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Nero TuneItUp Unwanted Application

Also Known As: Nero TuneItUp potentially unwanted application
Type: Utilities
Damage level: Medium

What is Nero TuneItUp?

Nero TuneItUp is presented as a system optimization tool that solves problems relating to computer performance. It is supposedly able to make Windows boot faster, improve browser performance, optimize Windows Operating Systems, and update programs and drivers.

To promote it, however, developers use the "bundling" method. Therefore, this app is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA). People usually install programs promoted by this method unintentionally.

Nero TuneItUp unwanted application

Nero TuneItUp is not free. It allows users to run a free scan, however, to fix any detected issues, they must purchase the tool. Some PUAs provide fake scan results (non-existent problems) and encourage users to pay for so-called 'full versions' of PUAs so that they can solve these detected (fake) issues.

Nero TuneItUp is not necessarily one of these tools, however, a number of PUAs/apps are promoted via the "bundling" method. Furthermore, developers who use this method often include more than one PUA within software set-ups.

Therefore, it is possible that Nero TuneItUp was installed on your system together with other apps of this type such as browser hijackers and adware-type apps. These apps might record browsing-related information such as geolocations, IP addresses, entered search queries, URLs of visited websites, and so on.

Developers share the data with other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. Other PUAs (adware-type apps) deliver intrusive ads such as pop-ups, coupons, banners, surveys, and other annoying graphical content. If clicked, these ads can lead to untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites.

Some of these ads might be programmed to execute scripts that will download and install potentially malicious, unwanted applications.

Threat Summary:
Name Nero TuneItUp potentially unwanted application
Threat Type PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application).
Supposed Functionality System cleaning/optimization.
Detection Names (Nero_TuneItUp_free.exe) Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.NeroTuneItUp), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms A program that you do not recall installing appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displaying warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment to eliminate the supposedly found errors.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes.
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Many apps are promoted using the "bundling" method including, for example, Qbit PC Speedup, Total System Care, and SecureDossier. These are often installed together with other apps that might lead to problems relating to browsing safety, privacy, or even identity theft. Do not trust apps that are promoted/distributed using bundling.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

As mentioned above, most PUAs are installed together with other software that most people download and install intentionally. Developers attempt to trick people into downloading/installing them by bundling them with other software set-ups. These apps are usually hidden in setup options/settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", and so on.

Users who do not check or change them usually cause download and installation of PUAs. Clicking intrusive ads also causes these downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Download software from official, trustworthy websites and avoid using third party downloaders, torrent clients, eMule (other Peer-to-Peer networks), dubious websites or other similar sources. Furthermore, check "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of software set-ups, especially if it is free software.

Deselect offers to download and install unwanted (bundled) applications. Advertisements displayed on untrustworthy/unofficial websites (relating to pornography, gambling, adult dating, and so on) should not be trusted or clicked, since they usually redirect to untrustworthy/potentially malicious websites.

If you experience these redirects and advertisements continually, check apps installed on your browser and unwanted applications (extensions, plug-ins or add-ons). The same applies to unwanted programs installed on the operating system. This software should be removed/uninstalled immediately.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Website promoting Nero TuneItUp:

website promoting nero tuneitup

Nero TuneItUp installation setup:

Nero TuneItUp installation setup

Screenshot of notification displayed by NeroTuneItUp:

pop-ups by nero tuneitup

Appearance of the Nero TuneItUp potentially unwanted application (GIF):

nero tuneitup appearance

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Malwarebytes is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Malwarebytes By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Nero TuneItUp adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Nero TuneItUp" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Nero TuneItUp did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the nero tuneitup potentially unwanted application, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the nero tuneitup potentially unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with nero tuneitup potentially unwanted application removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the nero tuneitup potentially unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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About PCrisk

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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