DriverUpdate is tagged as a potentially unwanted program due to the invasive technique used in order to gain access to the target computer. Adware or unwanted programs like this one normally come bundled with other software. It usually invites victims through pop-up pages from driverupdate.net stating the following message:
“Download the Driver Update Utility to scan and identify out-of-date or missing Windows Drivers. Update your PC with the correct Windows Drivers.”
When you see the above pop-up alerts, it only states that the computer is compromised with adware promoting the said program. You may have obtained the adware from various software downloads, especially freeware or shareware apps. Links from social media sites and spam email messages pretending to be from your trusted contacts likewise lead to DriverUpdate adware infection.
To some, DriverUpdate is just a scam. It pops up a warning, reporting that outdated drivers can lead to serious damage to the PC. But once you download the program and have it installed, the same scan is produced. However, this time, DriverUpdate demands that you register the software in order for the update to commence. Overall, the technique used by DriverUpdate makers is very similar to fake antivirus programs that have been around for quite some time.
Removing an unwanted add-on or extension from the browser may stop pop-ups coming from driverupdate.net. If the DriverUpdate scanner program is already loaded into the computer, you can simply uninstall it through Add/Remove program in Windows under Control Panel.
DriverUpdate Removal Procedure
Below is a systematic instruction that is very useful in getting rid of unwanted programs on compromised Windows computers. Aside from removing the unwanted application, this guide is also helpful for deleting associated adware and malware. In order to totally eliminate the threat, it is vital to follow the process in an exact manner.
Instant Removal : Scan the computer with antivirus program
Combo Cleaner is a trusted computer security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of unwanted program DriverUpdate and similar threats, whether it has infected PC, Mac, Android, or iOS.
1. Download the application from the following page:
2. Save the file to your preferred location.
3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.
4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.
5. The tool will update the database file; please wait for this process to complete.
6. To begin checking for threats like DriverUpdate, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.
7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete DriverUpdate, including all harmful objects from the computer.
To fully optimize the features of antivirus and privacy scanners, users may have to upgrade to the premium version.
Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the unwanted program and malicious items linked to it.
Manual Removal : Steps to get rid of DriverUpdate
The steps below will guide you to manually remove DriverUpdate without having to purchase a recommended virus scanner. We have tested the procedures; hence, the attackers may make modifications overtime. As a result, terms, names, and images in the guide may differ from what users are seeing recently.
The procedure may require you to close the browser or restart the computer; therefore, we are suggesting to Bookmark or Print this page.Step 1 : Use Windows Task Manager
1. On your keyboard, press Ctrl + Alt + Del to open Task Manager. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Windows Taskbar and click on Task Manager from the list.
2. When Task Manager opens, be sure that you are viewing the Processes tab. Select DriverUpdate or a suspicious item. If it is in disguise as a different program, please take note of the malware name, as we will have to uninstall it later.
3. Right-click on the application name and then select Open file location from the drop-down list. The command should open File Explorer to the exact location of the malware file. Please take note of the directory, as we will need to delete it later on in this procedure.
4. Back in the Task Manager window, right-click again on DriverUpdate or any suspicious application, and then this time, select End Task from the list.
5. You may now close Task Manager and proceed with the next step.
Step 2 : Uninstall DriverUpdate from Windows
1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key + R. Type the appwiz.cpl command and click OK.
2. The Program and Features window will open. Arrange the list in a chronological manner, with recently installed applications on top. To do this, click on the 'Installed On' column.
3. Select DriverUpdate or a recently installed suspicious entry from the list.
4. Click on Uninstall to remove it from the Windows system.
If uninstalling the malware is not possible this time, some process could be preventing the removal. You can proceed with this step after restarting Windows in Safe Mode.Step 3 : Restart Windows in Safe Mode
The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before deleting files, ending system processes, and virus scanning is effective in getting rid of DriverUpdate. This routine can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.
1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.
2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.
3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot so that it starts in Safe Mode after restarting.
5. Next, select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
6. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
7. Please restart Windows. The system should run in Safe Mode after the reboot.
Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after this process. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.Step 4 : Delete Malicious Files and Folder
1. Open Windows File Explorer. You can use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + E.
2. On the top menu, click on View > Show > Hidden Items. This will expose all hidden files associated with DriverUpdate.
3. Now, go to the directory or file location of the malware that you have observed in Step 1.
4. Select all the files in this directory and click Delete. You can also just delete the whole folder itself. Please close the File Explorer window.
5. Next, on your Desktop, right-click on Recycle Bin and click on Empty Recycle Bin in the list.
6. Please restart Windows in Normal mode. Refer to Step 3 and just uncheck the Safe Boot option.
You can run a virus scan while in Safe Mode. It has been proven that most malware won't load when Windows is booted to Safe Mode, making it easier to remove them.Step 5 : Scan the computer with Sophos Home
Ensure that the computer is already free from adware, malware, or viruses by running another scan using Sophos. This is an effective antivirus tool that can detect malicious items other security software failed to identify.
1. Please click on the link below to download the program.
2. After downloading, locate the file SophosInstall.exe in the Downloads folder.
3. Install by double-clicking on the file.
4. If it prompts "Do you want to allow this app to make changes on your device?" please click Yes.
5. Next, it will display the Terms and Conditions page. Click the Install button to begin.
6. Run the installation with the default settings. Please note that an internet connection is required in order to download important updates.
7. After finishing the installation, you must login to the dashboard. If you already have a Sophos account, please login. Otherwise, please enter your details and click on the Create Account button.
8. Once you are in the Sophos Home console, click the Scan button to start checking the computer for DriverUpdate components.
9. Scanning may take a while; please wait for this process to finish.
10. After scanning the computer, Sophos Home will start cleaning or deleting files infected with DriverUpdate.
11. You may now close Sophos Home. The computer is now free from DriverUpdate, as well as associated malware and viruses.
System Compatibility Notice
We ensured that our method to get rid of DriverUpdate is compatible with the majority of Microsoft operating systems (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11). To prevent complicated steps, the commands used in the instructions are common, useful, and tested. If you encounter any compatibility problems when following this tutorial, please message us or leave your comment below, and we will reply and make the required modifications.
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