Skip to content
Spyware news
  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Apr 2021

How to remove Putlocker virus

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

Putlocker is a set of domains that provide links to pirated movie and series streams and may also host malware like HTML/ScrInject.B

Putlocker adware

Putlocker is a site that was first established in the UK back in 2011 under the putlocker.com domain, and its primary purpose is to allow users to stream thousands of movies and TV series for free. Since its founding, the website got popularised by various events, such as Megaupload closure in 2016, and its main domain was changed multiple times. As it is common to numerous online streaming sites, Putlocker is banned in several countries and also led to multiple arrests[1] due to copyright infringement violations. 

Besides being an obvious concern for content authors, Putlocker has also not been so kind to users who prefer to visit it. Over the years, multiple copy-cats enabled malicious versions of the domain (such as putlocker9.com),[2] as reported by Malwarebytes in 2016, and visitors could infect their computers with threats like HTML/ScrInject.B or other malware. Besides, users also reported that Putlocker ads had been a major problem on Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and other browsers, as notifications were spamming them with intrusive content.

To remove Putlocker ads, users may have to locate and uninstall a potentially unwanted program on their computers (such as a malicious extension or a standalone application) or disable the previously-enabled notifications from the site via the web browser settings – we explain how to perform all of the actions in the bottom section of this article.

Name Putlocker
Type Adware/Malware
Main dangers It can take you to malicious websites and infect your system with malware like RATs or shady trojans
Domain names www0.putlocker.cl, putlocker.co, putlocker.is, www5.putlockers.net, ww2.putlockerfree.sc, putlockertv.to, 123putlocker.info, www.putlockers.me, putlockers.pro, putlocker.style, www2.putlocker.vip, putlocker.vc, putlockers.bz
Activities Putlocker specializes in hosting file index lists that lead users to online streaming content, such as movies and TV series, which can be viewed for free (in some cases, illegally)
Copyright issues The website was blacklisted in the UK by a High Court order in 2016; Motion Picture Association of America listed Putlocker as a major piracy threat
Issues The developers of Putlocker are known to change the domains frequently due to them being banned by several bodies worldwide – this led to multiple copy-cat sites that are injected with malware or intrusive and potentially dangerous ads
Removal If you visited one of the domains by Putlocker, you should immediately scan your computer with security software to find the intruder as soon as possible. Additionally, if you see multiple redirects and other commercial content on Google Chrome or another browser frequently, you should check your machine for adware – we provide instructions below. Finally, if you noticed intrusive pop-up notifications from the site, you should disable them via browser settings as explained below
Recovery To keep your machine running smoothly after the infection, we suggest you scan it with FortectIntego. If can fix all the corrupted system files and restore normal operation of the OS in just a few minutes

Putlocker website has a bit of a shady past. According to research, it has been reported as a piracy-related threat and also blocked by a High Court order three years ago.[3] As you can see, even the original version of this domain might cause trouble for you and your computer system, so you should avoid using it if you want to ensure full machine safety.

There have also been many complaints about the Putlocker virus from different types of users. For example, one person reported that its ads kept appearing on Google Chrome constantly and that he or she had major problems when trying to get rid of them.[4] A macOS user also complained that he/she encountered annoying sliding ads while using the Chrome browser.[5]

Furthermore, technology experts have even been releasing reports about the questionable safety that Putlocker Ads provides. In general, downloading copyrighted content from the site is illegal and even punishable by local laws.

Nevertheless, if you do want to risk it and want to visit such sites, we highly advise you use tools like ad-block extensions that can prevent malicious Putlocker ads from installing malware on your machine automatically. These ads are often inserted by hackers illegally, and they can ensure the placement of malicious ads by simply exploiting known vulnerabilities.[6]

Putlocker ads

Putlocker notifications, ads, and other issues

Putlocker virus is known for its intrusive advertising capabilities. This intruder might appear on any type of web browser and start pushing a lot of advertising content straight to your desktop. Nevertheless, this PUP provides a “Show notifications” dialogue box and tries to convince users to click on the “Allow” button for ad display.

Nevertheless, if you have been dealing with Putlocker virus recently, you might even have received some rogue offers from its website directly. The app might offer Putlocker Premium Membership as a free product, also, it tries to convince users to buy other sponsored services for a membership:

Buying the services from our partners you will get Putlockers Premium Membership. Two in One!

Putlocker can not only push banner ads and pop-ups but it can also perform redirecting activities. Once you visit a third-party website that relates to this service and click somewhere on the page, you might be taken to another domain. Usually, it is a sponsored source which lacks recommended protection and might include malicious objects.

