PUP.Optional.Legacy ads: what it is and how to remove it
PUP.Optional.Legacy is a generic adware detection name used by multiple security tools. The 2020 guide noted this potentially unwanted program causes browser hijacking and performance issues.
Facts checked October 5, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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PUP.Optional.Legacy ads: summary
| Distribution | Software bundles, deceptive advertisements |
|---|---|
| Name | PUP.Optional.Legacy |
| Type | Adware |
| Also known as | PUP.Optional.Legacy[key]; Chrome Search Provider; Conduit |
| Symptoms | Intrusive commercial content, rerouted online traffic |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 5 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | PUP.Optional.Legacy |
| First seen | 29 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
Is PUP.Optional.Legacy ads dangerous?
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
PUP.Optional.Legacy is a generic name of adware found on the computer
PUP.Optional.Legacy is a term used to indicate the potentially unwanted program on the computer.
PUP.Optional.Legacy , Conduit, or Chrome Search Provider. However, the main idea means the same - your device is infected with the PUP. The warning about this intruder may appear out of nowhere because of the initial infiltration moment is usually not related to any adware-type symptoms.
Adware programs, similar to other potentially unwanted applications, infiltrate system through bundling and then start delivering intrusive commercial content to your browser directly. However, additional background processes that are used for victims' tracking can make your computer run slow.
PUP.Optional.Legacy is a name that appears on the screen as a possible threat. Your antivirus may display a different name, but the main issue is still infiltration of the unwanted program on your system and background activities. If you already noticed some changes in the speed of your browser or device, you may be aware that the program acts intrusive. You can associate these symptoms with adware-type intruder:
Although PUP.Optional.Legacy virus may deliver useful information about deals, offers, and coupons this is not the program you want to keep on the system. Since there is no value, you need to eliminate all related programs and files from the computer if you want to keep working on your device without the risk.
Users online complain about PUP.Optional.Legacy adware activity and persistence. It appears that developers install additional files on the system and even make changes on the registry to keep this PUP removal difficult. Also, all those bookmarks, toolbars, and extensions on your browser keep the intruder on your computer. You should manually remove them all and change browser settings to default, so there is no possibility of infection repetition.
Also, browsing online about this cyber threat revealed that detection might look like PUP.Optional.Legacy but with the additional name of software at the end. There are tons of different detections similar to this one, such as PUP.Optional.InstallCore or PUP.Optional.Yontoo.
The main thing you need to remember is that PUP.Optional.Legacy removal gives the best results when you use anti-malware tools for the job. It is because malware-fighting programs indicate all possible threats and terminate them altogether. A full system scan also improves the speed of your machine.
Remove PUP.Optional.Legacy as researchers advises you to - using tools like or the program you already received the alert from. We also have a few other options down below for reputable tools.
Remember that PUPs have a distinct feature of tracking users' data and starts collecting information about your browsing habits and most viewed sites or even location immediately after infiltration. Clean the system thoroughly and forget about redirects, pop-up ads, and other unwanted content.
- banners injected on commonly visited sites;
- pop-ups appearing constantly;
- random text turning into hyperlinks;
- additional extensions, bookmarks or toolbars installed on the browser;
- commonly visited pages looking unfamiliar;
- homepage or search engine changed.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Terminate PUP.Optional.Legacy and other related processes or programs
When it comes to PUP.Optional.Legacy removal it is not that difficult.
The name of detection frustrates people, and possible solutions may look too tricky. But we have a thorough virus elimination guide down below that gives you tips on every step of the process.
Remove PUP.Optional.Legacy using anti-malware tools and then check your browser settings for any unwanted changes. You need to perform this process with the help of professional tools to make sure no malware is left behind. In the future, keep your anti-malware up-to-date, so every possible threat is detected in time.
PUP.Optional.Legacy adware is not a program you should keep on your computer system. Unwanted activities will supposedly be performed on your computer and browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Explorer, and Safari might experience suspicious changes. Remove the adware as soon as possible to bring back the stability of your computer system and web browser applications.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on PUP.Optional.Legacy
- The detection name has been used by AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes anti-malware, so if you are using another anti-malware tool, you can receive different results, e.g.
- PUP.Optional.Legacy ; Chrome Search Provider; Conduit
- Install for PUP.Optional.Legacy removal and system cleaning
How PUP.Optional.Legacy ads got into your browser
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
In the world of cyber threats, developers employ various distribution techniques to spread their products around the internet.
The most common way of PUP distribution is software bundling when freeware providers pack their applications alongside unwanted programs like hijackers or adware. You cannot avoid this infiltration if you choose Default or Quick installations because the optional step is hidden when you skip through the process.
When opting for Advanced or Custom installations, you are given the opportunity to de-select intrusive applications and proceed with the installation of your necessary software. However, you can also avoid these intrusive programs if you choose your sources wisely. Using p2p services or non-official download websites cannot give you positive results all the time.
Another safety tip would be to download and install an antivirus tool that includes threat detection and removal functions. Make sure that this software is always updated, otherwise, some flaws might appear and prevent you from securing the system fully. If you take care of your antivirus software properly, it will be very handy for you.
How to remove PUP.Optional.Legacy ads
Do the browser steps in every browser and profile on the PC, then check Windows for the program that installed the extension.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
PUP.Optional.Legacy often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://extensions- Extensions and themes in Firefox
Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.
Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall PUP.Optional.Legacy
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10. Sort the list by install date and find PUP.Optional.Legacy, then choose Uninstall from the three-dot menu next to it (in Windows 10, click the entry and then Uninstall).
