This article has been created in order to help explain what is the MessengerPC PUP and how to remove it completely from your computer system.
A potentially unwanted application has been reported by secure experts to open up a windows which displays an embedded Facebook Messenger website. The PUP, called MessengerPC aims to drop several files on your computer, whose primary purpose is to perform unauthorized activities such as connect you to phishing sites, like MessengerPC and track your information via tracking technologies, like Google Analytics cookies. In case MessengerPC redirects are seen on your computer, we advise you to not enter your e-mail and password and instead to read this article in order to learn how to remove this unwanted software from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | MessengerPC |
| Type | PUP/Phishing Redirects |
| Short Description | The MessengerPC PUP aims to download and install multiple different types of unwanted programs on your computer and display browser redirects. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser is displayed the MEssengerPC redirect, which aims to get you to download a shady program and type your e-mail and password of your Facebook account. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MessengerPC. |
MessengerPC – How Did I Get It
The MessengerPC is the type of program which utilizes different methods in order to be installed on your computer. The software aims to install various different types of unwanted files on your PC as a result of being activated. And this may happen if MessengerPC comes in your PC as a result of software bundling operation, whose purpose is to integrate the files of MessengerPC to another free program’s installer. Such free programs are software you have downloaded often, such as drivers, media players and other free programs.
In addition to this, many believe that the program is spread by being installed as a browser extension from third-party web page, which looks like the following:
MessengerPC PUP – How Does It Work
The MessengerPC PUP’s primary purpose is to provide misleading web page of the Windows Messenger’s login web page. This page is very similar to the original messenger page, but be advised that the original web page of Facebook Messenger has a URL, whose name starts with the language of your country and then ends in “messenger.com”, for example, for English, the URL would be “en-en.messenger.com”:
In addition to this, the MessengerPC would demand you to add a browser extension, called MessengerNow Download, which may be another way via which the app may spread – web pages whose purpose is to trick you into adding seemingly helpful browser extensions to your current installations.
Furthermore, the unwanted software’s first priority is to also drop a JavaScript objects, called Node.js in the following directory:
→ %Temp%\Node.js
The JavaScript program’s primary purpose is to modify the web browser so that it displays web pages, like the MessengerPC on the computer of the victim. Such web pages are most likely created for phishing purposes and their goal is to obtain information from your computer, by pretending to be the legitimate programs. One of those is the fake Messenger pop-up whose purpose is to make you enter your e-mail address and password of you Facebook login in order to obtain your credentials. Similar to this you may also receive redirects to other web pages, like:
- Google Plus.
- Twitter.
- Instagram.
- Other social media profiles.
If you encounter the Messenger login web page, always check the URL and if it’s ot the original one, make sure to secure your computer, because it’s likely affected by an unwanted program, like MessengerPC.
Besides this, the MessengerPC software may also show different types of advertisements on your computer, such as:
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Browser redirects.
Furthermore, since the MessengerPC PUP is aiming at your information and uses your web browser to display the fake web pages, the program may not be detected by conventional antivirus programs. This is why to remove this program, we advise you to keep reading this article in order to learn how to effectively remove the MessengerPC PUP from your computer.
Remove MessengerPC PUP Completely from Your PC
In order to remove this program from your computer, we advise you follow the removal instructions underneath. They are specifically designed in order to assist you in removing the MessengerPC PUP effectively from your PC either manually or automatically. Furthermore, to remove this program from your PC effectively, be advised that malware researchers strongly recommend you to download and install an advanced anti-malware software. Such program is guaranteed to help you by showing you how to remove this software from your PC, effectively and protect it against future infections.
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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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove MessengerPC from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for MessengerPC with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC (Windows).
Get rid of MessengerPC from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC. 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 MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MessengerPC, 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 MessengerPC (Mac)
Remove MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC will be removed.
Eliminate MessengerPC 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".
MessengerPC-FAQ
What Is MessengerPC?
The MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC?
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 MessengerPC?
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 MessengerPC Work?
Once installed, MessengerPC 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.
MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MessengerPC 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 MessengerPC?
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 MessengerPC threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.