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Web Companion (by Adaware, previously called LavaSoft) is an application that advertises itself as software that is capable of protecting user’s computer by warding off malware and privacy breaches. However, due to its marketing methods and possibly other reasons, several reputable antivirus vendors mark it as a potentially unwanted program (according to VirusTotal report) or even riskware. In fact, Web Companion is distributed using a Bundle Installer, which is made to push a bundle of programs for the user. In other words, the discussed application is promoted via installers of other freeware programs. Users often install such software bundles without noticing statements about extra programs included and later notice changes in computer or browser settings that they did not initiate, which causes stress and confusion.
Programs like Adaware Web Companion often change web browser’s settings without user’s knowledge to promote a specific search engine or a website. In this case, your regular search engine might be switched to cause regular Bing redirects, Yahoo redirects or Yandex redirects. Moreover, you might notice that your default new tab page URL changed to one of the said sites as well. The reason why the browser settings change is because you most likely agreed to that during the bundleware install (without realising it, of course).
In short, this application cannot be classified as somewhat malicious, however, the methods it uses for its distribution and bigger user reach simply cannot be justified. We doubt that anyone wants to install programs they did not intentionally search for. If you have installed it unintentionally and now would like to remove Web Companion from Windows 10, 8, 7 or older computer, follow the free removal instructions provided below this article. Alternatively, we recommend using professional INTEGO Antivirus software to remove potentially unwanted programs automatically. As a bonus, consider downloading RESTORO to perform Windows System Repair.
Name | Web Companion |
Type | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
Developer | Adaware (previously known as LavaSoft) |
AV Detection names | Generic PUA BJ (PUA) (Sophos), Riskware/WebCompanion (Fortinet), W32/Trojan.CIRO-5656 (Cyren), Riskware.Win32.Wacapew.C!ml (Sangfor Engine Zero) see full list here on VirusTotal |
Unwanted behaviour | The program gets promoted via bundle installers, therefore users might not recall installing it. The application performs browsing checks and claims to secure browsing sessions and might display alerts about detected issues. In order to fix detected problems, similar programs ask to purchase full version. |
Distribution | Pop-up ads, free software installers (software bundles), fake software update tools |
Removal | Remove potentially unwanted programs with a help of robust antivirus software, such as INTEGO Antivirus. To repair system damage, consider downloading RESTORO. |
REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
1 Step. Get robust antivirus to remove existing threats and enable real-time protection
INTEGO Antivirus for Windows provides robust real-time protection, Web Shield against phishing and deceptive websites, blocks malicious downloads and blocks Zero-Day threats. Use it to remove ransomware and other viruses from your computer professionally.
2 Step. Repair Virus Damage on Windows Operating System Files
Download RESTORO to scan your system for FREE and detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically.
If you’re surprised and looking for Adaware Web Companion uninstall guide, you should beware of other similar potentially unwanted programs that users often seek to uninstall. Some examples of such programs are: Advanced System Repair, Segurazo Antivirus, SAntivirus and others. Such programs also often display false-positive detections only to scare the victim and force him/her to purchase full license of the said program to fix “the issues.”
Although Web Companion application can be downloaded directly from its developer’s website, you may also find it on your computer after installing some kind of a free program in a rush. It happens because free programs use bundle installers that are meant to promote additional programs for the user. Unfortunately, these suggestions are often presented in the least noticeable way possible. Most of the time, the user goes through the installation wizard’s steps by clicking “Next” button, which includes choosing Recommended installation mode. However, if you want to check what other programs are included and remove them, you should always opt for “Advanced” or “Custom” installation methods instead. Here, simple deselect all recommended programs that you did not want to install. Then you can proceed with the installation as usual.
Moreover, you may encounter suggestions to install various potentially unwanted programs, including adware and browser hijackers or suspicious extensions while browsing through suspicious online websites. Such sites are made to trigger pop-up ads leading to questionable ad networks that present various software variations, although these hardly ever have a good reputation. Therefore, we suggest that you skip all the offers to “enhance your web search experience” or download a “download manager” because you will likely be bombarded with daily banners, pop-up and pop-under ads and experience redirects after installing them. If such ad ever appears on your screen, close it without allowing it to display push notifications or clicking anything on it.
If you wish to uninstall Web Companion now, simply use instructions given below to delete the app and reset your browsers manually. If you’d like to remove the program automatically, consider using robust antivirus solution such as INTEGO Antivirus. Finally, to repair system issues, download RESTORO and perform a full system scan.
If you have already managed to delete Web Companion unwanted application, we’d like to ask you to share how did you install this program in the comments section below.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:
GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Web Companion by Adaware 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 Web Companion by Adaware 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 Web Companion by Adaware 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 Web Companion by Adaware 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 Web Companion by Adaware 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 Web Companion by Adaware 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 Web Companion by Adaware 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.
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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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