This article has been made with the idea in mind to explain to you what is the unwanted program DNS Unlocker and how to remove it from your computer and stop “Ads by DNS Unlocker” from appearing.
It has come to our attention that a very annoying unwnated software, known as DNS Unlocker, which we detected way back in 2015 has reportedly came back in 2018 with a new setup and a new interface, still promising the same deceitful claims that it will enable users to access geo-restricted websites, like Netflix and others of this type by modifying the DNS settings on the victim computers. The DNS Unlocker virus is the type of software which does modify the network settings on your computer, but it also does more than that. The suspicious program displays different types of advertisements, that aim to lead victimized computers to third-party websites that are advertised by this PUP. Since some of these websites may lead you to scamming or malicious URLs, we advise that you read this article as it may help you understand more about DNS Unlocker and how you can remove it from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | DNS Unlocker |
| Type | Adware/PUA |
| Short Description | The program pretends to provide you access to geo-restricted sites, but also aims to fill your computer with different types of “Ads by DNS Unlocker”. |
| Symptoms | DNS Unlocker may display all types of ads that lead to websites which cannot be guaranteed to be safe. The program also slows down the internet connection and the performance of the computer It’s installed on. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundled installers or it’s website, claiming the program is legitimate and working. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss DNS Unlocker. |
DNS Unlocker – How It Enters Computers
The DNS Unlocker program does not use conventional ways of being installed on the computers of users. The program often “hitchhikes” the setup wizards of other programs that are often downloaded for free online. These programs may be casual system optimizer, torrent downloading software, media players and other helper software which is provided for free download by third-party websites.
Since those programs may have their installers modified, they may contain DNS Unlocker added to them in one of their installation steps, looking like the following:
But this is not the only way via which DNS Unlocker enters users’ computers. The DNS Unlocker program may also be seen having it’s own installer if it’s downloaded from it’s own website or websites that advertise it as a helpful tool. The installer looks like the following:
DNS Unlocker – What Does It Do
DNS Unlocker is advertised as a helpful software as the description on it’s software setup wizard claims:
“DNS Unlocker
Unlock Censored Website and Protect Your PrivacyOverview
Unlock blocked websites and digital media for Free! Our DNS service is faster than VPN, simpler to setup…Many countries have decided to arbitrarily block web sites access by blacklisting domains on local DNS servers. Some for political reason by blocking access to Twitter or Facebook, other to please the film industry by blocking torrent and video web sites such as PirateBay or PopCornTimes.
DNS Unlocker lets you unlock those domains by simply connecting to our custom DNS instead of your local one.
We don’t claim to unlock every blocked web sites, but in many cases the censorship is done using domain name redirection, and in this case our custom servers may help.
Key features
Transparent filtering.
No speed degradation.
Ease of use.”
And while this program may act as a legitimate helper that improves your web browsing experience, it may do more than that. By connecting you to the server of it’s creators, you may open up your computer to a whole new level of problems for your computer and your information.
Once installed on your PC, DNS Unlocker drops the following files in it’s file system:
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\config.ini
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\config.ini
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\DNSCONTRERAS.cer
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\DNSCONTRERAS.exe
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\Info.rtf
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\License.rtf
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\logoBlack.ico
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\logoGreen.ico
- %ProgramFiIes%\ DNS Unlocker\logoYellow.ico
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\Microsofl.Win32.TaskScheduler
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\settings.ini
- %ProgramFiIes%\ DNS Unlocker\uninsOOO.dat
- %ProgramFiIes%\ DNS Unlocker\uninsOOO.exe
- %ProgramFiIes%\DNS Unlocker\ZonoTools.XPIorerBar.dII
- %Windir%\Tasks\DNSCONTRERAS.job
Once DNS Unlocker is on and active on your compuer, the program may start to change different settings on your computer as reports by Symantec indicate. For starters, DNS Unlocker may interfere with the following registry sub-keys, adding custom alpha-numerical values:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ {alpha-numerical-value-here}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Dhcp\Parameters\”{alpha-numerical-value-here}” = {Hexidecimal Value}
Furthermore, DNS Unlocker also obtains administrator permissions on the computers it’s installed on in order to access Network Configuration. When DNS Unlocker access your network settings, the program has been reported by researchers to change DNS settings with the following IP addresses, similar to what most VPN programs do:
→ 82.163.143.157
82.163.142.159
82.163.142.185
82.163.143.185
But, be aware and do not underestimate DNS Unlocker, because while it may give you access to geo-restritect sites, the program also gives direct access to it’s creators of the following parts of your online activities:
- Your online clicks.
