What is causing Chrome Update Center pop-up message? Why does it keep popping up in the browser? How to remove unwanted programs from your computer?
Chrome Update Center pop-up message could load in your browser in an attempt to convince you that your browser version is outdated. This message aims to force you to update Chrome trick you into installing a Chrome update that will prevent the occurrence of eventual critical errors such as personal data loss and confidential information leak. In fact, this message is yet another scam that endangers the overall security of your computer. So be advised to read our guide and learn how to get rid of all potentially harmful files that may be running on your system.
Threat Summary
| Name | Chrome Update Center |
| Type | Scam, PUP |
| Short Description | Deceptive message that alarms for critical browser erros. |
| Symptoms | Browsing sessions are redirected to corrupted web pages that urge you to update your outdated Chrome browser version. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Chrome Update Center. |
Chrome Update Scam – Update July 2019
Chrome Update Center scam seems to be active in July 2019 as well. Online users report that their browsers are compromised with Maranhesduve, so apparently, the infection is still lurking across the web.
If you receive this pop-up message or a similar one please do not download anything. Such scam messages always aim to trick you into allowing the execution of some virus/malware on your computer. Chrome never prompts you about updating, but will simply automatically download and install any available Chrome updates directly from Google servers.
In fact, Google Chrome web browser is configured to perform automatical updates when a new version of the browser is available on your device. Normally updates happen in the background when you close and reopen your computer’s browser.
Chrome Update Center – Spread Techniques
Chrome Update Center pop-up message appears in your browser after a redirect to a malicious or corrupted website. On one hand, it’s a recently installed unwanted program that may be causing unexpected redirects to infected websites. On the other hand, visits to other shady websites could be the reason for this fake Chrome update notification to appear in your browser.
If this scam message is generated by a present undesired program, you probably got tricked into installing this program on your device during the installation of another desired and supposedly useful one. This technique is called software bundling and it is realized with the help of infected software installers. It is known to be preferred by malicious actors.
Since the majority of online users skip reading all details mentioned in installers’ EULA (end-user license agreement), this section is often misused by malicious actors to hide the presence of their rubbish apps. This way they could easily obtain users’ permission for the installation of all added undesired programs. Programs that distribute undesired programs are often released on shady websites and P2P networks.
To avoid unattended installations of undesired programs you should always select “Custom” or “Advanced” options while installing new programs. Don’t miss the details mentioned there as they could help you prevent the installation of undesired apps.
Chrome Update Center – More Details
When you land on any bogus web page infected with Chrome Update Center message you will see the following pop-up:
As suggested by the presented text, an outdated browser version is causing a critical error. Here is a copy of this message:
Chrome Update Center
A critical error has occurred due to the outdated version of the browser.
Update your browser as soon as possible.
The following errors are also possible on outdated versions of the browser:
Loss of personal and stored data
Confidential information leak
Browser errors
[Update]
The aim of this message is to convince you that your browser is generating a critical error due to an outdated version. By presenting this deceptive information the pop-up attempts to trick you into installing a Chrome update. To be more persuasive, it states that the update will prevent the occurrence of further critical errors such as personal data loss and confidential information leak. However, a click on the Update button presented by this scam message could endanger the overall security of your computer. Instead of downloading a legitimate update package for your Chrome browser, the scam could infect your device with malware.
As revealed by another our report on [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/google-chrome-update-fake/”]Fake Google Chrome Update, the scam could drop harmful files in C:\ProgramData\Google\update\. However, since there are different hacker collectives that are launching these nasty attack campaigns with Chrome Update Center scam, the location for suspicious files could be different as well.
And in case that you keep seeing redirects to this scam, it is very likely that any undesired program is running on your device. Beware that such a program may be using all of the tracking technologies mentioned below to monitor your online activity:
- Cookies
- LSOs
- Pixels
- Tags
- Geo-locators.
The use of those technologies could enable the undesired app to perform unsolicited data collection. So it could be able to obtain details like IP address, searches, clicks, browsing history and other. As a result, you may start seeing other types of advertisements, like:
- Pop-ups
- Banners
- Browser Redirects
- Ad-supported search results
To sum up the load of Google Chrome Update scam and other deceptive ads in your web browser may lead to serious security issues that could damage both your computer and data. That’s why security experts recommend victims to secure their computers by removing all suspicious files that are likely to be associated with the appearance of Google Chrome Update scam.
How to Check for Chrome Updates?
When in Chrome:
- 1) At the top right, click the three dots for More.
2) Click Help and then About Google Chrome.
3) Your current version is the number beneath the ‘Google Chrome’ heading. If there is an available update Chrome will check for it when you’re on this page.
How to Remove Chrome Update Center Scam Pop-up
In order to remove Chrome Update Center scam message along with all files that may be enabling its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. In the guide below you will find all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of present undesired programs and strengthen the security of your device we recommend you to combine the steps. Have in mind that potential files installed by this scam may be detected with unrelated names.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us at our email.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Guide 1: How to Remove Chrome Update Center from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Chrome Update Center from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Chrome Update Center from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Chrome Update Center from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Chrome Update Center from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Chrome Update Center from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Chrome Update Center from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Chrome Update Center from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Chrome Update Center
Step 2: Uninstall Chrome Update Center and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Chrome Update Center on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Chrome Update Center there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Chrome Update Center from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Chrome Update Center and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Chrome Update Center via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Chrome Update Center files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Chrome Update Center, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Chrome Update Center from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Chrome Update Center from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Chrome Update Center from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Chrome Update Center from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Chrome Update Center will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Chrome Update Center from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
