What is a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) / PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)

Potentially Unwanted Programs are promoted as a genuine application!
To elaborate,
PUP meaning can be configured as software that compromises the system security to weaken the system firewall putting all your privacy at stake which includes your id password, banking account details, and data stored on the system in the form of a virus.
Instead, it will now be a part of your operating system and authorize the installation of other activities like spyware, adware, pup malware, etc.
Note: Generally PUP or PUA is widely recognized as PUP virus or PUP malware but it actually is not a virus or malware rather it's just a software that is of no use and the only motive behind developing such application is to make money.
Disguising as a genuine application, a PUP tricks the user into installing the required software.
But, once it installs on your system, will it do what it was intended to?
Yes!
But not in the way you think it should. It makes way for other malware acting as a backdoor for them.
Hence, the PUP virus requires an instant elimination from your PC to remove unwanted programs as soon as you become aware of them. PUP virus is highly dangerous and harmful for your PC putting your personal identity at stake.
Some of the PUP’s are designed to scare the user. For example, an application designed to fix the computer issues will first make you believe how badly your system is messed up. Then, it will instantly provide a quick fix for the shown issue and in return will ask you for money.
But, there is a catch to it, these kinds of warning that you see are nothing but fake security alerts that focus on scaring the user and steal money from them.
That’s not it!
These warnings will ask you to fix the issues quickly or some severe damage could occur and getting the problems fixed should be your next move.

How does a PUP program install on your Computer?
- The quickest approach used by PUP’s is “bundling”. Bundling is a process in which such unwanted programs are linked as an attachment to the freeware programs and gets installed along with the freeware program.
- Also, some computer enthusiasts usually look for the cracked version of a program or crack tool for a program, i.e., freely made available paid version of games, applications and many more. These cracked programs are the best source to achieve the desired malicious activities.
Follow the below steps to install any program.
While installing a freeware software or a freeware game make sure you go through the license agreement section and read all the terms and conditions.
And If reading the complete terms and condition is too much then while installing the freeware application if the installation offers you “custom and automatic installation.”
It is always recommended that you go through the customs process as this would disclose the other programs that might get installed along with it. If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of PUP.
Now, what should be your next move?
Since a Potentially Unwanted Program is categorized as malicious, we would recommend you to get rid of it by installing a PUP scanner.
Now your priority should be to uninstall the PUP program and then create a firewall for your computer by following the steps below.
Step-by-step instructions to remove PUP
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously. This will get you the windows task manager. Here, make sure that you are looking into the application tab and now go through the complete section and find the PUP program that you are looking for. If present, then select it and click on End Task.
- Now you can close the task manager.
- Now, we need to open control panel from the start menu or by holding Windows key + R key at the same time. This would bring up the “RUN” box now in this box you need to type control and hit ok.
- Here, in the control panel click on Add/Remove program.
- This will show the list of all the installed program.
- Right Click on the PUP program you want to get rid of and uninstall this program.
Now let us look at the steps you need to follow to prevent such programs from installing on your computer without your permission by creating a robust firewall by a PUP scanner.
By doing this, you will never have to worry about the security or the performance of your computer ever again.
Let’s get started!
Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs.
So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc. and Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update.By doing this you can keep your device free from virus.According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection.Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like ITL Total Security or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Virus RemovalTool