• Downloads
  • Threats
    • Adware
    • Browser Hijacking
    • Phishing
    • Ransomware
  • Questions and Answers
  • Recover Encrypted Files
  • Free Malware Removal Tools

MyAntiSpyware

Menu
  • Downloads
  • Threats
    • Adware
    • Browser Hijacking
    • Phishing
    • Ransomware
  • Questions and Answers
  • Recover Encrypted Files
  • Free Malware Removal Tools

How to remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen [Virus removal guide]

Myantispyware team June 19, 2018    

What is PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen? If your antivirus detects PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen then it indicates that your computer is affected with a malicious software. This malware is automatically installed, without notification or user consent. Therefore, many users aren’t even aware that their PC system has been infected by malicious software. Please follow the easy rules in order to protect your PC system from any malware: don’t install suspicious applications, read the user agreement and select only the Custom, Manual or Advanced installation mode, don’t rush to press the Next button. Also, always try to find a review of the program on the Internet. Be careful and attentive!

The PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen can hide itself in the PC’s memory and files, alter some PC system settings and block them from changing. Also this virus can download and install: web-browser addons that will inject undesired advertisements within the Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, IE and Mozilla Firefox’s screen; a hijacker infection that will alter web browser’s home page and search engine.

Another reason why you need to remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen is its online data-tracking activity. It can gather confidential data, including:

  • IP addresses;
  • URLs visited;
  • search queries/terms;
  • clicks on links and ads;
  • web browser version information.

We strongly recommend that you perform the guide below that will help you to remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus using the standard features of Windows and some proven freeware.

How to remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen

We can help you delete PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen , without the need to take your computer to a professional. Simply follow the removal steps below if you currently have this virus on your computer and want to get rid of it. If you’ve any difficulty while trying to remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus, feel free to ask for our assist in the comment section below. Certain of the steps below will require you to shut down this page. So, please read the steps carefully, after that bookmark or print it for later reference.




The below instructions for devices using MS Windows, for Android phones, use How to remove virus from Android phone, and for Apple computers based on Mac OS use How to remove browser hijacker, pop-ups, ads from Mac

To remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen, perform the steps below:

  1. Uninstall potentially unwanted apps using Microsoft Windows Control Panel
  2. Automatically remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen with Zemana Anti-Malware
  3. Get rid of PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus and malicious extensions with HitmanPro
  4. Run Malwarebytes to remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen
  5. Delete PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen from Internet Explorer
  6. Remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus from Firefox
  7. Delete PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen from Google Chrome
  8. Run AdBlocker to stay safe online
  9. To sum up

Uninstall potentially unwanted apps using Microsoft Windows Control Panel

The best way to begin the system cleanup is to remove unknown and suspicious programs. Using the Microsoft Windows Control Panel you can do this quickly and easily. This step, in spite of its simplicity, should not be ignored, because the removing of unneeded software can clean up the Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge and Chrome from advertisements hijackers and so on.

Windows 8, 8.1, 10


First, press Windows button windows key, then press Search windows search. Type ‘Control panel’and press Enter as shown below.
search
When the ‘Control Panel’ opens, click the ‘Uninstall a program’ link under Programs category as displayed on the screen below.
windows 10 control panel
You will see the ‘Uninstall a program’ panel as shown in the figure below.
delete a program
Very carefully look around the entire list of applications installed on your machine. Most probably, one of them is the PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen or other malicious software and PUPs. If you’ve many software installed, you can help simplify the search of harmful apps by sort the list by date of installation. Once you’ve found a dubious, unwanted or unused application, right click to it, after that click ‘Uninstall’.

Windows XP, Vista, 7


First, press ‘Start’ button and select ‘Control Panel’ at right panel as shown in the figure below.
windows7 start menu
When the Windows ‘Control Panel’ opens, you need to press ‘Uninstall a program’ under ‘Programs’ like below.
windows 7 control panel
You will see a list of applications installed on your computer. We recommend to sort the list by date of installation to quickly find the applications that were installed last. Most likely, it is the PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen or other malicious software and PUPs. If you’re in doubt, you can always check the program by doing a search for her name in Google, Yahoo or Bing. After the program which you need to remove is found, simply click on its name, and then click ‘Uninstall’ like below.
Remove a program in Windows 7

Automatically remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen with Zemana Anti-Malware

We advise using the Zemana AntiMalware which are completely clean your computer of the virus. The utility is an advanced malware removal application developed by (c) Zemana lab. It is able to help you remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen, potentially unwanted applications, adware, malware, toolbars, ransomware and other security threats from your PC for free.

Now you can install and use Zemana to remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen from your internet browser by following the steps below:

Visit the page linked below to download Zemana Free setup file named Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup on your machine. Save it on your Windows desktop.

Zemana AntiMalware
Zemana AntiMalware
164986 downloads
Author: Zemana Ltd
Category: Security tools
Update: July 16, 2019

Start the setup file after it has been downloaded successfully and then follow the prompts to set up this tool on your PC.

