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Pokki is a legitimate program created to improve experience using Windows 10, although it is considered to have some adware-like characteristics. The program might seem like a useful tool for some Windows users, especially those who have a hard time adapting to new versions of this OS. Although this software might seem harmless at first sight, there are some risks that should be considered, especially nowadays, when the most valuable resource is personal information. Hence, this article shows the potential threats which might be posed by this program and contains a guide on how to remove it.
Some users favor the program because it allows them to have old start menus back – although the same result could be achieved by reverting to older version of Windows. The program also provides the ability to install various applications and organize them in a preferred way.
However, that should not be a deciding factor when considering whether to install/keep it or not, since there are plenty of other methods how to organize your apps properly. What you need to know (and what should be the deciding factors) are the certain characteristics of this software which make it potentially harmful to your system and privacy. The software is often called Pokki virus, which might be a bit of a stretch to call it that way as it belongs to adware category.
Mainly, this program is capable of using several tracking technologies such as Pixels, Tags, LSOs (Local Shared Objects a.k.a. flash cookies) in order to gather information from your PC. In addition, it is important to understand that these methods let the program collect various sensitive data. Such data includes IP addresses, browsing history, online searches, your online clicks, site visiting regularity, location and MAC address.
What is more, there were reported instances about malicious ads as a result of the installation of this program. In fact, there is no single answer on why Pokki Start Menu gathers your data. Usually, that is due to the interest of other software platforms. To explain, this program mainly benefits from third-party software embedded in it, like games and other things and your data is shared with them, of course.
Furthermore, this is boldly stated in their Privacy Policy – a reminder, that you should always read Terms and Conditions as well as Privacy Policies before installing software. Moreover, alongside previously mentioned effects, there were some reports on the application possibly causing decline in PC performance. Also, there were reported instances of password and financial data theft. To sum up, your personal information is shared with third parties under numerous circumstances and there is no way to find out what it’s used for. Therefore, you should think twice before downloading it.
If you’re wondering “how do I get rid of Pokki on Windows 10” or any other Windows versions, you should check the Pokki removal guide we provide below.
Name | Pokki Start Menu |
Type | Adware; Potentially Unwanted Program; Download Manager |
Developer | SweetLabs, Inc. |
Detection names | Win32/Pokki; Win32/Pokki Start Menu; Win32/Pokki BrowserModifier; |
Related programs | Pixsta, PC App Store, Pokki Download Helper |
Activity | Might display annoying ads, open browser and redirect to partner websites, |
Distribution | Software bundles; online downloads |
Removal | Remove it manually or automatically using System Mechanic Ultimate Defense or another trustworthy software |
Aside from Windows users who download it intentionally (that can be done on deeveloper’s website), the biggest chance of getting this program is through download bundling. To explain, this scheme is used to target people who tend to download free software from suspicious websites and do these kinds of things irresponsibly.
For example, Pokki might be included as an additional install product alongside your Torrent downloader program, free media player, etc. In this case, the bundle ad is included in one of the installation steps of Custom or Advanced installation option. In most cases, this option is selected automatically, so inattentive users might install it unintentionally.
All in all, we’d like to state, that even though this topic is quite controversial (regarding the maliciousness of this program), many believe that it is best to remove Pokki Virus as it poses quite a few risks to your system.
Terminating this program manually might not be enough because many users complain that Pokki won’t uninstall that easily. Since these kinds of apps tend to keep their roots inside your system for as long as possible, we highly recommend you to use trustworthy anti-malware software to ensure complete removal. In order to achieve that, we’ve already reviewed most of them on our website, in the hope that you could choose one easily.
This article continues with complete Pokki removal guide – to remove it completely, follow the steps below:
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Pokki Removal Tutorial
To remove the unwanted program from your computer, use these instructions below to uninstall associated programs or apps from your Windows or Mac computer. Then scroll down for instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually.
Windows 10/8.1/8 users
Click on the Windows logo to open Windows menu. In search, type control panel and select the matching result. Then go to Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users
First, open Windows menu by clicking on the icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Then go to Control Panel and find section called Programs. Click on the Uninstall a program option under it.
Windows XP users
In Windows XP, click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Uninstall unwanted programs
Once in Programs and Features, look through the list of installed programs. You can click on Installed on tab to sort the programs by their installation date.
Right-click on suspicious programs you can't remember installing and choose Uninstall. Follow instructions provided by the Uninstall Wizard, click Next and finally Finish to uninstall the unwanted program from your PC.
Remove Pokki from Mac
Remove using INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Mac (includes scanning for iOS devices). The one-of-a-kind security suite provides VirusBarrier X9 real-time protection against Mac and Windows-based malware, removes existing threats and scans for malware in popular e-mail clients. Includes NetBarrier X9, an intelligent firewall for home, work and public connections.
Remove Pokki from Google Chrome
Remove suspicious Chrome extensions
Change Start Page settings
Change default search settings
Remove push notifications from Chrome
If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps:
Reset Google Chrome browser
Remove Pokki from Mozilla Firefox
Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox
Change Firefox Homepage
Alter preferences in Firefox
Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox
Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla's settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps:
Reset Mozilla Firefox
Remove Pokki from Microsoft Edge
Remove suspicious extensions:
Change MS Edge Start Page and default search engine:
Turn off push notifications in Edge
If you keep receiving pop-up ads or other promotional content while browsing on Microsoft Edge, your browser might be corrupted by a potentially unwanted program (PUP). You have to clean it — follow these easy instructions:
Clear browsing data
Remove Pokki from Safari
Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions
Change Safari Homepage and default search engine
Remove push notifications on Safari
Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide:
Reset Safari
Remove Pokki from Internet Explorer
TIP: If you are still using IE, we strongly advise using Microsoft Edge or a different browser because Microsoft is no longer providing technical or security support for IE browser.
Remove suspicious extensions from IE
Change default search provider and remove suspicious ones
Change IE Home Page
Block pop-up notifications on Internet Explorer
Suspicious websites can gain access to your Internet Explorer browser through push notifications. If you enable them even by accident, you will start receiving numerous annoying ads and other advertising content while browsing. The easiest way to remove push-notification viruses is by performing the following steps:
Reset Internet Explorer
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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