Remove WebExplorer virus (Removal Instructions)

WebExplorer is an untrustworthy Chromium-based browser that can replace Chrome and hijack browser's settings aggressively

WebExplorer browser

WebExplorer is a Chromium-based^[1] browser developed by Better Cloud Solutions LTD aiming to simplify people's browsing experience. However, it has been classified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware that needs to be removed from the system without a delay. Scanning the system with a professional anti-malware tool will show that the Click HERE to start the WebExplorerBrowser Installer_22732y-0F_.exe file is a malicious bundler.

WebExplorer application removal is one of the most common topics escalated on security-related forums since both Mac OS and Windows OS users find this browser difficult to eliminate. According to people, looking at the design the browser impersonates Google Chrome browser, however, it looks rather fishy due to loads of commercial content (pop-ups, ads, banners, hyperlinks within texts, etc.) and redirects to search.webexplorer.co search no matter what website the user attempts to visit. Note that this doubtful browser has been developed for advertising purposes, so it can hardly improve the web browsing experience. All it does – replaces a default browser, its start page, search engine, new tab window, alters extensions, and other settings to take full control over people's browsing activities.

Name	WebExplorer
Developer	Better Cloud Solutions LTD
Classification	Potentially unwanted program (PUP)
Compatibility	Mac OS and Windows OS
Distribution	This malware has an official website. However, it can hardly be found on the Internet by accident. It turns out that this browser is most actively distributed by bundling. Besides, people may be redirected to its download website regularly if affiliate adware is already installed on the system
Symptoms	Clicking on any link by default opens the WebExplorer browser; Browsing the web ends up with redirects to search.webexplorer.co search; Default start page and search engine replaced; Start page and random websites display many ads; Most of the search results are sponsored; You cannot get rid of WebExplorer as it keeps resetting itself as a default browser; “Please Update WebExplorer” pop-up emerges while browsing;
Related files	WebExplorerBrowser Installer_22732y-0F_.exe
Danger	This PUP is not as dangerous as a virus. However, it is primarily used to promote third parties and misleading websites, thus posing a risk of redirects to malware download sites
Elimination	Automated removal with a professional anti-malware tool is recommended to ensure full elimination of PUP and the bundle that it may have been installed with. For manual removal, you can follow a guide submitted below.
After all, scan the system with Fortect Intego tool to ensure that the malware damage to the system directly has been successful fixed

WebExplorer is not a dangerous cyber infection if we compare it to Djvu, Remcos, Zeus Trojan, or another cyber threat that can lock files, steal credentials, or crash the machine. Some of the users may find it useful and not interfering with the web browsing experience. However, we want to stress the fact that this third-party browser has been primarily developed for monetization processes. It's may be involved in shady marketing campaigns and try to popularize insecure third-party websites, malware, or record people's browsing with an intention to share gathered information with affiliated parties.

Typically, people end up with WebExplorer virus on the system by clicking on suspicious ads or downloading bundled freeware. The click-to-download installer drops a WebExplorerBrowser Installer_22732y-0F_.exe file as an installer, which when opened alters Windows or Mac OS settings and sets the unwanted browser as a default. Please note that this file is flagged as potentially dangerous by reputable AV programs, so having one installed can help you to stay safe from suchlike PUPs.

The most common WebExplorer malware AV detection names are the following^[2]:

Application.Bundler.CHL
Application.Bundler.CHL (B)
Generic/Application.0fb
Malicious (high Confidence)
Malware (ai Score=89)
Adware.Generic

The developer of this Chromium-based browser Better Cloud Solutions LTD is trying to convince people that it is a great solution for a simplified web browsing experience. The alleged features include quick access to bookmarks, daily weather and news tabs, fast re-opening, and similar. Unfortunately, as soon as the user downloads and installs the browser, he or she starts encountering loads of WebExplorer ads and redirects to search.webexplorer.co.

WebExplorer virus

Moreover, the dubious third-party browser may display sponsored search results that redirect the browser to irrelevant websites. Such behavior not only disrupts web browsing activities but also poses a risk of being exposed to phishing websites or x-rated sites used for malware distribution. The only way to prevent this happening is to remove WebExplorer virus completely.

Experts from zondervirus.nl^[3] stress the need to remove WebExplorer due to potential privacy violations. As stated in the Privacy Policy of this PUP, the browser automatically collects and stores browser-based information, including IP address, geographic location, search queries, ads clicked on, views on landing pages, etc. Moreover, such data is also intended for sharing with affiliate parties:

We may share your data with our services providers who process your personal data to provide services to us or on our behalf. We have contracts with our service providers that prohibit them from sharing the information about you that they collect or that we provide to them with anyone else or using it for other purposes.

Having all pros and cons, we recommend you perform WebExplorer removal using a professional anti-malware tool. our recommended programs are Malwarebytes Malwarebytes and SpyHunter Combo Cleaner. Besides, upon malware removal it's vital to optimize the system to restore damaged registries and other core system files. For this purpose, you can use Fortect Intego utility.

The biggest risk of getting infected with malware is to download freeware from shady sources

The hijack by malware is a very unpleasant experience that can later require loads of time and effort to fix the system. Therefore, it's imminent to mind precautionary measures that cybersecurity experts share every day. First of all, make sure that your machine is armed with a professional anti-malware suit and keep the software up-to-date.

Besides, keep in mind that PUPs are usually distributed as hidden installers of freeware. The so-called “bundling”^[4] distribution technique is a method employed by freeware developers to monetize the free service. Thus, each time you download a free application, pick the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation option to see additional downloads (browser extensions, add-ons, toolbars, or apps).

Lastly, do not blindly trust third-party download managers and installers, especially if they are already condemned for distributing software bundles. Otherwise, you may end up with unwanted applications on the system every time you finish the installation of free software.

WebExplorer removal

The methods applicable to WebExplorer removal

WebExplorer browser won't uninstall easily as it typically does not have a direct uninstaller. It may be disguised under a different name or installed in an alternative system's folder. In this case, the best solution would be to use an automated tool, such as anti-malware or anti-virus software.

If, however, you prefer manual WebExplorer removal, you can check the Programs and Features folder for unknown or suspicious applications and remove each of them. In case of elimination is distributed by an error message, open Task Manager, and disable the webexplorer.exe process.

Anyway, if you are struggling to remove WebExplorer virus from the system, do not leave it present in the system. Download a professional anti-malware, for instance SpyHunter Combo Cleaner, and run a full scan with it while in Safe Mode. After all, experts recommend resetting each of your web browsers as this malware might have triggered changes in the start page and search provider.

Uninstall from Windows

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.

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.

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.

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.
This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

How to remove WebExplorer virus

WebExplorer is an untrustworthy Chromium-based browser that can replace Chrome and hijack browser's settings aggressively

The biggest risk of getting infected with malware is to download freeware from shady sources