How to remove PrivacyBrowse unwanted application

What kind of application is PrivacyBrowse?

Our researchers discovered the PrivacyBrowse browser while investigating untrustworthy websites. This piece of software is a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). Programs within this category often possess undesirable or outright harmful capabilities. PUAs may have "official" download sources, but are typically promoted through questionable channels.

Potentially unwanted application overview

Upon installation, PrivacyBrowse gains the ability to use all system resources. While the purpose is currently unknown, this capability could be utilized to abuse system resources and lead to system performance issues. There have been unwanted apps that abused system resources to generate cryptocurrency (cryptominers) or Internet resources to operate as proxyware.

PrivacyBrowse is classed as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). These apps often have harmful functionalities. Data-tracking is by far the most prevalent.

Targeted information commonly includes browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

PUAs have also been observed employing adware and browser hijacker capabilities. Advertising-supported software can display advertisements on various interfaces, generate redirects, and gather private information. The delivered ads promote scams, unwanted software, and even malware.

Browser-hijacking software can modify browsers, produce redirects (to promote fake search engines), and collect sensitive data. Fraudulent search engines usually cannot provide search results and lead users to legitimate Internet search sites (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.). However, unwanted applications can have a wide variety of functionalities.

In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Potentially unwanted application examples

We have examined countless PUAs; Bionom Query Utils, SafeWatch, Pdflash, Blaze Browser, and Traiolx Custom Utils are just some of our newest articles.

Typically, unwanted applications are presented as legitimate and useful tools. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing this software by promises of "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

Remember that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

We downloaded PrivacyBrowse from a deceptive download page. PUAs can have "official" promotional sites and are endorsed on scam webpages. They are most commonly accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.

"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used in PUA distribution. These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by being negligent when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, unwanted software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing, since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the system 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.

Installation setup of PrivacyBrowse application:

PrivacyBrowse application's installation folder:

Website promoting PrivacyBrowse 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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is PrivacyBrowse?
• STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Removal of potentially 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 "PrivacyBrowse" 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, PrivacyBrowse 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 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 privacybrowse 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 plugins 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 privacybrowse 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 privacybrowse 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?

Unwanted applications are designed to generate revenue for their developers/publishers through nefarious means. For example, software within this classification may endorse content (via ads, redirects, etc.), deceive users into buying fake activation keys, promote questionable in-app purchases, collect/sell private information, and so on.

Is PrivacyBrowse unwanted application legal?

In most instances, unwanted apps are deemed legal because their End User License Agreements (EULAs) provide information concerning the software's behavior.

Is having PrivacyBrowse installed on my computer dangerous?

Typically, unwanted applications have harmful capabilities – and this might be true of PrivacyBrowse. Generally, unwanted software is associated with risks of system infections, severe privacy issues, and financial losses.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove PrivacyBrowse unwanted application?

Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected unwanted/malicious applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after an app has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate undesirable software thoroughly.