This article has been created in order to help you to understand what is the Folder Share adware program and how to permanently remove it from your computer system.
Folder Share is an application of a Potentially Unwanted type. The suspicious app aims to read Windows folders as a network share and help distribute files, however without notifying victims the app also displays different third-party advertisements with a time-spam of a minute time during browsing activity. While the application helps sharing folders, it also may come with bunch of ads that it may display to you and these advertisements may lead you to various third-party websites of different character. Since there may be multiple different risks involved with those websites, it is wise to consider removing this ad-supported software, preferably by using the information in this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Folder Share |
| Type | Potentially Unwanted Program |
| Short Description | Aims to assist with creating a Network Shared folder, however the program displays advertisements on your browser. |
| Symptoms | Slow performance of your computer plus different types of advertisements to begin appearing. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundled installers, fake setups or via other PUP that has already been installed on your PC. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Folder Share. |
Folder Share Adware – How Did I Get It
Programs like Folder Share have two main methods of propagation. The first of those is to upload the program and present it as useful on software providing websites from the same type as download.cnet.com or the Softonic download site. The app may be uploaded on a suspicious website for software download that may present it as a useful free download and this is one way you may have intentionally installed Folder Share.
The other, more likely way of getting Folder Share on your computer is without knowing you are installing it during the installation of other free program you have downloaded online. This technique is known as software bundling and you may encounter it If you have downloaded the software setup of any free program that you are looking to download online, like your favorite media player, torrent program, driver for computer, etc. This happens via bundling of the Folder Share program as a “free extra” to the setup procedure of the program you have installed. Usually it is easy to miss, because the prompt for installing Folder Share may be located in the “Custom” otherwise known as “Advanced” installation option on the Setup Wizard. The prompt to install or opt-out from Folder Share appears somewhat like the following image:
Folder Share – More Information
As soon as it has been installed on your computer, the program may add files in the %Program Files% directory of your computer. Folder Share may also create scheduled tasks and add registry entries in order for the software to run automatically when you start Windows.
In addition to this, Folder Share may also modify aspects of your web browser by possibly adding a custom browser extension or simply chaning the browser’s settings to accept scripts injected from the program. This may result in the program tracking your online activity via tracking technologies, such as:
- Cookies.
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- Flash Cookies.
This may be done with the purpose to obtain different information from your computer, such as:
- Your browsing history.
- Your bookmarked websites.
- The online clicks you perform.
- What you type while browsing.
Based on those, the Folder Share software may use different algorithms to display you advertisements while you are browsing. These ads usually target you based on what you have searched for online, thus increasing the likelyhood of you clicking on them. The advertisements displayed by Folder Share on your computer may be the following types:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Taken over banner spaces.
- Highlighted text ads.
Security researchers feel convinced that this program may display those ads primarily to generate profit at the user’s expense. In addition to doing this, the Folder Share software may also display you adverts that may be dangerous for you PC, since they come from third-parties that have nothing to do with the program. This is one of the main reasons that you should consider removing Folder Share from your PC.
How to Remove Folder Share from Your Computer
In order to completely eliminate this program from your PC, if you have decided to do so, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions which are down below. They are specifically designed in order to assist you in uninstalling this program. But be advised that since Folder Share may also situate other programs on your computer that may also display advertisements, it is recommended to automatically remove all adware from your PC by scanning it with an advanced anti-malware software. Such will not only remove all traces of Folder Share from your PC, but will also actively protect your computer system from malware and unwanted software in the future too.
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 Folder Share from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Folder Share with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Folder Share 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 Folder Share 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 Folder Share 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 Folder Share (Windows).
Get rid of Folder Share from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Folder Share 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 Folder Share. 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 Folder Share 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 Folder Share files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Folder Share, 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 Folder Share (Mac)
Remove Folder Share 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 Folder Share 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 Folder Share 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 Folder Share 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 Folder Share will be removed.
Eliminate Folder Share 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".
Folder Share-FAQ
What Is Folder Share?
The Folder Share 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 Folder Share?
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 Folder Share?
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 Folder Share Work?
Once installed, Folder Share 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.
Folder Share 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 Folder Share 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 Folder Share Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Folder Share 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 Folder Share?
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 Folder Share threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.