How to eliminate PrintManager malware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is PrintManager?
While checking out untrustworthy websites, our researchers discovered an installation setup bundled with the PrintManager malicious program. Additionally, this installer was packed together with adware. Therefore, if a PrintManager infection is detected – it is likely that other unwanted/malicious components have infiltrated the system.
PrintManager overview
After installing the rogue setup onto our test machine, it installed PrintManager as well as caused multiple adware infections. At the time of research, the exact goal of PrintManager could not be determined. However, similar infections we have analyzed previously operated by causing chain infections and/or by extracting sensitive data.
The former is designed to download/install additional malicious programs or components (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, trojans, ransomware, etc.).
While information-stealing malware typically targets system data, browsing activity (e.g., visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, bookmarks, etc.), usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and other vulnerable data.
As previously mentioned, PrintManager can infiltrate devices alongside adware. This type of malicious software operates by displaying ads, causing redirects, and/or collecting private information. The delivered advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware.
To summarize, the presence of software like PrintManager on devices can result in multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | PrintManager virus |
| Threat Type | Malware, Trojan, Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Detection Names (PrintManager) | Avast (CrypterX-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HLKD), Fortinet (W32/Kryptik.HLKD!tr), Malwarebytes (Adware.Agent.SFP.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.FL.B!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (rogue installer) | Avast (FileRepMalware [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/TrojanDropper.Agent.), Fortinet (W32/Agent.SLC!tr), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.TE.B!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Rogue Process Name | PrintManager.exe (process name may vary) |
| Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. While adware infections can result in seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing, intrusive pop-up ads, and decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | Free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Malware and adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of malicious programs; zgRAT, Creal, PY#RATION, and Album Stealer are just some examples of our newest finds within the malware category, while Load All Links, Media Control, Popup Blocker Gold – are a few of adware.
Malicious software can have a wide variety of functionalities and uses; however, regardless of how it operates – its presence endangers device and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did PrintManager install on my computer?
We downloaded an installer bundled with PrintManager from a deceptive software-promoting website. Most users access such pages inadvertently via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
However, bundled content can be downloaded from various untrustworthy sources, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Pee-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party channels.
Malware is also commonly proliferated via malicious attachments and links in spam emails/messages, online scams, malvertising, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
How to avoid installation of malicious programs?
We advise downloading only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc. Furthermore, all programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears ordinary and harmless. We also advise being careful with incoming emails and other messages. The attachments and links found in suspect mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
We must emphasize the importance of having a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats. If your computer is already infected with PrintManager, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this program.
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote PrintManager:
Screenshot of PrintManager installation setup:
Screenshot of PrintManager process on Windows Task Manager ("PrintManager.exe" process name):
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 PrintManager?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
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 any suspicious entries and select them, then click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, PrintManager did not install browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the printmanager virus, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with printmanager virus 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 printmanager virus, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the biggest issues that PrintManager can cause?
The threats by a malicious program depend on its functionalities and the cyber criminals' aims. PrintManager likely operates by collecting sensitive data and may infiltrate devices together with adware. Generally, such infections can result in serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
How did PrintManager infiltrate my computer?
PrintManager has been observed being distributed via bundled installers promoted on deceptive websites. However, other proliferation methods may be used as well. The most commonly used distribution techniques include: spam emails and messages, online scams, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate threats. It is capable of removing practically all known malware infections. Keep in mind that running a full system scan is essential – since high-end malicious software usually hides deep within systems.
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