk of being exposed to dangerous domains. Here's an excerpt from the EULA :
Last ground why you should consider the easyxplore virus removal is related to privacy issues. The PUP may be continuously gathering browser-based information, such as search queries, IP addresses, visited domains, clicks, geolocation, and similar. If you are not fond of sharing it with third-parties, the elimination of this intruder is all you need to do.
- No extensions allowed;
- No availability to access browsing history, bookmarks, and download list;
- Shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + T do not work;
- Private browsing option missing;
- No settings introduced (themes, clear cache, history data, autofill data, saved passwords, etc.).
- $RT6JV30.exe (often flagged by AV engines as malicious). It is described as easyxplore Update process.
- EasyXplore.exe is the main executable of the program. You may not be allowed to delete the app as long as this process runs in Task Manager.
- easyxploreUpdate.exe
- npeasyxploreUpdate3.dll
- psuser_64.dll, etc.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Means used to disseminate Potentially Unwanted Programs
Potentially Unwanted Programs or PUPs include programs such as adware and browser hijackers under the list.
These programs are non-dangerous, though they lack users' choice in many aspects, including installation, changes of settings, content delivery, or removal.
If you don't want to end up with intrusive apps hijacking your web browser, it's important to remember that this type of threat is usually downloaded with some freeware or shareware. As the most typically PUP bundlers, PDF converter, download managers, software updates (from third-party websites), games stand in the priority.
Experts recommend people to be cautious with apps promoted on third-party sites such as cnet.com, download.com, and softonic.com. They monetize free services by bundling apps with additional installers often. If, however, you need an app from these sites, make sure to select the Advanced or Custom installation technique.
This way, all setup windows will be disclosed to you, including the ones containing preselected optional components. All you have to do is to remove checkmarks placed aside additional offers.
Besides, be careful on websites that your browser redirects you to. Misleading pop-up ads, software update promote or hyperlinks can also work as click-to-download content leading to PUP infiltration.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on EasyXplore
- People who seek to remove easyxplore malware can use a free manual elimination tutorial submitted by our technicians.
- However, it is advisable to get rid of it using a professional AV tool, especially it has been installed via freeware.
- This application might have initiates changes in AppData, Local, System32, and other directories.
- Our Service may contain links to external sites that are not operated by us.
- We strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy and terms and conditions of every site you visit.
How to check the PC for EasyXplore
- File:
easyxplore-setup.exe
How to remove EasyXplore
A loader's job is to install other malware, so treat the PC as infected with more than one program until the scans are clean.
Step 1: Check where easyxplore-setup.exe runs from and stop it
easyxplore-setup.exeis the part you can see, and its location tells you whether it belongs there. Right-click it on the Processes page of Task Manager and choose Open file location, then right-click the file > Properties > Digital Signatures to see who signed it.An unsigned file, or one in a user folder such as
%AppData%, is the one to remove: end the task, then delete the file.Note the folder name, because the same folder usually holds its other files. This is the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Full procedure with screenshots: Close a frozen app (Task Manager, Force Quit) On uGetFix
Step 2: Delete scheduled tasks that bring it back
Open Task Scheduler from the Start menu and click Task Scheduler Library. Select each task you do not recognise and read the Actions tab:
- a task that starts a file in
%AppData%or%Temp% - runs
powershellwith a long encoded line - opens a web address belongs to EasyXplore or a similar program
Right-click such a task and choose Delete, and check the subfolders too. Leave tasks from Microsoft, your PC's maker and programs you use. Task Scheduler is the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Task Scheduler Library, the task selected, the Actions tab shows the file it runs. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
- a task that starts a file in
Step 3: Remove it from startup
Whatever EasyXplore installed usually starts with Windows. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to Startup apps in Windows 11 or the Startup tab in Windows 10, and disable what you do not know, starting with entries that have an empty Publisher column.
Open file location on the right-click menu shows the file, which helps you decide and tells you what to delete later. Disabling is safe: if something you need stops working, switch it back on.
Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix
Step 4: Delete the folders left behind
What the uninstaller leaves behind is usually in the user folders. Open File Explorer, switch on View > Show > Hidden items (in Windows 10 View > Hidden items), and go through
%LocalAppData%,%AppData%, %ProgramData% and the two Program Files folders.Sort by Date modified and delete folders that appeared together with the problem and belong to no program you use. Folders with random names that hold
.exe,.dll, .js or .ps1 files are the strongest sign.Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 6: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions
Assume that the passwords saved in this PC's browsers, and the accounts that were open in them, are known to the attacker. From a phone or a clean computer, change the e-mail password first, then banking, shopping, social and gaming accounts.
Use each service's option to sign out of all other sessions, because stolen cookies keep a session open even after a password change. Turn on two-step verification on each account. Wait with the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC until the scans are clean.
Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Uninstall from Windows
Get rid of EasyXplore toolbar with the help of these instructions.
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Remove from Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser, so it's not surprising that it becomes the primary target of unwanted browser-based apps. If you can't stop intrusive EasyXplore spam ads, follow this guide:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- 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 suspicious extensions 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.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
If you see any reference of the EasyXplore virus on Microsoft Edge, we highly recommend resetting its default settings.
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- 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.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- 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.
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
EasyXplore malware removal options
EasyXplore removal is the only remedy to disable unwanted toolbar from your desktop and finish intrusive redirects to unwanted websites.
Note that this PUP is typically distributed along with other suspicious programs, so experts recommend removing it with the help of automated software utility.
