How to uninstall HomeGuard from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is HomeGuard?
HomeGuard is endorsed as software for parental control and activity monitoring. Some of its features include a pornography filter, website blocker, keylogging (i.e., recording of keystrokes), screen-capturing based on activity, gaming time restricting, hardware (e.g. printer and USB) monitoring and blocking, and so on.
Due to the dubious proliferation methods of HomeGuard, many users download and install it unintentionally. Therefore, it is classified as an unwanted application.
More about the HomeGuard app
One dubious distribution method that is often basis for shady app classification is "bundling". This deceptive marketing technique is the pre-packing of software with unwanted (or sometimes malicious) additions. Distribution methods such as bundling can be used for legitimate and functional products, however, it is more commonly employed to promote untrusted software.
Therefore, even normal programs, without any dangerous capabilities, might fall into the category of unwanted programs. Some examples of unwanted apps are fake anti-viruses, adware and browser hijackers. Rogue anti-virus tools are nonoperational software programs claiming to be able to detect/eliminate threats.
They require activation (by purchase) but remain nonfunctional after 'activation'. Adware runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, delivering pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and other ads. When clicked, these redirect to various dangerous websites and can execute scripts to stealthily download/install rogue software.
Browser hijackers reassign browser settings (default search engine, homepage, new tab/window URLs) and restrict access to them to promote bogus search engines. With one such PUA installed, each new browser tab/window opened and each search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the address of a fake search engine.
The latter usually cannot provide unique results, and hence tends to redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine search engines. Many PUAs (regardless of type/specifications) can track data. They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, typed, etc.) and collect personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).
Developers of these products monetize the gathered data by sharing it with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) seeking to misuse it for profit.
The presence of data tracking content on devices can lead to serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, you are strongly advised to research all products and only download them from official/verified sources. Additionally, remove any suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | HomeGuard potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | Unwanted program, unwanted application |
| Supposed Functionality | Parental control tool and activity monitor. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Symmi.95130), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/KeyLogger.HomeGuard.J), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:Monitor.Win32.HomGrd.du), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displays 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 Combo Cleaner. |
Similar applications
WisePCDoctor, DriverMax and Tuneup Pro are some examples of other rogue apps. These unwanted applications typically seem legitimate and useful, however, the features promised do not operate as advertised, or do not work at all. The only purpose of such nonoperational software is to generate revenue at users' expense.
Rather than delivering any real value, unwanted apps can cause redirects to untrusted and malicious sites, run intrusive ad campaigns, modify browsers and track private data.
How did unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some of these apps have "official" download web pages. They are also proliferated using the "bundling" marketing method (i.e., packed into download/installation set-ups of other products). By rushing through downloads/installations (ignoring terms, using presets, skipping steps, etc.), many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content onto their devices. Intrusive advertisements can also infiltrate these applications into systems. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install dubious without users' permission.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications
You are strongly advised to research all software to verify its legitimacy, prior to download/installation or purchase. Use only official and trustworthy download channels. Untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive/bundled content.
Treat download and installation processes with caution. It is important to read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and decline download/installation of additional apps, tools, features and so on. Browsing should also be approached with care.
Intrusive ads rarely seem suspicious, however, they can redirect to dubious pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with rogue apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of HomeGuard application (GIF):
Installation setup of HomeGuard application:
Website promoting HomeGuard application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is HomeGuard?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of unwanted applications:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "HomeGuard" 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, HomeGuard 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:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" 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".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the homeguard 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the homeguard potentially unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with homeguard 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, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the homeguard potentially unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of an unwanted application?
HomeGuard is promoted as software designed for parental control and activity monitoring. Its features encompass a pornography filter, website blocker, keylogging (recording keystrokes), screen capturing based on activity, restrictions on gaming time, and monitoring and blocking of hardware like printers and USB devices.
Is HomeGuard unwanted application legal?
Unwanted applications are generally deemed legal because their End User License Agreements (EULA) commonly provide users with information about potential behaviors.
Is having HomeGuard installed on my computer dangerous?
While having HomeGuard installed for its intended purpose is generally safe, it is important to note that, like any monitoring software, if misused for malicious purposes, it could pose serious risks.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove HomeGuard unwanted application?
Combo Cleaner scans computers and removes all unwanted applications. It is worth noting that manual removal may not be foolproof, as there could be residual files lingering in the system. Even after deleting the software, some components might continue to operate.
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