Understanding Win32/PUP-Gene Threat: Identification & Removal Guide

Win32:pup-gen is a generic label for the malicious program detected by Avast and other antimalware programs. It is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) since users don’t install it willingly on their system. Instead, it comes hidden in a bundled software program and gets installed along with it.

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In this guide, we would discuss more on what Win32:pup-gen is, what it does to the system, and how to remove Win32:pup-gen from the Windows 10 system.

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What is Win32:pup-gen?

As already mentioned, Win32:pup-gen is a generic term for a potentially unwanted application that sneakily enters your system to perform various malicious tasks. Though it itself might not be a notable threat, it can open up security vulnerabilities in the system and can become a medium for other, more significant threats such as a rootkit, to infiltrate the device.

Most people don’t realize that they have unknowingly installed the Win32:pup-gen onto their system until it is detected by the antivirus or antimalware program. There are several ways through which it can enter your system with or without your knowledge.

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How did Win32:pup-gen end up on my system?

There are various ways through which Win32:pup-gen can get an entry on your device. The most common methods are:

1. When a user clicks on an infected pop-up ad , the PUP such as Win32:pup-gen gets installed stealthily.
2. It can also gain entry through a bundled software program.
3. The email attachments from an unknown source can also be a Win32:pup-gen carrier.
4. Peer to peer File Sharing networks such as Torrents are also responsible for Win32:pup-gen infection.
5. Fake updates and external media are another two common medium.

What can Win32:pup-gen do on Windows 10 system?

Win32:pup-gen can be the reason for many unusual activities on your system. Here is the list of the malicious activities it can perform on your system

• It can modify the system file
• Can add or remove folders automatically
• Show advertisement on the Windows 10
• Create windows tasks
• Display banner ads on the browsers, injecting them with the web pages you are visiting.
• Turning random web page text into a hyperlink
• Generate fake pop-ups to alert people to update the system or browser.
• Can install other malicious programs such as Rootkits, Adware, etc.

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How to remove Win32:pup-gen from Windows 10?

As you can see, the Win32:pup-gen PUP can cause many troubles to your system. It becomes vital to altogether remove it from the system once it has been recognized.

Here are the top ways to remove Win32:pup-gen from Windows 10 system.

Delete all Files related to Win32:pup-gen

If you were able to manually detect the Win32:pup-gen, then you must immediately delete it and all the files associated with it. Though it is hard to detect such PUPs manually as it comes with various names, some of them seems authentic.

Restart your PC in Safe Mode

Windows Safe Mode is the perfect environment to find out and solve the critical errors in the system. In safe mode, only system programs and some crucial programs run. Safe Mode would most likely kill the applications and its files that try to run automatically on your system. Follow this guide to boot your Windows 10 PC in Safe Mode.

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Uninstall Suspicious Applications

If Win32:pup-gen is still there on your PC, try to find the culprit application and uninstall it.

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select the Task Manager.
   

2. Watch out for the applications that are consuming the system memory even though you did not install or launch them.

3. Right-click on the suspicious application and open its file location.
   

4. Delete the file from its root location.

5. Open Control Panel and click on Uninstall a program and check for suspicious apps. One by one, select and uninstall them.

Delete Temporary Files

The temporary files folder can also be a carrier of malicious files. Thus, we recommend deleting all the temporary files and folders regularly for the smooth running of the system. Removing the temporary files would also clear the unnecessary clutter from your system and free-up the valuable space.

Here are the steps to eliminate the temporary files:

1. Open the Run command window.
2. Type %temp% and hit the enter key.
3. This run command would navigate you to this path: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Temp, that is, the temp folder.
4. Select all Files and Folders of this folder and delete them. Don’t hesitate to delete them, as they are not essential for any of your tasks.
5. Next right-click on the Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin.

Reset Web Browser Settings

If your browser is misbehaving because of Win32:pup-gen, then reset its settings to default.

1. Open Chrome and navigate to Settings by clicking on the three-dots at the top right.
2. Click on advanced Advanced.
3. Under Reset and cleanup, click on “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
4. Select Reset settings on the next prompt.
5. Relaunch your browser.

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Install an Antimalware and Perform a Scan

Manually removing malware can be a tedious task, and it takes a lot of time and effort on our part. Sometimes, it may get irritated for you if you are not much into technology. There is no need to worry; you can get a robust antimalware like MalwareFox that will scan for malware and remove it.

MalwareFox is a reliable security software that promises to protect your system and helps to handle malware and viruses. MalwareFox will scans, detect, and remove Malware and offers real-time protection. It also protects your PC from most dangerous malware such as Ransomware, Zero-Day Attack protection, Grayware, Keyloggers, etc.

1. Download Malwarefox and install it .
2. Perform a full system scan to get rid of every malware that is troubling your system.

How to Avoid Win32:pup-gen?

It is essential to avoid such PUPs so that you do not have to deal with them. Here are some tips for that:

1. Never fall into the trap of attractive pop-ups and banner ads.
2. Always ignore award-giving web pages and emails. Never click on the links they carry.
3. While installing software, uncheck the installation of the bonus program.
4. Avoid getting freeware programs from unsecured and untrustworthy sources .
5. Always keep installed a robust antimalware solution on your device so that any threat can be detected beforehand.

**Is a PUP dangerous?

A potentially unwanted program (PUP) might not be dangerous by itself, but it often utilizes high amounts of system resources and can be responsible for the infiltration of other threatening malware.

**Should I delete PUP?

Though a PUP is not dangerous, it is still ‘Unwanted’. So it must be deleted from the system immediately after its discovery.

1 thought on “What is Win32:pup-gen and how to remove it?”

1. 
   Ana

March 11, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Interesting stuff. I didn’t know anything about this, so I find it really useful and educative. Great stuff!
I really like this site; I always learn something new.
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