Prime Updater virus (fake) - Jun 2021 update
Prime Updater virus Removal Guide
What is Prime Updater virus?
Prime Updater is the fake system optimizer also categorized as a PUP
This PUP that brings the primeupdater.exe process and runs it via Task Manager
Prime Updater, also known as PrimeUp!, is presented as a program that can automatically update all software on users' PCs. After installation, the tool provides a false list of pending updates while truly downloading other rogue apps such as adware (in some cases, even viruses) that interact with locations such as Windows Task Manager, Registry, and web browsers. Regarding this fact, the application might bring unwanted advertising and redirecting activities along its side. Continuously, security experts tend to classify it as a potentially unwanted program[1] as it infiltrates users' machines without permission.
SUMMARY | |
Name | Prime Updater |
---|---|
Type | Potentially unwanted program/fake software updater |
Related process | The suspicious program brings the primeupdater.exe file into the system and launches the process in the Task Manager section |
Risk | Medium. Even though potentially unwanted applications are not categorized as dangerous computer viruses, they might relate to the installation of other PUPs or even malware |
Distribution | Third-party applications are spread by relying on a deceptive technique known as software bundling. PUPs can come bundled in software packages that are downloaded from websites such as softonic.com, soft32.com, download.com, cnet.com |
Location(s) | If the virus lets some other rogue products infiltrate your computer system, you might experience alterings in your Windows Registry, Task Manager. Also, browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, Edge, or Safari might face changes |
Elimination recommendations | Download and install reliable anti-malware software if you want to get rid of the potentially unwanted program in an easier and safer way. Also, you can follow the step-by-step guidelines that are added to the end of this article |
System/file repair | If you have found some corrupted components on your computer system that are a result of the PUP attack, you can try repairing the objects by using a tool such as FortectIntego |
When users launch their browsers, on the right bottom corner, they find the application icon. In addition, users, who are used to check Task Manager occasionally, will find it running the primeupdater.exe process. Furthermore, the application shows the list of currently available updates for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Skype, Adobe Flash, and other popular programs. However, they are all fake. It’s easy to check if the program is playing with you.
For instance, if it delivers an update for Adobe Flash, visit the official site and install all available updates (if there are any). Within few minutes the application will show you “new” updates for Flash.
Indeed, it’s a trick to convince people into agreeing to install suspicious components on their device that might mess up the system. Nevertheless, fake Flash Player updates are very popular amongst adware and malware spreaders.
Even though you can find the app promoted on primeupdater.com this program mostly spreads in software bundles. Thus, it might enter the system silently and without asking for direct permission.
Once it’s installed, it creates a shortcut on the desktop and starts displaying misleading offers to update software. As we have mentioned in the beginning, this system tool is capable of installing other potentially unwanted or even malicious programs in the form of an update.
The fake software updater that displays misleading program upgrade information
Users might also notice a multitude of advertisements displayed on their Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or other browsers. These ads can be in various forms, including pop-ups, deals, offers, coupons, etc. This content might cover up the background of legitimate websites and disturb web browsing sessions. Additionally, redirects might lead victims to hacked, phishing,[2] or malware-ridden websites.
You will supposedly experience such activities if Prime Updater virus downloads an ad-supported application to your computer system. Even though adware is not dangerous malware, it might display various surveys and prize claims that require entering personally identifiable information. Be careful and do not share any important data as you might end up with a stolen identity or money from your bank account afterward.
Thus, in order to avoid the infiltration of malware and disturbed browsing sessions, you have to remove the infection immediately. It should be enough to uninstall this program from the Program’s list in the Control Panel. But sometimes, it manages to show up again. It’s possible that this application installs additional components that re-installs it after deletion and they are mostly found in the Registry section.
The PUP can be terminated in two ways – by using reliable software or step-by-step instructions that are added to the end of this article. After Prime Updater removal, check for possible file corruption. If some system components appear to be damaged after the occurrence of suspicious activities, you can try fixing them with a repair program such as FortectIntego as it might allow you to bring some components back to their previous positions.
Potentially unwanted programs infiltrate users' PCs via bundling
Developers of unwanted programs apply the bundling technique to spread their applications. This software marketing method allows adding applications as an optional component in a software package. These potentially dangerous programs might be attached to any freeware or shareware.
Prime Updater virus - a rogue updater that enters the computer system by relying on bundling technique
Thus, users who do not install new free programs carefully might unintentionally agree to install suspicious programs. When installing new programs, you have to choose the Advanced/Custom installation wizard because it reveals the list of “optional downloads.” Meanwhile, Quick/Recommended settings do not have this function and install third-party components by default.
However, choosing Advanced settings is not enough. Also, you have to follow each of the steps carefully and unmark all pre-selected entries. What is more, you should also read the Terms and Agreement, EULA,[3] and Privacy Policy of the downloaded program. It helps to make sure that you do not agree to install the PUP or other malicious apps.
According to experts from LesVirus.fr,[4] you should also be aware of third-party downloading websites that hold unreliable software and where adware might be injected also. These pages are known as softonic.com, soft32.com, download.com, and cnet.com.
Prime Updater can be removed in two different ways
The PUP removal might be performed either manually or automatically. First of all, we suggest trying to get rid of this program manually. If it still shows up, then opt for the automatic option.
Therefore, go to the Add or Remove Programs (or Uninstall Programs) in Control Panel. Look through the list of installed programs. Once you find application, double-click on it and follow the uninstallation wizard. We also recommend looking up other suspicious applications that might have also sneaked into your computer. It goes without saying that you have to uninstall them as well.
A rogue application that might bring other PUPs or even malware to the computer system
Then, check all your web browsers and remove suspicious extensions[5] too. We also suggest resetting the browser’s settings in order to get rid of all virus-related entries. However, if this suspicious system tool still shows up, you should use additional help. In this case, you should remove the Prime Updater virus using a reputable anti-malware program.
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.
Getting rid of Prime Updater virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
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.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- 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
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.
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
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 Prime 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 system tools
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
- ^ Margaret Rouse. PUP (potentially unwanted program). TechTarget. The network of technology-specific websites.
- ^ Karrar Haider. How to Recognize a Phishing Site and What to Do If You Gave Away Your Credentials. MakeTechEasier. Technology site.
- ^ Erez Zukerman. 4 Ways To Read & Understand An End User License Agreement (EULA) More Easily. MakeUseOf. The website about technology and, gadgets and Internet.
- ^ LesVirus.fr. LesVirus.fr. Security and spyware news source.
- ^ Browser extension. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.