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  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Malware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · May 2020

How to remove HomeGuard

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

Alice Woods · Likes to teach users about virus prevention

HomeGuard belongs to the group of the potentially unwanted program (PUP) due to inappropriate distribution method

HomeGuard PUP

HomeGuard is promoted as advanced parental control and activity monitoring application[1] allowing patterns to keep their children away from pornographic websites, offensive content, shady gaming platforms, and other inappropriate content. While many people approve the app for its user-friendly interface, multi-functionality, and other features, cybersecurity researchers have already included it in the database of potentially unwanted programs (PUP).

HomeGuard app is not dangerous and, from the initial inspection, the functions it is programmed to perform are working. However, despite the fact that the application is available on the official website and third-party download sources like cnet, its download has been found bundled with other freeware and shareware.

Name HomeGuard
Type Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) / malware
Reasons for classification HomeGuard is not a virus. Experts classified it as PUP due to stealthy distribution technique, known as bundling. Its free trial has been found added to freeware as a pre-selected “optional download”
Related files HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe
Danger The application is not dangerous. Normally it is used for parental control to prevent children from visiting adult-content websites, as well as monitoring their activities. However, it may infiltrate PCs without being noticed and prevent regular users from browsing the web. Besides, it may get inside in a bundle with other PUPs that generate intrusive ads, cause redirects or use third-party cookies
 Is removal required? If you installed the application willingly and feel satisfied with its service, no HomeGuard removal is required. However, if you did not install it intentionally, we strongly recommend eliminating it without a delay. 
Uninstall methods  The tool can be eliminated manually or automatically. The method is optional, though we recommend using a professional anti-malware program to eliminate the whole bundle of unwanted freewares
Recommended A full system scan with FortectIntego tool is recommended after HomeGuard uninstall. Unwanted programs can initiate changes within Windows system that have to be undone with the help of optimization utilities

This relatively new application (added to third-party download sources in March 2020) seems to be gaining popularity among parental society. The key features of the app include:

  • Porn filtering
  • Websites blocking by name or URL, blacklists and whitelists
  • Block access to blocked websites in a predefined list
  • Screenshots capture
  • Restrict programs/games usage times or completely block a program
  • Keylogger Tool
  • Web search monitoring and blocking
  • Restrict Internet and computer usage times
  • Detailed program usage statistics
  • Web files content type blocking
  • Network monitoring and blocking
  • USB storage media monitoring and blocking
  • Monitor and block deleting and moving of files, etc.

The HomeGuard trial version can be downloaded and tested for 15 days. After a free trial version expires, the user has to pay a $49 one-time fee for one year's subscription. Despite the fact that the functions this application offers are really handy for parents in this digital world to keep a close eye on children, the app might get inside the system without being noticed and start implementing its blocking activities without being asked for. 

According to dieviren.de[2] experts, the HomeGuard virus is actively distributed bundled with free applications in a form of  HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe. Usually, it is represented in an explicit way by indicating its purpose, functions, and the fact that it's not free to use. Nevertheless, its free trial version is often an additional installer of various download managers, PDF converters, media players, or games, which is why it may spread in the disguise of Quick or Basic installation option as a pre-selected component. 

The term HomeGuard virus is not the one that fits best. Atypical or aggressive behavior, such as advertising campaigns or data tracking behind one's back, is not the key tasks of this application. However, if it manages to infiltrate PCs without being noticed and enables its service without an explicit user's permission, the user may assume that there's a virus on the system. 

HomeGuard malware is capable of blocking hundreds of websites, limit internet access, register keystrokes, and initiate other activities. The tool comes with a long database of blacklisted sites and is programmed in a way to block suspicious content without informing about that. All it shows is a generic window saying “No Internet connection.” 

Thus, if the program is installed on the system without being noticed, the user of a host PC or another device may encounter multiple connectivity issues, encounter many problems when trying to download apps, visit forums, play games or participate in other online activities. Besides, a fact of being continuously tracked and registered can make users feel uncomfortable. 

Apart from questionable installation and unapproved performance, it may be difficult to uninstall HomeGuard. As one of the users reported:

I recently installed Home guard pro 4.1.1 on my laptop cos I wanted to monitor whats going on on while I'm away. I tried uninstalling it today, but I can't seem to find it in my installed programs even third party softwares can't find the application. But its still running on my pc and I can't launch the application.. No activity when I open the app.

It may be difficult to remove HomeGuard virus because it has been designed to run in a silent mode and disguise itself to prevent children from eliminating it. Therefore, the main installer may not be placed in a regular Programs and Features location. Therefore, you should carefully check the system for unknown installers manually or use anti-malware programs like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to detect and eliminate it. 

HomeGuard scanner

Anyway, if this monitoring tool has been installed on your device along with another freeware, make sure to remove HomeGuard virus and all its package. Otherwise, your PC may start working in an abnormal way. Not only access to particular websites may be limited. You may also notice an excessive amount of ads, redirects to third-party websites, or find your web browser hijacked. 

Besides, when a free trial version expires, you may start getting annoying reminders to purchase the license key to keep using the service. Those who are not intended to use the service should perform HomeGuard removal without any delay. 

Freeware bundling allows unwanted apps to enter PCs without authorization

Potentially unwanted programs are not viruses. Typically, freeware is bundled[3] with infamous free plug-ins and add-ons that seek access to web browsers where various advertising campaigns can be initiated or browsing data leaked. Besides, free trial versions of charged applications are also frequently promoted via freeware to increase the number of potential users. However, it's very annoying when the unwanted application starts displaying popups urging to purchase a license. 

Anyway, the freeware installation process has to be monitored all the time to prevent PUPs from installing on the system. Additional applications are always disguised under Quick or Basic installation techniques and, since they are pre-checked, clicking the Next button grants access to any of 'optional downloads'. To disjoint the bundle, you should:

  • select either Advanced or Custom installation options;
  • read Terms and Conditions provided on each installation setup window;
  • unmark checkboxes saying that you agree to install add-ons, plug-ins, etc. before clicking the Next button;
  • reject the installation of freeware at any time of the process if it turns out to be suspicious. 

HomeGuard blocks hundreds of blacklisted websites

Learn how to initiate HomeGuard removal automatically and manually

HomeGuard removal is the first thing that you should do if this app entered the system without being asked. Since it's not a virus, its installer should be placed among other Windows apps. Therefore, search for it manually, right-click if detected, and select Uninstall. 

If, however, you cannot remove HomeGuard virus because its installer is hidden, try using a professional anti-malware program to get rid of it. Try SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes tools. Upon the successful elimination of PUPs, we also recommend fixing damage that unwanted programs might have triggered. According to experts, applications like this can cause changes within Windows registries and logs, thus scanning the system with FortectIntego may help to keep it optimized.  

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

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