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How to uninstall the SimplePlayer unwanted application?

Also Known As: SimplePlayer potentially unwanted application
Damage level: Medium

What is SimplePlayer?

Potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are the apps that users download and install unknowingly, accidentally when they are distributed using questionable methods. SimplePlayer is a PUA too. It is unlikely that this app is harmful in some way.

However, there is a possibility that users who have SimplePlayer installed on their computers have some other PUA or multiple apps of this kind (browser hijackers, adware-type apps) installed as well. In other words, it is possible that SimplePlayer is distributed together with other apps of this kind using one installer.

SimplePlayer unwanted application

It is known that SimplePlayer is distributed via a deceptive website claiming that the installed media player might be out of date and encouraging to download and install an updated version. That website downloads the installer for SimplePlayer. It is very common that deceptive websites are used to distribute potentially unwanted applications that are bundled together with other apps of this kind.

Therefore, it is likely that SimplePlayer gets installed together with some browser hijacker, adware, or other PUA. A browser hijacker is a type of PUA that modifies the browser's settings to force users to visit a specific address.

In most cases, browser hijackers change the address of a default search engine, homepage, and new tab to an address of a fake search engine. Quite often, fake search engines are designed to show results generated by legitimate search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.

Although they can be designed to generate misleading results (include potentially malicious pages in their results), display ads as well. It is not safe to trust fake search engines or the apps (browser hijackers) that promote them.

The purpose of adware-type apps is to generate ads on websites while users browse the web. Typically, their ads are annoying and used to promote questionable websites and applications (they can be designed to cause unwanted downloads, installations by running certain scripts).

It is common that apps of this type serve banners, pop-up ads, coupons, surveys, or other ads. In one way or another, it is highly advisable not to click ads displayed by adware.

Another issue with adware and browser hijackers is that apps of this kind often are designed to gather IP addresses, entered search queries, URLs of visited websites, geolocations, and other details related to Internet browsing activities. Sometimes apps of this kind can access personal details as well.

For example, passwords, credit card details. What is worse, data collected by PUAs may be used for marketing purposes, sold to third parties (potentially cybercriminals), or monetized in other ways.

Threat Summary:
Name SimplePlayer potentially unwanted application
Threat Type PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application)
Supposed Functionality Media player
Detection Names (Application) SecureAge APEX (Malicious), 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)

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To summarize, the main reason not to trust SimplePlayer is that this app is promoted via a deceptive website designed to trick users into downloading it. Also, its installer is likely to be used to distribute other PUAs.

It is worthwhile to mention that PUAs can be designed to perform fake virus (or other) scans to trick users into believing that their computers are infected, etc., and paying money for malware removal. In one way or another, it is recommended not to trust PUAs, especially the ones that require paid activation, registration.

More examples of apps that are categorized as PUAs are Telamon Cleaner, WirelessNetView, and REGSERVO.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Users often download or install browser hijackers, adware, and other potentially unwanted applications through downloaders and installers for other programs. It is common that PUAs are included in various downloaders and installers as additional offers.

Usually, they can be found and declined via settings like "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual", or by unticking ticked checkboxes. Although, not all users check and change those settings before they finish downloading or installing programs.

In such cases, they allow for included apps to be downloaded or installed together with those programs. This distribution method is known as "bundling".

In other cases, users cause unwanted downloads or installations via deceptive advertisements - by clicking ads designed to run certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Applications, files downloaded from unofficial web pages, via third-party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks like torrent clients, eMule, etc., or installed via third-party installers can be malicious. It is strongly recommended to download programs (and files) only from official pages and via direct links.

Furthermore, downloaders and installers with ticked checkboxes or settings like "Custom", "Advanced" should be checked for bundled applications (unwanted offers). It is common that the settings mentioned before can be used to opt out bundled PUAs/decline unwanted offers.

Advertisements on untrustworthy websites (e.g., on pages related to pornography, gambling, adult dating) should not be clicked - it is common for those ads to be designed to promote untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites or distribute PUAs (download, install those apps by running certain scripts).

Unwanted, suspicious apps (extensions, plug-ins or add-ons) installed on a web browser and programs of this kind installed on the operating system should be removed. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Deceptive website used to trick users into installing SimplePlayer:

simpleplayer unwanted application deceptive download website

SimplePlayer's installer:

SimplePlayer PUA installation setup

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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.

SimplePlayer adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "SimplePlayer" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications (e.g., "V0.2"), 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, SimplePlayer 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:

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 simpleplayer 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 simpleplayer 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 simpleplayer 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.

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 simpleplayer 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

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
SimplePlayer potentially unwanted application QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of SimplePlayer potentially unwanted application on your mobile device.
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