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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • System tools
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Feb 2021

How to remove PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

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

Ugnius Kiguolis · The mastermind

PC HelpSoft Driver Updater – an updating software that's flagged as a potentially unwanted program

PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

PC HelpSoft Driver Updater is an app that claims to update out-dated Windows drivers. In reality, it might offer updates for non-existent devices through false positive detection. It also pushes its licensed version, which claims to increase downloading speeds by ten folds, update all drivers automatically, and offer driver backups and restore options. So when you want to fix those issues, you need to purchase the full version of the tool that is useless as well as the free app.

More than a few anti-malware tools identified PC HelpSoft Driver Updater virus as a potentially unwanted program[1] (PUP for short) and have blocked it. The main goal of this PUP is to trick people into believing that it's solving vital technical issues and sell them its commercial license.

Users shouldn't use this software, as all Windows drivers can be perfectly updated through the Windows interface without any need for shady updaters. If you believed the fake updater campaign and installed it, know that it's not malicious, but it still slows down your device. This article explains how to get rid of it and not fall for such tricky campaigns again.

name PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
type Fake system tool, PUP
Symptoms Slower internet connection, slower overall device performance, notifications popping up at the bottom right corner
Issues The PUP shows false positive detection of new drivers for devices that are not related to the machine tool is running on
Aim To sell the full version of the app and promote other online content
Distribution This fake updater is offered through its official websites, but can also come as a piece during the bundling installs
detection names PUP.Optional.Avanquest, Win32.Application.PCHelpSoft.A, PUA.Avanquest!8.1070F (CLOUD), PUP.SystemOptimizer.dd!c, Program.Unwanted.4792[2]
Removal The best way to get rid of any suspicious programs or files is by scanning your device with reliable anti-malware software
System repair System repair tools such as the FortectIntego app should be used to restore any damage that system files and settings may have endured

There's a bunch of various PUPs that claim to improve different aspects of your device. Like PC Gold Optimizer, some can promise to improve overall PC performance, while others might purport that they will increase internet speed, protect from malware, and clean browsers. Their only goal is to convince users to buy their paid versions, which are as useless and the free ones.

PC HelpSoft Driver Updater states that it will renew driver software. As soon as it's launch and the scan is completed, it shows false positive detections. It claims that drivers for some imaginary devices are out-dated. And them users are immediately pushed to “Register Now”, or in other words, purchase the full version.

That happens in every step of this PUP. It will try to push its licensed version by showing various misleading claims from opening it till it's closed. Windows users have to remember one thing – no additional software is needed to update your driver software, Windows Update takes care of that.

PC HelpSoft Driver Updater PUP

If you fell for the misleading advertisement campaign or were tricked in any other way to download and install this PUP – it's ok. We all make mistakes. There are far more hazardous creations lurking on the internet. Since it doesn't do anything that is supposed to, it's time to remove PC HelpSoft Driver Updater from your computer.

The best way to do it is by using trustworthy anti-malware software. If you don't have one, we recommend acquiring either SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. PC HelpSoft Driver Updater removal can be done manually through Windows Control Panel. Still, only by scanning your device with anti-malware software you can be sure that no other PUP or malware is installed.

Afterward, please don't forget to use a proper system repair tool to fix any system irregularities. Cybersecurity experts from Uirusu.jp[3] highly advise using the powerful FortectIntego tool to fix all system-related issues. Messy Windows Registry can cause crashing, severe lag, and other abnormal PC behavior.

Avoid deceptive ads that claim you have pc issues

Potentially unwanted programs are delivered in many different ways. Deceptive ads are one of the most popular delivery techniques. Usually, users are told that their drivers are out of date, that they have malware infections, that their software is out-dated, and other lies.

PC HelpSoft Driver Updater virus

People have to realize that no website is able to determine whether their computers have any issues. These techniques are used to scare people into downloading and installing a PUP and then, through false positive detection, convince them to spend their hard-earned money on useless software.

These rogue tools can come as additional pieces during insecure installations from torrent sites or p2p services. Always go for Advanced or Custom installation options and make sure to avoid any suspicious pages and advertisements that promote tools, applications for your browser.

Remove PC HelpSoft Driver Updater virus and clean up your device

PUPs can advertise other crapware, so keeping them is risky. Furthermore, if it doesn't do any good, then there's no point in keeping it. That's why users should remove PC HelpSoft Driver Updater from their Windows devices. Relly on Windows Update to update your drivers. No additional tools are needed for that.

One more thing about PUPs is that they can alter Windows Registry. That could lead to freezing, BSoD, and other system-related issues. Hence, after a successful PC HelpSoft Driver Updater removal, use a powerful system repair tool to fix system issues and clean up your device.

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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