WebExplorer virus: what it is and how to remove it
WebExplorer is a Chromium-based 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.
Facts checked October 6, 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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WebExplorer virus: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | WebExplorer virus |
| Type | Adware extension |
| Symptoms | Redirects to an unknown domain |
| 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 6 more facts
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
|---|---|
| Domains | search.webexplorer.co |
| Ads shown as | Redirects through ad pages |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 26 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
What the WebExplorer virus ads look like
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Is WebExplorer virus dangerous?
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
WebExplorer is an untrustworthy Chromium-based browser that can replace Chrome and hijack browser's settings aggressively
WebExplorer is a Chromium-based 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.
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.
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 :
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.
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 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:
our recommended programs are and . 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 utility.
- Application.Bundler.CHL
- Application.Bundler.CHL (B)
- Generic/Application.0fb
- Malicious (high Confidence)
- Malware (ai Score=89)
- Adware.Generic
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on WebExplorer virus
- 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.
- 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;
- 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;
- This PUP is not as dangerous as a virus.
- 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.
- After all, scan the system with tool to ensure that the malware damage to the system directly has been successful fixed
How WebExplorer virus got into your browser
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
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" 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.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
search.webexplorer.co
How to remove WebExplorer virus
How to remove the WebExplorer virus extension
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
In Chrome open
chrome://extensions, in Edgeedge://extensions, and in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially search, new tab, coupon, PDF, weather or video downloader add-ons. Check every browser and every profile, because each keeps its own list.
If an extension has no Remove button or comes back, a browser policy holds it (see "Managed by your organization" in the procedure below). The pages are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install
WebExplorer virus rarely comes alone: it is usually installed by, or together with, a free program. In Windows 11 open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and sort by install date.
Uninstall every entry from the day the trouble began that you did not install on purpose, for example a download manager, a converter or a browser you never chose.
Keep drivers and entries from Microsoft, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or your PC's maker unless you are sure.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
A reset removes what the steps above could miss:
- changed start pages
- site permissions
- hidden settings
In Chrome open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults; in Edge Settings > Reset settings; in Firefox Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.
Tip: Bookmarks and saved passwords stay, while extensions are turned off and the search engine and start page return to the defaults.
Reset every browser on the PC, including Edge, which Windows 11 and Windows 10 always have.
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
A scan finds the parts of WebExplorer virus that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.
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
The WebExplorer virus can settle down on Windows upon freeware installation. If you have installed it accidentally and now encounter problems in terms of its removal, follow the guide below to end the life of this malware on your machine.
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
Do not get confused by the similarity between Chrome and WebExplorer browsers. If you experience redirects, see multiple ads on random websites, it's a sign that something went wrong.
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
WebExplorer mimics Google Chrome, so if you are using Mozilla Firefox, you will immediately notice unwanted changes. To reset your browser's settings, follow these steps.
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)
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
Mac OS is not immune to the WebExplorer malware attack. If your machine is redirecting to this browser all the time, get rid of it without a delay.
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.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
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. After all, experts recommend resetting each of your web browsers as this malware might have triggered changes in the start page and search provider.
Questions about WebExplorer virus
How do I stop search.webexplorer.co from opening?
Find and remove whatever opens it. Start with the browser's extensions page and remove anything you do not remember adding. Next, open the notification settings and take away permission from sites you do not recognise.
Then check Settings > Apps > Installed apps for programs added around the day the redirects began, and uninstall those. Restart the browser and test a few links after each step.
If search.webexplorer.co still appears, reset the browser, which restores the default search engine, start page and permissions without deleting bookmarks or saved passwords. Redirects that survive a reset in every browser point to a program in Windows, and a full scan is the next step.
Should I worry about redirects to search.webexplorer.co?
Worry less about search.webexplorer.co itself and more about what keeps sending you there. A single redirect from a free streaming or download site is normal and harmless once the tab is closed.
Repeated redirects on sites that used to work fine mean something in the browser or in Windows changed, often an extension or program installed alongside other software. It may also collect the pages you visit. Remove the cause with the steps in this guide, and do not act on anything the redirected pages ask:
- no Allow clicks
- no downloads
- no calls
If you already did one of those, the matching section of this guide explains what to do next.
Why does WebExplorer virus show me ads?
Because that is its whole purpose. WebExplorer virus is an adware extension, and its operators are paid for every ad it displays and every click it gets. In this case the ads take the form of redirects through ad pages.
They are chosen by ad networks that accept almost any advertiser, which is why so many look like warnings or prizes. The ads are not a sign that your PC is broken or infected with something worse; they are a sign that something on it, or in the browser, has permission to advertise. Removing that permission or program stops them.
Do I have to clean every browser?
Yes, if you use more than one. We saw WebExplorer virus in Chrome, Edge and Firefox, and each browser keeps its own extensions, notification permissions and settings. Chrome and Edge share the same extension format, so one installer can add the same adware to both, while Firefox has its own add-ons.
Check every browser on the PC, including ones you rarely open. If you sync a browser with an account, clean it while signed in, so that the removal reaches your other computers rather than the adware returning from them.
How do I know the ads come from WebExplorer virus?
Look for redirects to search.webexplorer.co. That is the trace WebExplorer virus leaves, and it shows up as redirects through ad pages. Ads that appear on every site, including ones that never carried ads before, point to something on your PC or in the browser rather than to the sites themselves.
A quick test is a private window, where extensions are off by default: if the ads disappear there, an extension is responsible. If they appear even with the browser closed, the source is a notification permission or a program in Windows.
I clicked on one of the ads. Am I infected?
Probably not. Clicking an ad usually only opens a page, and a page cannot install programs on an up-to-date Windows PC without your help.
You are at risk only if you then downloaded and ran a file, allowed notifications, entered card or login details, or called a phone number shown on the page. Delete any download and run a full and offline scan.
Change passwords you typed, from a clean device. Call your bank if you gave card details. If you called a number or allowed remote access, see the next question.
Why didn't my antivirus catch WebExplorer virus?
Many security products do not block adware or notification sites by default, because users often agreed to them, even through a misleading prompt. Notification spam installs nothing at all, so there is no file to detect.
In Windows 11 you can make Microsoft Defender block potentially unwanted apps: open Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings and turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking. If notifications caused the pop-ups, no scanner will report them; the fix is in the browser's site settings.
An ad showed a phone number and I called it. What now?
The number belongs to scammers, not to Microsoft or an antivirus company. If you only talked, hang up and do not call back. If you let them connect to the PC, disconnect it from the internet, uninstall the remote access program they used, such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ScreenConnect or UltraViewer, and run a full and offline scan.
If you paid or gave bank details, call your bank at once on the number printed on your card. Change any passwords you typed while they were connected, and report the call.
Can adware slow down my PC?
Yes. Adware runs in the background, loads ad scripts, opens extra tabs and contacts its servers, all of which use processor time, memory and bandwidth. Ad-heavy extensions also slow down every page, because they inspect and change it before you see it.
The effect is strongest on older PCs and when several adware programs arrived together. After removal, restart the PC and check Task Manager for anything still using a lot of resources that you do not recognise. Speed usually returns to normal once the ads stop.
Will Fortect remove WebExplorer virus?
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 WebExplorer virus, 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
- VirusTotal: Click HERE to start the WebExplorerBrowser Installer_22131x-0F_.exe analysis (read October 6, 2026)
- Zondervirus: BEVEILIGING EN SPYWARE NIEUWS (read October 6, 2026)
- ZDNet: Google: Unwanted bundled software is way more aggressive than malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)