PUABundler
PUABundler is a category of potentially unwanted applications that are known for bundling multiple software programs together during the installation process. Users may encounter PUABundler when downloading and installing software from various sources, especially freeware and shareware websites.
Possible symptoms
- Unexpected installation of additional software during application installation
- Changes to browser settings, such as homepage and default search engine
- Increased system resource usage and performance issues
Sources of the infection
- Downloading and installing software from freeware and shareware websites
- Not paying attention to the installation process and accepting default options
- Skipping through installation prompts without reviewing them
Overview
PUABundler, also known as Potentially Unwanted Application Bundler, PUA Bundler, and Unwanted Software Bundler, is a type of potentially unwanted application that is notorious for bundling multiple software programs together during the installation process. Users may encounter PUABundler when downloading and installing software from various sources, especially freeware and shareware websites.
It presents a risk as users may unknowingly install unwanted software on their systems when they encounter bundled packages. The symptoms of PUABundler infection include unexpected installations of additional software during the installation of other applications, changes to browser settings such as the homepage and default search engine, and increased system resource usage leading to performance issues.
There are various bundling techniques and combinations of unwanted software associated with PUABundler. Sources of infection include downloading and installing software from freeware and shareware websites, not paying attention to the installation process and accepting default options, and skipping through installation prompts without reviewing them.
If you suspect your system is affected by PUABundler, consider the following actions: uninstall any recently added software that might be associated with PUABundler, scan your system with Gridinsoft anti-malware to detect and remove unwanted applications, and reset your browser settings to default to eliminate any unwanted changes.
To prevent PUABundler, take the following precautions: be cautious when downloading software, especially from freeware and shareware websites, read installation prompts carefully and opt for custom installations to control the software being installed, and keep anti-malware up to date for real-time protection against similar threats.
🤔 What to do?
If you suspect your system is affected by PUABundler, consider the following actions:
- Uninstall any recently added software that might be associated with PUABundler.
- Scan your system with Gridinsoft Anti-malware to detect and remove unwanted applications.
- Reset your browser settings to default to eliminate any unwanted changes.
🛡️ Prevention
To prevent PUABundler infections, take the following precautions:
- Be cautious when downloading software, especially from freeware and shareware websites.
- Read installation prompts carefully and opt for custom installations to control the software being installed.
- Keep your anti-malware software up to date for real-time protection against PUABundler.
