Remove MirageISO virus (Free Guide)

MirageISO software earns money for its developer while pushing intrusive ads

The picture showing the risk posed by MirageISO program

MirageISO operates as a program that is supposed to assist users in mounting ISO files. At first glance, this tool may seem handy, especially if you need to mount such types of files often. However, the problem is that the program connects to a remote website^[1] and downloads files which, therefore, meddles with the browsing traffic.

As a result, you will be directed to shopping sites that include a pay-per-click^[2] monetization tactic. The more users visit the pages, the more money the developer earns. However, a user does not benefit in any way. If you want to keep this app installed, you either have to deal with the intrusive behavior or look for alternative applications that do not engage in advertisements.

Name	MirageISO
Type	Adware
Distribution	Third-party websites, software bundles
Symptoms	Delivers intrusive ads
Uninstall	You can get rid of the browser hijacker by either scanning the device with antivirus software or following manual instructions
System fix	After the elimination of adware or malware, we highly recommend running a scan with Fortect Intego repair software

In fact, such interference with browsing sessions might only make the browser as well as the PC more vulnerable to virtual infections. Make a rush to remove MirageISO if you want a smoother and better browsing experience. If you are having difficulties doing so, entrust the procedure to Fortect Intego or Malwarebytes Malwarebytes.

Such programs should not reside on a system. First of all, even if they perform their promoted function, its side-effects might significantly outweigh the latter. The fact that the app connects to external sites enforces suspicions that it can download files of dubious content as well.

Its tendency to direct to sponsored domains does not leave a positive impression either. You might be exposed to virtual threats. Without a doubt, the functionality of the app offers useful features (mounting ISO and similar files might be required sometimes), there are free apps that will not spam you with ads and possess the exact same capabilities.

Dubious promotion technique

Another significant negative aspect of this PUP is its transmission technique. It is promoted as an optional software to freeware. Since users tend to skip the installation instructions, they fail to notice the optional programs. As a result, hitting the “Install” button only accelerates the installation of optional components.

The program mainly spreads using this method. It is unlikely that you will see ads on any site. Overall, think twice before downloading any program. Opt for “Custom” mode to spot add-ons. Remove the checkmarks from them and proceed further.

The image denoting MirageISO PUP

Uninstall MirageISO completely

You can delete the program manually via the Control Panel or Apps and Features. Ensure that no files remain. Run the scan with malware elimination software. It can also below you remove the PUP. In addition, it would be useful to check whether it did not leave any registry entries.

Click on Windows+R, type regedit and click Enter. Once the program opens, opt for Edit section and choose to Find next option. Type the name of the program. If it finds any files, delete them. If you cannot uninstall the program manually, launch Task Manager, find mirageISO.exe and end the task.

After completing manual program's removal, scan the device again. Not only English but users of other countries, for instance, Denmark^[3], should be wary of this rogue program.

Uninstall from Windows

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.

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.

Remove 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.

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

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.

Remove from Google Chrome

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.

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.

How to remove MirageISO virus

MirageISO software earns money for its developer while pushing intrusive ads

Dubious promotion technique