Phoenix Browser Updater (virus) - spam

Phoenix Browser Updater Removal Guide

What is Phoenix Browser Updater?

Phoenix Browser Updater is a questionable tool used to push false messages about needed upgrades and installations

Phoenix Browser Updater virus illustration

Phoenix Browser Updater is a misleading web browser's extension, which claims to be able to inform its users about pending web browser's updates and provide their downloads. Sometimes, its developer (not specified) can represent it as a “shopping assistant” or “useful tool for improving web browser's performance.”

In fact, the virus is not useful in any way. It's a potentially unwanted program (PUP)[1] and adware, which injects potentially dangerous components into a web browser and PhoenixBrowserUpdater.exe file into Windows Startup. The successful infiltration is followed by web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge) malfunctioning. By saying “malfunctioning,” we mean that:

  • PUP can start generating intrusive ads (pop-ups, banners, hyperlinks, interstitials, etc.);
    The browser can regularly be redirected to suspicious domains. According to experts, this misleading updater is related to Webalta.ru.
  • It may reduce PC's resistance to malware and install other suspicious programs (TheWorld Browser, Chromium Updater, PMB Updater, Stellar Phoenix, are just a few examples);
  • Experts from BedyNet.ru[2] warn that this software utility might contain cookies, which once enabled leak Search Data and other personally non-identifiable information[3] to unaffiliated third parties.
Name Phoenix Browser Updater
Type Adware, Potentially Unwanted Program
Issues The program causes redirects and pop-ups with promotional messages about fake apps and updates
Distribution The application can get installed during the insecure freeware installation process when the malicious site is visited or a pop-up ad gets clicked on
Elimination Terminating the program can be easier if you rely on an anti-malware tool
Repair Try running the FortectIntego and find all the affected parts that require recovery

Despite the resemblance of the names, this virus has nothing in common with Phoenix ransomware. The malware is not capable of encrypting personal files or initiate other system's changes directly. However, it can expose people to dangerous web domains filled with malware, rogue software, or services. Thus, you should remove Phoenix Browser Updater from the system as soon as you notice its symptoms within the web browser.

Judging from the content of the affiliated websites, the virus seems to be oriented to Russian-speaking users. However, since it spreads by “bundling,” it can be installed in any country. It may spread as the optional component of freeware.

If the user agrees to install it, it injects the PhoenixBrowserUpdater.exe file Windows startup and keeps running multiple processes within Task Manager. The original location of the virus is %LOCALAPPDATA%\Phoenix Browser Updater, so if you opt for its removal, you should check this patch and delete the main executable of this PUP.

Manual Phoenix Browser Updater removal is possible, so if you opt for trying it, the removal tutorial given at the end of this post can help you. Nonetheless, we would recommend using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or another professional security tool to eliminate all related components.

Showing Phoenix Browser Updater malwareThe potentially dangerous web browser extension can display misleading ads and redirect the web browsers to unsafe content

PUPs are installed along with free software

PUPs like adware and browser hijackers solely rely on freeware and shareware as a distribution medium. For the sake of monetization, developers of free apps agree to attack web browser extensions and plug-ins as optional downloads.
However, there's a catch. PUPs are hidden under Quick/Recommended installation methods, so when people opt for these methods and hasten the installation by hitting the Next button, they inadvertently permit to the installation of the whole software package.

To prevent this from happening, people should always opt for Advanced or Custom installation each time they install new software. These options will unpack the software bundle and allow deselecting of unwanted apps. Just in case, after installing the application that you opted for, scan the system with a professional anti-malware to check if PUPs did not manage to sneak inside somehow.

Delete the questionable program to stop malicious activities

The intruder removal is the only option that you have if you want to prevent browser redirects, ads, data leakage, and similar unwanted activity. You can do that manually. Make sure to disable Phoenix Browser Updater.exe process, eliminate malware from the AppData folder, and then reset your web browser's settings.

If you want to remove Phoenix Browser Updater quickly and ensure the successful elimination of each file, we would recommend using reputable anti-malware. It will not only speed up the procedure but will also ensure the removal of corrupted registry entries and other related components.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Phoenix Browser Updater. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

Instructions for Windows 10/8  machines:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK. Uninstall from Windows 2

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Delete from macOS

Remove items from Applications folder:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
  3. Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash) Uninstall from Mac 1

To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
  3. In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
  4. Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files. Uninstall from Mac 2

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 on Uninstall at the bottom. 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 Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

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

If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick Delete Advanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose Advanced MS Edge reset 2

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. 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 unwanted plugin 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 Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall. Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History. Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches. Reset Safari

After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Phoenix Browser Updater registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

How to prevent from getting adware

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 Private Internet Access 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 Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Jake Doevan
Jake Doevan - Computer technology expert

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References
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