- Information that you have saved on your browser (Logins, bookmarked sites, etc.)
- Your browsing history.
- Online searchers you make.
This information may be used in order to display different types of advertisements on your computer, like the following types of ads:
- Redirects to suspicious sites.
- Pop-ups that may lead you to scamming sites.
- Banners that may advertise phishing sites.
- Ad-supported search results that lead you to fake retailer websites.
The advertisements that are shown by DNS Unlocker may often appear with a brand text, similar to “DNS Unlocker Ad”, “Ad by DNS Unlocker” or “Ads by DNS Unlocker”. These advertisements often lead yu to sites with low reputation and they should be avoided.
Some of the DNS Unlocker adds occasionally may appear similar to what the image below shows:
And to top this report out, the data that may be obtained and used by this potentially unwanted program may be used for different purposes and even shared with other parties under suspicious circumstances, like it says on DNS Unlocker’s web site:
Since the whole existence of DNS Unlocker on your computer is believed by most researchers to do more harm than good and it can even indirectly lead to malware infection via the third-parties advertised, it is strongly reccomended that you remove DNS Unlocker from your computer and eliminate it’s ads.
How to Remove DNS Unlocker and Stop Advertisements Coming from It
Conventional manual removal of this program will unfortunately not eliminate the DNS Unlocker ads. This is the main reason why we have created specific steps that you shoud do if you want to fully eliminate DNS Unlocker without reinstalling Windows. The first thing you should start with doing is to remove the files of DNS Unlocker either manually using the instructions underneath this paragraph or automatically by using an advanced anti-malware software, which will scan for and remove all of the DNS Unlocker objects permanently.
In combination with the Manual or Automatic removal instructions below, we recommend that you also revert your DNS settings by following the manual DNS fixing steps underneath:
Step 1: Open Control Panel.
Step 2: Go to Network and Internet.
Step 3: Under Network Sharing, click on “View Network Status and Tasks”.
Step 4: Click on the “Change Adapter Settings” in the top left of your screen.
Step 5: Right-click on your Wi-Fi network and then click Properties.
Step 6: Go to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or if you have IPV6 to the version 6 one. Mark it with your mouse and then click on Properties underneath it.
Step 7: On DNS Address, click on “Obtain DNS server address automatically”.
Step 8: Follow the removal instructions below or the instructions in this video to fully delete DNS Unlocker and make sure it doesn’t come back.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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How to Remove DNS Unlocker from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for DNS Unlocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall DNS Unlocker and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
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 4: Clean Any registries, Created by DNS Unlocker on Your PC.
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 DNS Unlocker 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.
Video Removal Guide for DNS Unlocker (Windows).
Get rid of DNS Unlocker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall DNS Unlocker and remove related files and objects
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 DNS Unlocker. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- 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 DNS Unlocker 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 DNS Unlocker files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as DNS Unlocker, 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.
Video Removal Guide for DNS Unlocker (Mac)
Remove DNS Unlocker 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.
Erase DNS Unlocker 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.
Uninstall DNS Unlocker 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.
Remove DNS Unlocker 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 DNS Unlocker will be removed.
Eliminate DNS Unlocker 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.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
DNS Unlocker-FAQ
What Is DNS Unlocker?
The DNS Unlocker threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of DNS Unlocker?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like DNS Unlocker?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does DNS Unlocker Work?
Once installed, DNS Unlocker can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
DNS Unlocker can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is DNS Unlocker Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the DNS Unlocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DNS Unlocker how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on DNS Unlocker?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the DNS Unlocker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.