Remove Prupdater (Improved Guide) - 2020 update
Prupdater – adware which runs prime_updater.exe and similar processes in the background of the system
Prupdater is adware which starts running whenever you turn on your Windows computer system[1]. Also known as Prime Updater, this application performs its annoying activity once it dropsprime_updater.exe and similar executable files on the system which you can find in Task Manager. However, you can recognize Prupdater virus on your computer not only from this process. Once inside, it causes numerous ads redirecting victims to unknown pages because its main aim is to trick users into purchasing specific tools which are also considered as Potentially unwanted programs.
| Name | Prupdater |
|---|---|
| Alternative names | Pr Updater; Prime Updater |
| Type | PUP |
| OS affected | Windows |
| Activates when | The user starts his/her Windows computer and the main process prime_updater.exe is launched |
| Infiltration | Software bundles, rogue websites |
| Annoying features | Frequent advertising that promotes rogue tools, redirects to dubious websites |
| Prevention tips | Use the Custom/Advanced installation mode, get a reliable antivirus tool, stay away from questionable websites |
| Removal | Get rid of the app with no hesitation. Moreover, you can detect the damage with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego |
Once installed, Pr Updater adware[2] alters the system to start producing numerous ads which are very likely to appear in forms of pop-ups and banners. These ads are set to convince users into purchasing useless products or services, so make sure you ignore them. Besides, by opting for such offers, you can also provide your financial or personal data which can be used for identity theft.
Yet another feature of Prupdater is data collection which is typically initiated behind user's back. This type of adware cannot only gather browsing activity-related data but can also connect to personal information saved on your system. Such information relates to:
- pages visited;
- searched content;
- pictures and videos viewed;
- savings;
- IP addresses;
- and more.
Avoid this illegal activity by performing the Prupdater removal. You can choose to proceed with the process in two ways – the manual or automatical one. You can find manual elimination instructions below this article. However, the other method is much faster and effective. Additionally, you can install Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego to detect all “leftovers” that might be hidden by the adware.
There is more than one reason to remove Prupdater virus. This PUP can also take you to harmful websites. Even if the redirecting activity might seem not damaging at first, you might be brought to malicious pages which can relate in secret installation even of a Trojan horse[3]. So, be very careful with these programs, and even better, get rid of adware as soon as you spot it!
Prupdater - adware which displays misleading ads promoting fake or highly suspicious tools. The program is alternatively known as Pr Updater and Prime Updater.
Avoid ad-supported apps by using the Custom mode
Adware has more than one distribution technique. Most commonly, these programs spread with the help of bundling, when the PUP is downloaded together with regular software, or through rogue websites. Gladly, there are some methods that might help to avoid adware-related applications:
- Use the Custom/Advanced mode. This installation mode will allow you to check all incoming downloads and opt-out the unwanted components. Note that choosing the Quick/Recommended setting would be a mistake as it allows various unpleasant programs to “slip through”.
- Install an antivirus. Strong and reliable computer security software will protect the entire computer system and its components from dangerous cyber threats that might occur in your way.
- Stay away from rogue sites. Avoid entering any page on the Internet that you cannot recognize. Some of them might be provided by third-parties and filled with dubious or even malware-related content.
Take care of the Prupdater removal without any delay
According to cybersecurity experts[4], you should uninstall Pr updater to stop its potentially malicious activities completely. If you just stop prime_updater.exe process in Task Manager, it can reappear on your Windows system right after rebooting the computer. Remember, such PUPs travel around together with numerous components that are used to continue reinstalling the virus until the automatic removal option is not used in its elimination process.
To remove Prupdater virus with all its components, use the help of a reliable program and there will be no need to worry about anything. This method is more effective and lets the user deal with the cyber threat very fastly. However, do not forget to refresh all web browsers that were affected by adware!
To perform the Prupdater removal manually, check out our below-given instructions. However, as we have already mentioned, this method will require more effort and attention from you. You will need to delete all browser extensions and dubious add-ons from browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and so on. Make sure you eliminate all components related to PUP because, otherwise, it might renew itself with the next boot.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. 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.
To remove Prupdater, follow these steps:
Remove Prupdater from Windows systems
If you found prime_updater.exe lurking in Task Manager, uninstall Pr Updater by following this guide. You can also find it under the name of Prime Updater:
-
Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
-
If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
-
Uninstall Prupdater and related programs
Here, look for Prupdater or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
Erase Prupdater from Internet Explorer (IE)
-
Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons.
-
You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Prupdater and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
-
Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
-
Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
-
When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Prupdater removal.
Eliminate Prupdater from Microsoft Edge
To clean Edge from adware-related components, you should reset the browser by following these steps:
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
-
Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
-
Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
-
Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
-
Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
-
When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
-
Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, Prupdater should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
Delete Prupdater from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
-
Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions.
-
Here, select Prupdater and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
-
Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information.
-
Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete Prupdater removal.
Uninstall Prupdater from Google Chrome
To remove Prime Updater from Chrome, performing this procedure:
-
Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions.
-
Here, select Prupdater and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
-
Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
-
When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
-
Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
-
Click Reset to confirm this action and complete Prupdater removal.
Remove Prupdater from Safari
-
Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
-
Here, select Extensions and look for Prupdater or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
-
Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....
-
Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Prupdater removal process.
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 various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
About the author
If this free removal guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
References
- ^ Margaret Rouse. Microsoft Windows. Search Security. Tech info.
- ^ Adware. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Vangie Beal. Trojan horse. Webopedia. All about IT and computers.
- ^ Virusai.lt. Virusai. Remove malware safely.
Your opinion regarding Prupdater
You must be logged in to post a comment.