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How to remove Universal PC Care from your computer?

Also Known As: Universal PC Care potentially unwanted application
Damage level: Medium

What is Universal PC Care?

Universal PC Care is a software, supposedly capable of optimizing and speeding up computers (e.g. fixing errors, making various system enhancements, getting rid of unnecessary programs/files, detecting and removing threats and etc.).

Universal PC Care is often distributed with other programs as a supplement, i.e. it is "bundled" inside the download/installation setups of other software.

Such false marketing tactics ("bundling") frequently trick users into downloading/installing undesirable content. Which is why Universal PC Care and other software similar to it, are classified as PUAs (potentially unwanted applications).

Screenshot of Universal PC Care application

Firstly, Universal PC Care runs a system scan and ends up detecting a list of issues, vulnerabilities and/or threats (e.g. various errors, unwanted applications, unnecessary files, adware, malware or other). However, it is unable to remove/fix said problems without being activated, i.e. without being bought.

Therefore, users have to pay to have the listed issues eliminated and/or computer performance boosted by Universal PC Care. However, it must be stressed, that it has not been determined whether this program is capable of actually accomplishing the feats it advertises. It is completely possible that all its abilities are nonfunctional.

It should be known, that download/installation setups used to spread software like Universal PC Care, frequently contain more than one PUA (which may also function as browser hijackers or adware). In general, potentially unwanted applications are capable of causing a variety of inconveniences and issues.

They can hijack browsers, force-open new browser tabs/windows and redirect users to untrustworthy and even malicious websites, run intrusive advertisement campaigns (deliver pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, etc.) and some can even track data.

By spying on users' browsing activity (search engine and browsing histories), they can gather personal information (IP address, geolocation and real-life user identity details). This data is then sold to third parties and can end up being used for criminal purposes.

In summary, PUAs can cause various browser and system invasions/infections, as well as lead to severe privacy issues (even culminate in identity theft). To ensure device and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Universal PC Care potentially unwanted application
Threat Type PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application)
Supposed Functionality System cleaning and optimization.
Detection Names Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Application.Agent.HWU), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/GT32SupportGeeks.U Potentially Unwanted), Kaspersky (Hoax.Win32.DeceptPCClean.jol), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms A program that you don't recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. New application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about found issues. Asks for payment in order 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 Combo Cleaner.
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There are thousands of PUAs out there, many pretend to be programs designed to clean, enhance and secure systems. Full PC Care 2.0Smart Sys CarePC Booster Pro and Advance PC Solutions are relevant examples of similar software to Universal PC Care.

PUAs wearing the guise of PC cleaners, diagnose systems with various imaginary issues and infections, then they pretend to remove these the fake problems.

Few unwanted apps ever have functional features, even when they are operational - they don't work as advertised. Instead of delivering on any promises, they cause unauthorized redirects, delivers invasive ads and track sensitive data.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Most PUA infiltrations occur without explicit user consent, though they can also happen without user knowledge. Untrustworthy/scam sites can advertise unwanted applications and users can download them from such. Additionally, they can inadvertently install unwanted apps together with desired programs.

Developers of PUAs often use a deceitful tactic called "bundling", by which they pre-pack ordinary software with their malignant product. While opt-outs from such additions are frequently possible, they are mostly located within "Custom/Advanced" settings and similar installation windows.

User tendency to rush through the download/installation process can easily result in various system invasions. When browsing, by clicking on intrusive adverts (commonly, hosted by unreliable websites) users can trigger them to execute scripts, designed to autonomously download/install PUAs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is highly recommended to research the legitimacy of desired software, browser extensions/plug-ins and other similar content, before downloading/installing/consenting to it. It is advised to use only official and verified sources for downloading, as opposed to third party downloaders.

Untrustworthy sources are more likely to offer bundled content. When installing, users should read terms and explore possible options. Additionally, they should use "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out/decline supplementary apps/features. Prudent browsing is strongly encouraged, e.g. avoiding suspicious websites and adverts.

Intrusive advertisements tend to look absolutely ordinary, therefore they are easy to be fooled by. However, a dead giveaway can be the unreliable sites they redirect to (gambling, pornography, adult-dating and similar).

Should users encounter such ads/redirects, they are to perform a system check and remove all dubious applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Download website of Universal PC Care:

Website promoting Universal PC Care

Universal PC Care installation setup:

Universal PC Care installation setup

Appearance of Universal PC Care (GIF):

Appearance of Universal PC Care

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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.

Universal PC Care adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Universal PC Care" 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 the time of research Universal PC Care did not install any unwanted browser extensions. However note that some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you see unwanted ads or get unwanted 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 universal pc care 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 universal pc care 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 plugins 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 universal pc care 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 universal pc care 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.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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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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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
Universal PC Care potentially unwanted application QR code
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