According to researchers, the Putlocker virus can be related to a big variety of third-party domains. Some of them appear to be named like this:

  • ao8k.bikereddint[.]info.
  • e367.bikereddint[.]info.
  • uo3w.bikereddint[.]info.
  • fx8e.bikereddint[.]info.
  • p8.bikereddint[.]info.
  • dh3e.bikereddint[.]info.
  • dnu0.bikereddint[.]info
  • lva1.bikereddint[.]info.
  • pixel.bikereddint[.]info.
  • p7.bikereddint[.]info.
  • p1.bikereddint[.]info.
  • p5.bikereddint[.]info.

Avoid any possible danger that Putlocker virus might cause and stay away from its services. If you are interested in watching movies online, search for a trustworthy network, and avoid piracy websites. Be aware that visits to odd websites might relate to successful malware installation which later on will supposedly relate to severe and hardly-repairable machine damage.

Putlocker virus

However, if you have only been receiving ads from Putlocker occasionally or some offers to use its services, you can try using an ad-blocking tool on your browser app. If that does not help, try these steps:

  • Launch the browser that has been troubling you with an ad flow.
  • Locate the menu in the upper right corner of the window.
  • Enter Settings and Advanced.
  • Find the Notifications section and search for any Putlocker or other suspicious domains.
  • Remove the dubious websites from the list.

If this guide did not appear to be helpful, you should use reputable anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for the Putlocker virus removal process. These programs are very handy because they are capable of completing full system scans, detecting, and removing infections in a single scan.

Additionally, we recommend using FortectIntego to ensure the corrupted system files are fixed, and the OS is not crashing or experiencing other aftermaths of malware infection. These alleged streaming platforms and TV show watching sites often are considered illegal, so free-to-use doesn't always mean positive things.

Additionally, after you remove Putlocker virus from your computer system with the help of anti-malware software, you can do a repeated check on your browsers. Look at the bottom of the page and find instructions on how to refresh browser applications such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge.

Putlocker malware

Distribution methods of adware programs

According to tech experts from LesVirus.fr,[7] having adware on your system should not be a surprise if you are a common visitor of third-party networks such as piracy websites, porn pages, or online gaming services. The best thing to do here is to stay away from such unknown content and enter only official and trustworthy pages.

Additionally, be aware that software bundles of original programs might plant adware on your computer if you are downloading this type of software from secondary sources. A tip for you would be to use only original installers and opt for the Custom/Advanced configuration instead of any Quick or Recommended modes.

Furthermore, having an antivirus program on your system will not hurt. Get a reliable tool that includes as many protective features as possible and does not be afraid to invest in your own security as if you do not take care of your machine safety later, you might deeply regret it when having to deal with malware.

Removal techniques for Putlocker virus and its siblings

You should use reliable anti-malware for Putlocker removal if you have been dealing with this threat constantly. You can choose a specific tool from our provided list or any other type of software from your wantings. However, if you are looking for manual instructions, take a look below.

If you opt for manual elimination, make sure to remove Putlocker virus correctly. This includes completely cleaning all infected web browser applications such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Explorer, and Safari as the adware program might have left suspicious components (extensions, plug-ins) in these directories.

If an anti-malware scan did not find anything malicious on your device and you are still seeing Putlocker notifications, you can get rid of them by following these instructions:

Google Chrome

  • Go to Menu > Settings
  • Click Advanced
  • Under Privacy and security, select Site Settings and then Notifications
  • You should see Putlocker under Allow
  • Click More Actions and then choose Block

Safari:

  • Select Safari and then Preferences…
  • Under Websites tab, choose Notifications
  • Click on Putlocker an pick Deny

Mozilla Firefox:

  • Click Menu and select Options
  • Pick Privacy & Security section and select NotificationsPutlocker notifications
  • Go to Settings – you should see Putlocker entry
  • Click on the drop-down menu and pick Block
  • Save Changes

MS Edge:

  • Click More and pick Settings
  • Choose View advanced settings
  • Go to Advanced
  • Pick Manage permissions
  • Locate Putlocker and turn off notifications by toggling the switch to the left

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

Be the first to comment

Log in to post your comment
Log in to comment
Editor's pick · tested 2026

Fortect Intego

9.4 / 10 9.6 / 10 Best overall pick
  • Real-time ransomware shield
  • Free 14-day trial, no card
  • Cleans the threats listed above

Ad — we may earn a commission if you buy via this link.

Get protected →Get protected → Read our full review Read our full review

Still worried? Run a free check.

Scan a URL or domain in seconds — no install, no signup. Powered by 60+ engines.

Trusted by 2.4M+ readers this year.

Spyware news
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze traffic. Some cookies enable embedded content like videos and social posts. Choose what you allow — you can change this anytime.