Zemana AntiMalware SetupWizard

During installation you can change certain settings, but we recommend you do not make any changes to default settings.

When install is complete, this malware removal tool will automatically start and update itself. You will see its main window like below.

Now press the “Scan” button for checking your PC for the PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus and other malicious software and potentially unwanted apps. Depending on your system, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. When a malware, ad-supported software or potentially unwanted software are found, the count of the security threats will change accordingly. Wait until the the scanning is done.

Zemana AntiMalware (ZAM) scan for virus and other security threats

Once the scan get completed, Zemana will prepare a list of unwanted applications adware. Make sure all items have ‘checkmark’ and click “Next” button.

Zemana Anti-Malware scan is complete

The Zemana Free will delete PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus and other security threats and add threats to the Quarantine. When that process is done, you can be prompted to restart your PC system to make the change take effect.

Get rid of PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus and malicious extensions with HitmanPro

HitmanPro cleans your computer from adware, PUPs, unwanted toolbars, internet browser add-ons and other undesired programs like virus and other security threats. The free removal utility will help you enjoy your computer to its fullest. Hitman Pro uses advanced behavioral detection technologies to search for if there are unwanted applications in your personal computer. You can review the scan results, and choose the threats you want to erase.

  1. Installing the Hitman Pro is simple. First you will need to download Hitman Pro by clicking on the link below. Save it on your Windows desktop.
    HitmanPro
    HitmanPro
    12244 downloads
    Author: Sophos
    Category: Security tools
    Update: June 28, 2018
  2. When downloading is complete, run the Hitman Pro, double-click the HitmanPro.exe file.
  3. If the “User Account Control” prompts, press Yes to continue.
  4. In the HitmanPro window, press the “Next” to detect PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus and other malware and PUPs. This procedure can take quite a while, so please be patient. While the Hitman Pro is scanning, you can see number of objects it has identified either as being malware.
  5. After the scanning is finished, you will be shown the list of all found items on your system. Once you have selected what you wish to get rid of from your PC press “Next”. Now, click the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial to remove all malicious software found.

Run Malwarebytes to remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen

We suggest using the Malwarebytes Free. You can download and install Malwarebytes to detect and remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen from your personal computer. When installed and updated, the free malicious software remover will automatically scan and detect all threats exist on the PC.

Installing the MalwareBytes Free is simple. First you will need to download MalwareBytes Free on your MS Windows Desktop from the link below.

Malwarebytes Anti-malware
Malwarebytes Anti-malware
327224 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: April 15, 2020

Once the download is complete, close all windows on your PC. Further, launch the file called mb3-setup. If the “User Account Control” prompt pops up as shown below, click the “Yes” button.

MalwareBytes for Windows uac dialog box

It will open the “Setup wizard” that will assist you install MalwareBytes on the PC system. Follow the prompts and don’t make any changes to default settings.

MalwareBytes for Windows install wizard

Once installation is done successfully, press Finish button. Then MalwareBytes Anti Malware will automatically start and you can see its main window as on the image below.

MalwareBytes for Microsoft Windows

Next, click the “Scan Now” button to scan for PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen and other security threats. This procedure may take quite a while, so please be patient. While the utility is checking, you can see number of objects and files has already scanned.

MalwareBytes for Windows scan for virus and other malware and potentially unwanted software

When MalwareBytes completes the scan, MalwareBytes AntiMalware will display you the results. In order to remove all threats, simply click “Quarantine Selected” button.

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) for Microsoft Windows, scan for virus is finished

The MalwareBytes Anti-Malware will remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen and other security threats and add threats to the Quarantine. When the clean up is finished, you can be prompted to restart your computer. We recommend you look at the following video, which completely explains the process of using the MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) to get rid of browser hijackers, ‘ad supported’ software and other malicious software.

Delete PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen from Internet Explorer

The Microsoft Internet Explorer reset is great if your web browser is affected by PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus or you have unwanted add-ons or toolbars on your internet browser, that installed by a malicious software.

First, launch the Internet Explorer, click Microsoft Internet Explorer tools menu icon) button. Next, click “Internet Options” like below.

reset Internet Explorer tools menu

In the “Internet Options” screen select the Advanced tab. Next, click Reset button. The IE will show the Reset Internet Explorer settings prompt. Select the “Delete personal settings” check box and press Reset button.

reset Internet Explorer settings

You will now need to reboot your personal computer for the changes to take effect. It will remove virus and other malicious software and potentially unwanted applications, disable malicious and ad-supported web-browser’s extensions and restore the Internet Explorer’s settings such as startpage, newtab page and search provider to default state.

Remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus from Firefox

If the Mozilla Firefox settings have been replaced by the PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen , then resetting it to the default state can help. However, your saved bookmarks and passwords will not be lost.