If, however, you want to remove EasyXplore by yourself, you can find a specific guide at the end of this article, which contains a step-by-step tutorial with illustrations helping you to navigate the procedure. This particular malware is compatible with Windows OS only, so stick to the guide for this OS.
If you cannot uninstall EasyXplore because of an error message saying that this app is in use, open Task Manager and disable the main executable, which should be disclosed as EasyXplore.exe. After that, remove the main installer and reset your web browser's to disable related extensions and cookies.
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Your passwords after EasyXplore
Removing EasyXplore does not undo what it may already have sent out while the PC showed an unfamiliar process called easyxplore-setup.exe in Task Manager.
Treat saved browser passwords and logged-in sessions on this PC as known to the attacker.
From another device, change the e-mail password first and end all its sessions. Then do the same for the bank, PayPal, Microsoft, Google and Apple accounts. Stolen session cookies keep working after a password change until you sign out everywhere.
Move crypto to a new wallet created on a clean device. A step-by-step order for every kind of account is in our guide to account security after an infection.
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 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 for the data restoration process.
Questions about EasyXplore
Is easyxplore-setup.exe a virus?
The name easyxplore-setup.exe is not enough to say. Malware often uses technical-sounding names, and harmless updaters often use odd ones. Check three things:
- the folder the file runs from
- the Digital Signatures tab in its properties
- the program that starts it (Startup apps, Task Scheduler or services)
A signed file from a company whose product you use is almost certainly fine. An unsigned file in a user folder that no installed program explains should be removed, and the PC scanned with Microsoft Defender in offline mode.
easyxplore-setup.exe keeps coming back. What should I do?
A process that returns after you end it has a restart mechanism, and that is a reason to treat easyxplore-setup.exe as unwanted. Check Settings > Apps > Startup, Task Scheduler and the Services list for entries pointing to its folder, and disable them.
Look in Installed apps for anything added the same day and uninstall it. Then delete the folder and run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan, which works before Windows starts and can remove files that are locked or hidden while the system is running.
Can I just delete easyxplore-setup.exe?
Deleting easyxplore-setup.exe by hand rarely removes EasyXplore. While the trojan runs, Windows may refuse to delete the file, and if you succeed, a scheduled task, a service or a second copy may bring it back at the next restart.
The file can also be only one part of the infection: loaders and remote access tools often install other programs. Use the Microsoft Defender offline scan, which removes the file together with its startup entries before Windows loads, and then check startup items and scheduled tasks as described in the plan.
What are the signs of a trojan infection?
Most trojans try to leave no visible signs, so look for side effects. Common ones:
- Windows Security turned off or unable to update
- new entries in Startup apps or Task Scheduler
- programs in Installed apps you did not install
- browser settings that changed by themselves
- unusual network activity while the PC is idle
- password-reset or login-alert e-mails you did not trigger
None of these proves an infection on its own. Together with an antivirus alert naming EasyXplore, they are a strong reason to follow the full plan.
Why didn't my antivirus stop EasyXplore?
New trojan builds are packed and changed often so that signatures do not match, and some are signed with stolen or bought certificates. Many arrive inside password-protected archives, which scanners cannot open until you extract them.
Some downloads also tell the user to turn off the antivirus "because it gives false alarms", a common line in cracked software instructions. Keep real-time protection on, never disable it for an installer, and run the offline scan whenever you suspect something slipped through.
Can EasyXplore spread to other devices on my network?
Most trojans aimed at home users stay on the PC they infected, but an attacker with remote access can look at the network, open shared folders and try passwords on other devices. Loaders sometimes deliver worms or ransomware that do spread.
Disconnect the PC while cleaning, run a full scan on other Windows PCs, change the router's admin password and the Wi-Fi password if they were saved on the infected PC, and update the router's firmware. If other PCs show the same detection, treat them as infected too.
Should I reset my PC because of EasyXplore?
Only if the signs point to deeper access. Reset when you see an unfamiliar process called easyxplore-setup.exe in Task Manager again after removal, when Windows Security cannot start or update, when remote access tools you did not install keep appearing, or when you simply cannot trust the PC any more.
Otherwise, the plan in this guide plus an offline scan is enough. If you do reset, choose Remove everything and Cloud download for a fresh copy of Windows, restore only documents and photos, and reinstall programs from their official sites. Change important passwords from the clean system afterwards.
Is a trojan infection worth reporting to the police?
If there was harm, yes. Unauthorised payments, accounts used for fraud, blackmail or a remote session during a scam call all belong in a report, and banks often ask for its reference number before they refund anything.
If antivirus caught EasyXplore before it ran and nothing was misused, there is nothing to report. Keep the evidence anyway:
- protection history
- the original download
- the dates
Businesses may also have to notify a data protection authority if personal data could have been accessed.
Can a normal remote support program be a backdoor?
Yes. Tools such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer and ScreenConnect are legitimate, but whoever controls the account behind them controls the PC. Scammers install them during fake support calls, and some trojan campaigns install them silently because antivirus programs do not flag a genuine, signed product.
If you find one you did not set up, uninstall it, check Startup apps for related entries and change passwords from another device. If money or accounts were involved, call your bank and report the incident.
Will Fortect remove EasyXplore?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For EasyXplore, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- HowTo Geek: PUPs Explained: What is a "Potentially Unwanted Program"? (read October 7, 2026)
- Reddit: So what is EasyXplore browser/application/toolbar? (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 7, 2026)