HomeGuard: what it is and how to remove it
HomeGuard is promoted as advanced parental control and activity monitoring application 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).
Facts checked October 6, 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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HomeGuard: summary
| 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. |
| 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 9 more facts
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | An unknown process in Task Manager |
| Files and processes | HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| First seen | 4 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Is HomeGuard safe? Why it is flagged
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Freeware bundling allows unwanted apps to enter PCs without authorization
Potentially unwanted programs are not viruses.
Typically, freeware is bundled 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.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on HomeGuard
- A full system scan with 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
- 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.
How HomeGuard got installed
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
HomeGuard is promoted as advanced parental control and activity monitoring application 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.
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:
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 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:
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 or to detect and eliminate it.
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.
- 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.
Check your PC and browser
- File:
HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe
How to uninstall HomeGuard
How to remove HomeGuard
Uninstall the bundle first, then everything it added:
- programs
- extensions
- changed browser settings
Step 1: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10, and sort the list by install date. Look at what appeared around the day the problem started and uninstall every program you do not recognise or did not choose.
Free converters, PDF and video tools, "system optimizers" and unknown browsers are the usual carriers of HomeGuard. If a name is unclear, search for it before you remove it, so you do not uninstall a driver or a Windows component.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 2: Remove it from startup
Whatever HomeGuard 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 3: 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 4: 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
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
Those who have never dealt with a PUP before, our security experts created an explicit guide on how to uninstall HomeGuard from Windows. Follow each step carefully.
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 add-ons can initiate advertising campaigns, trigger unwanted redirects, or track browsing activities. If you inadvertently installed the HomeGuard virus and a couple of dubious browsers objects were installed alongside, follow these steps to get rid of them.
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
The following steps explain how to eliminate unwanted add-ons from Microsoft Edge.
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
HomeGuard virus is currently not compatible with Mac OS.
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
If you have noticed HomeGuard ads on IE, it might be that you have downloaded an advertising plug-in along with this tool. Eliminate the main installer in the first place and then reset your web browser's settings as explained below.
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.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
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 or 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 may help to keep it optimized.
Questions about HomeGuard
Is HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe safe?
It depends on where the file is and who signed it, not on the name. Open Task Manager, go to the Details tab, right-click HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe and choose Open file location. A file inside Program Files or System32 with a valid digital signature from a known company is usually part of a legitimate program.
A file in AppData, Temp or ProgramData with no signature, especially one that restarts itself after you end it, is suspicious. If you cannot tie the process to anything you installed, uninstall recent unfamiliar programs and run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
HomeGuard-Installer_x64.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 HomeGuard-Installer_x64.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.
Do I need special software to remove HomeGuard?
No. Windows has everything needed:
- Installed apps for the uninstall
- the Startup list and Task Scheduler for what restarts it
- Windows Security for a scan afterwards
The steps in this guide take about fifteen minutes. A dedicated tool is a convenience when you would rather not check each place yourself or when the program keeps coming back.
Whatever you use, finish by confirming that an unfamiliar process called HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe in Task Manager is gone after a restart, and avoid downloading removal tools from pages that promote them through scary warnings.
HomeGuard has no uninstall option. What now?
Some unwanted programs leave no entry in Installed apps on purpose. Find the program's files instead:
- open Task Manager while an unfamiliar process called
HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exein Task Manager is visible - right-click the process
- choose Open file location
End the process, then look in that folder for an uninstall file. If there is none, delete the folder after checking that it holds nothing you need.
Before deleting, remove the startup entry and any scheduled task that points to it, otherwise it may be recreated. A restart and a full scan in Windows Security finish the job and catch files stored elsewhere.
Does HomeGuard use a lot of resources?
It depends on the program, and no measurements have been published for HomeGuard. The sign reported is an unfamiliar process called HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe in Task Manager. Check for yourself: open Task Manager, find its process and watch the CPU, memory and network columns for a minute while the PC is otherwise idle.
Steady use with nothing open is a strong reason to remove it. Even if it seems light, it may run more processes under other names, so sort Installed apps by date and remove anything else from the same day. Then restart and compare.
Can HomeGuard see my passwords?
There is no report of that. Unwanted programs make money from ads, offers, data about your browsing or the use of your connection, not from stealing passwords, and the sign reported here is an unfamiliar process called HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe in Task Manager.
That said, a bundle can contain more than one program, and you cannot be sure what else ran on the day it arrived. After removing HomeGuard, run a full scan in Windows Security.
If it finds a password stealer or a trojan, change your passwords from another device. If the scan is clean and you see no unknown sign-ins, there is no need to change them.
Should I call HomeGuard malware?
Most security vendors would call it a potentially unwanted program rather than malware. The difference is intent and consent:
- malware hides and harms
- while unwanted programs are installed with a click someone barely noticed
- then do more than expected
The sign reported here, an unfamiliar process called HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe in Task Manager, is typical of the second group. In practice the label matters less than the result.
Whatever it is called, a program you did not choose should go, and the place it came from should be checked for other programs. Microsoft Defender can block this class of software if you switch on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security.
How do I know if I need HomeGuard?
Ask three questions. Did you install it on purpose? Have you ever opened it?
Does anything you use depend on it? If the answers are no, you do not need it. The sign that brought you here, an unfamiliar process called HomeGuard-Installer_x64.exe in Task Manager, suggests it arrived without a clear choice.
Programs bundled with free software rarely do anything their host program needs. Uninstall it, restart, and see whether anything you rely on stops working. If nothing does, which is the usual outcome, you can forget about it.
Will Fortect remove HomeGuard?
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 HomeGuard, 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
- Dieviren: SICHERHEIT- UND SPYWARE-NEUIGKEITEN (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 6, 2026)