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How to uninstall the Silver Wave unwanted app from your operating system

Also Known As: Silver Wave potentially unwanted application
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is Silver Wave?

Our researchers found the Silver Wave app bundled in an installer endorsed by a deceptive webpage, which was accessed via a redirect from a Torrenting website that employs rogue advertising networks. Aside from containing the Silver Wave PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application), the installation setup included other undesirable and possibly malicious software.

Silver Wave unwanted application install folder

Potentially unwanted application overview

Unwanted applications typically have harmful capabilities. Data-tracking functionalities are incredibly prevalent. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

PUAs can also have adware-type abilities, i.e., displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, and other ads) on various interfaces. The advertisements can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts perform stealthy downloads/installations. Advertising-supported software may be capable of generating redirects.

Unwanted apps might operate as browser hijackers by modifying browser settings (e.g., homepage, default search engine, new tab/window, etc.).

Due to these alterations, users can be forced to visit certain websites when they open new browser tabs/windows or enter search queries into the URL bar. Sites endorsed in this manner are usually fake search engines that cannot provide search results and redirect to legitimate Internet search websites (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.).

Additionally, some PUAs (like Silver Wave) can infiltrate systems alongside adware, browser hijackers, or other dubious software.

To summarize, the presence of apps like Silver Wave on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Silver Wave potentially unwanted application
Threat Type PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)
Detection Names (installer) Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Fragtor.432888), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Multi.Penguish.gen), Microsoft (TrojanDownloader:Win32/Rugmi.HNA!MT), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (app) Avast (FileRepMalware [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HVAF), Fortinet (W32/Kryptik.HLKD!tr), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.EN.B!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Rogue redirects. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling).
Damage Privacy issues, monetary losses, unwanted 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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
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.

Potentially unwanted application examples

We have investigated thousands of rogue apps; Virtue SoftwareTotal Audio Formatter, and SoundVolumeView are merely a few examples of our newest articles on PUAs.

Unwanted software tends to appear ordinary and offer various functionalities. However, the promised functions are rarely operational. It must be emphasized that even if an application works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

We downloaded an installer containing Silver Wave from a scam page that promotes it as an archived movie file. The setup included other potentially harmful software.

PUA-endorsing webpages can vary greatly in appearance and utilized bait. Most users access them via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, and installed adware.

"Bundling" – a marketing technique that involves packing ordinary program installers with undesirable/malicious additions – is also used to distribute PUAs.

The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Intrusive adverts proliferate unwanted software as well. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is essential to research software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.

Fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, we advise vigilance while browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and 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.

Deceptive website promoting Silver Wave application:

Deceptive website used to promote Silver Wave PUA

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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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.

Silver Wave uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Silver Wave" 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, the installer carrying Silver Wave was bundled together with various additions (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, etc.). 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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the silver wave 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with silver wave 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 silver wave 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on silver wave potentially unwanted application or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of an unwanted application?

The purpose of unwanted software is to generate revenue for its developers. This goal may be achieved by collecting/selling private data, promoting in-app purchases, displaying ads, force-opening webpages, requesting payment for fake activation keys, etc.

Is Silver Wave unwanted application legal?

Typically, unwanted apps are considered legal because their End User License Agreements (EULA) inform users of the software's potential behavior.

Is having Silver Wave installed on my computer dangerous?

Unwanted applications tend to have harmful capabilities, e.g., data tracking, running intrusive ad campaigns, promoting fake search engines, etc. It is likely that Silver Wave possesses some undesirable functionalities. Additionally, this app may infiltrate systems alongside other unwanted/malicious software. Generally, the presence of PUAs on devices is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Silver Wave unwanted application?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed unwanted/malicious applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after an app has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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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
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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.