First, open the Firefox. Next, click the button in the form of three horizontal stripes (Mozilla Firefox menu button). It will open the drop-down menu. Next, click the Help button (Firefox help button).

Mozilla Firefox settings menu

In the Help menu press the “Troubleshooting Information”. In the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page click on “Refresh Firefox” button as displayed on the image below.

Firefox troubleshooting info window

Confirm your action, click the “Refresh Firefox”.

Delete PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen from Google Chrome

If Chrome internet browser settings are hijacked by PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus then ‘Reset Chrome’ is a solution {which} helps to restore the browser to its factory state. To reset Chrome to the original defaults, follow the steps below.

First run the Chrome. Next, press the button in the form of three horizontal dots (Google Chrome menu button).

It will open the Chrome menu. Choose More Tools, then press Extensions. Carefully browse through the list of installed add-ons. If the list has the add-on signed with “Installed by enterprise policy” or “Installed by your administrator”, then complete the following guidance: Remove Chrome extensions installed by enterprise policy.

Open the Chrome menu once again. Further, click the option named “Settings”.

open Chrome settings

The internet browser will show the settings screen. Another solution to open the Google Chrome’s settings – type chrome://settings in the browser adress bar and press Enter

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and press the “Advanced” link. Now scroll down until the “Reset” section is visible, as shown below and click the “Reset settings to their original defaults” button.

Chrome settings reset link

The Chrome will display the confirmation dialog box as shown in the following example.

Chrome settings reset dialog

You need to confirm your action, press the “Reset” button. The web-browser will start the task of cleaning. Once it’s finished, the internet browser’s settings including startpage, newtab page and default search provider back to the values that have been when the Chrome was first installed on your computer.

Run AdBlocker to stay safe online

If you surf the Internet, you cannot avoid malvertising. But you can protect your web browser against it. Download and use an ad blocking application. AdGuard is an adblocker which can filter out a large number of of the malicious advertising, blocking dynamic scripts from loading malicious content.

Visit the following page to download the latest version of AdGuard for Microsoft Windows. Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.

Adguard
Adguard download
26883 downloads
Version: 6.4
Author: © Adguard
Category: Security tools
Update: November 15, 2018

After downloading it, double-click the downloaded file to start it. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen as displayed in the following example.

adguard ad blocker installer

Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed and an icon will be placed on your desktop. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick tutorial like below.

adguard installation is competed

Click “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or press “Get Started” to see an quick instructions which will allow you get to know AdGuard better.

Each time, when you start your computer, AdGuard will start automatically and stop unwanted advertisements, as well as other malicious or misleading pages. For an overview of all the features of the application, or to change its settings you can simply double-click on the AdGuard icon, which is located on your desktop.

To sum up

Now your PC should be clean of the PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus. We suggest that you keep AdGuard (to help you block unwanted pop-up ads and intrusive harmful web pages) and Zemana AntiMalware (to periodically scan your computer for new malware, hijacker infections and adware). Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for MS Windows OS. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new browser hijacker infections, malicious applications and adware are released.

If you are still having problems while trying to remove PUA/MyWebSearch.Gen virus from your computer, then ask for help here.

 

Unwanted programs

 Previous Post

How to remove Search.playnsearch.net [Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge]

Next Post 

How to remove PUP.MindSpark/Variant [Virus removal guide]

Author: Myantispyware team

Myantispyware is an information security website created in 2004. Our content is written in collaboration with Cyber Security specialists, IT experts, under the direction of Patrik Holder and Valeri Tchmych, founders of Myantispyware.com.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

New Guides

scam alert
Remove Searchernow.com Redirect: Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Avoid the ExLig.com Bitcoin Scam: Insights on Promo Code Frauds
scam alert
Denwex.com Review: Bitcoin Promo Codes as a Scam
scam alert
CEFOLEX.com Review: A Closer Look at the Bitcoin Promo Code Scam
The Bigexcoin.com Bitcoin Promo Code Scam: How to Stay Safe

Follow Us

Search

Useful Guides

How to reset Mozilla Firefox (Updated Apr. 2018)
How to reset Internet Explorer settings to default
remove chrome extension
How to remove Chrome extensions installed by enterprise policy
Malwarebytes won’t install, run or update – How to fix it
DNSChanger
How to remove DNSChanger malware virus [Updated Apr. 2018]

Recent Guides

Search.playnsearch.net
How to remove Search.playnsearch.net [Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge]
How to remove Trojan.GenericKD [Virus removal guide]
8-search.co
How to remove 8-search.co [Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge]
Zemana AntiMalware scan
How to remove Iostream.exe [Virus removal guide]
Win32.Adware.Mindspark
How to remove Win32.Adware.Mindspark [Virus removal guide]

Myantispyware.com

Myantispyware has been a trusted source for computer security and technology advice since 2004. Our mission is to provide reliable tech guidance and expert, practical solutions to help you stay safe online and protect your digital life.

Social Links

Pages

About Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 - 2024 MASW - Myantispyware.com.