Remove anything else installed on the same day that you do not recognise, because such programs usually arrive together in one installer. If the uninstaller opens a browser page with an offer or a survey, close it: the program is removed either way.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Uninstall from Windows
Clean your device and forget about PUP.Optional.Legacy adware alerts
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.
Remove from Google Chrome
Get rid of PUP.Optional.Legacy related extensions, bookmarks or toolbars and block unwanted notifications by following this guide:
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.
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.
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)
Fix your Firefox after PUP.Optional.Legacy removal and reset the browser to default so additional apps can be removed
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.
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.
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.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
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 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 for the data restoration process.
Questions about PUP.Optional.Legacy ads
What is PUP.Optional.Legacy?
It is a generic detection name for adware found on computers, used by security tools like AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes. The term indicates your device is infected with a potentially unwanted program. Different antivirus engines may show variant names like Conduit or Chrome Search Provider, but they all mean the same thing—an adware infection.
The warning appears because these tools detected PUPs based on their behavior and characteristics rather than specific file signatures. Since initial infiltration typically occurs quietly, most users do not notice when the adware first installs on their systems.
How does PUP.Optional.Legacy get installed?
Adware programs similar to PUP.Optional.Legacy infiltrate systems through bundling with other software and deceptive ads. These programs arrive via freeware, cracked software, or third-party websites offering free downloads. Installation bundles hide additional programs in the installer, installed when you select Default or Quick settings.
Users rarely notice the adware installation occurring alongside desired software. Background processes used for tracking can be running without your knowledge. Once installed, the program begins delivering intrusive commercial content directly to your browser, regardless whether you use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
What are the main symptoms of PUP.Optional.Legacy?
You will notice banners injected on commonly visited websites and random text turning into hyperlinks. Additional extensions, bookmarks, or toolbars appear in your browser without installation.
Commonly visited pages look unfamiliar or modified. Your homepage or search engine changes without permission. Your browser may become noticeably slower due to background tracking processes.
Increased pop-ups and advertisements appear while browsing. Some users report unexpected browser crashes or freezes. These symptoms indicate adware is actively modifying your browser behavior and monitoring your activities in the background.
Why is it difficult to remove PUP.Optional.Legacy?
Developers install additional files throughout your system and modify registry entries to ensure persistence. The program resists standard uninstall procedures because it is embedded at system levels beyond normal removal methods.
Multiple bookmarks, toolbars, and extensions remain installed even after removing the main program. These components keep the adware active on your computer.
You must manually remove all related programs and files and change browser settings to defaults to achieve complete removal. Standard uninstall tools cannot reach all components created by sophisticated adware. This is why professional security software is necessary for thorough elimination.
Is PUP.Optional.Legacy the actual malware name?
PUP.Optional.Legacy may appear with additional software names at the end, such as PUP.Optional.InstallCore or PUP.Optional.Yontoo. There are tons of different detections similar to this one because adware developers constantly create new variants. The name varies based on which bundled program installed the adware.
Regardless of the specific suffix, all PUP.Optional detections indicate adware requiring removal. Your security tool determines the exact name based on its detection database and the specific characteristics of the adware on your system. What matters is removing all potentially unwanted programs indicated by your security tool.
How do I remove PUP.Optional.Legacy?
Use anti-malware tools like AdwCleaner or your system's built-in security software to scan and remove the adware. Run a full system scan to identify all related threats and potentially unwanted programs.
Anti-malware tools indicate all possible threats and terminate them altogether. After automatic removal, manually check your browser settings and reset them to defaults. Remove any suspicious extensions or add-ons from your browser.
Clear cookies and browsing cache completely. Check your installed programs list and uninstall anything unfamiliar. A full system scan with proper tools also improves your machine's overall speed after the adware is eliminated.
How can I prevent PUP.Optional.Legacy?
Download and install antivirus tools that include threat detection and removal functions, keeping them constantly updated. When opting for Advanced or Custom installations during software setup, you gain the opportunity to de-select intrusive applications.
Download software only from official sources rather than P2P services or non-official websites. Be especially cautious with freeware, as distributors often pack adware alongside their applications. Read the installation instructions carefully and avoid rushing through steps.
Choose your download sources wisely, as third-party sites frequently distribute compromised software. Keep your antivirus software properly maintained and updated so every possible threat is detected promptly.
Should I use PUP.Optional.Legacy removal tools?
Yes. Professional anti-malware tools remove PUP.Optional.Legacy more effectively than manual attempts. Use tools like AdwCleaner, Malwarebytes, or your system's built-in security software.
These programs are designed specifically to handle potentially unwanted programs that resist standard removal. After using removal tools, always restart your computer to complete the process. Verify that the adware no longer appears in security scans.
Check your browser for any remaining suspicious extensions or modified settings. If the adware returns, run additional scans with different security tools to ensure no components survived.
What happens after removal?
Your computer should run noticeably faster with reduced resource consumption. Browser performance improves as background tracking processes cease. Unwanted advertisements disappear and redirects stop occurring.
Your homepage and search engine return to your chosen settings. Browser stability improves without constant crashes or slowdowns. Most importantly, your online privacy is restored.
The adware no longer collects data about your browsing habits and activities. Maintain your security software to prevent future adware installation.
Keep all software updated with latest security patches. Continue practicing safe downloading habits to avoid future infection with PUP.Optional.Legacy or similar threats.
Will Fortect remove PUP.Optional.Legacy?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For PUP.Optional.Legacy, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Gdatasoftware: Potentially unwanted programs:much more than just annoying (read October 5, 2026)
- Mozilla: Online discussion about PUP (read October 5, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 5, 2026)