Chrome Update Center Scam Pop-Up – How to Remove It (July 2019)

Threat Summary Chrome Update Scam – Update July 2019 Chrome Update Center – Spread Techniques Chrome Update Center – More Details How to Remove Chrome Update Center Scam Pop-up

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	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
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.

Related: [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-chrome-redirect-virus/”] Chrome Redirect Virus

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:

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 on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove Chrome Update Center in 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.
Guide 8: Disable Chrome Update Center Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove Chrome Update Center from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Chrome Update Center

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

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:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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.

Step 4: Scan for Chrome Update Center with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Chrome Update Center from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Chrome Update Center and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Chrome Update Center:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Chrome Update Center. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Chrome Update Center. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Chrome Update Center. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Chrome Update Center:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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 Stop Push Pop-ups

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 Stop Push Pop-ups

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 Stop Push Pop-ups

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.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.