This article aims to show you how to remove the Pokki Start Menu program from your computer completely.
Pokki is a legitimate application for Windows which has been created to improve the experience of users via refreshing the start menu by allowing to install various applications to the program and providing the options to organize those apps to the preferred ones. It seems like some Windows users appear to favor the tool because it allows them to have their old start menu back.
However, the same procedure can also be done by downgrading your Windows OS instead of installing third-party apps, such as Pokki.
And despite the fact that many favor Pokki for being a useful program, users should consider several important facts about this program before deciding to keep using it. The app may collect different information from your computer and may even share this information in some special events and this is one of the reasons why it is not advisable to trust it entirely.
What Is a PUP?
PUP stands for Potentially Unwanted Program. It refers to software or applications that are typically installed on a computer without the explicit consent or knowledge of the user. PUPs often come bundled with other software or are disguised as legitimate programs, making them challenging to detect during the installation process.
If you are looking for removal of the Pokki start menu for one reason or another, we advise you to read this article.
Pokki – Summary
| Name | Pokki Start Menu |
| Type | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your computer, collect information and may display targeted ad-content. |
| Symptoms | Laggy computer performance, various types of advertised apps, may include browser redirects, pop-ups, etc via third parties. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious URLs, unwanted downloads and other. |
| Detection Tool |
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Pokki – What We Know About It
Recent statistics and detections inform of a significant increase the Pokki Start Menu app installations by the numbers. This is a clear indication of the following possible developments in connection with Pokki:
- The application may have a new version which is advertised.
- The program may be advertised more aggressively in new software bundling campaigns or banners and other advertisements.
How Did I Get Pokki Start Menu
Generally, Pokki (Pokki Start Menu) can be downloaded from the official web page of the company:
However, since Pokki is not a program that is well-known, you may also encounter it to be bundled along free programs you may have downloaded from suspicious websites. Such programs are often your free web browser, media player, torrent downloader program and many others. Some websites make profit by bundling third-party applications, such as Pokki in the setups of the programs you may have downloaded from them. The bundle ad may exist in one of the installation steps of the Custom or Advanced installation option and it may be similar to the example the image below:
When you accept the installation by clicking Next without opting out of you, the result is that Pokki is automatically installed on your computer and replaces your start menu. So this is the most likely reason why Pokki is installed on your computer without you remembering to intentionally install it.
Pokki Start Menu – Analysis
Pokki (Pokki Start Menu) is not a program that is malicious, however you should know that it is one of those apps that may be potentially unsafe, because of several different reasons. Once the program is installed on your computer, it uses different tracking technologies in order to obtain information from it. Such may be:
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- LSOs (Local Shared Objects, otherwise known as flash cookies).
The usage of these technologies may result in the program obtaining different information from your computer, such as:
- Your IP address.
- The browsing history of your web browsers.
- Online searches.
- Where you have clicked online.
- The sites you visit regularly.
- Your location and language.
- Your MAC address.
This data is then extracted and used by Pokki for different reasons and the company may aggregate different information, as stated in their Privacy Policy. And what is more to that, the company may share this information under different circumstances as well:
And in addition to this, since Pokki (Pokki Start Menu) mainly relies on third-party apps embedded in it, like games and useful software, the company has stated in their privacy policy that they cannot guarantee what type of information the apps you install on their start menu collect from you:
This basically means that if you have apps of Pokki installed on your Start Meny bar, they may be collecting your personal information, like passwords, financial data, names addresses and other and you may even not know it. One more reason why you should think twice before keeping Pokki on your computer.
Is Pokki App Safe and Should Your Remove It?
It is a very controversial topic to discuss the legitimacy of Pokki and Pokki Start Menu, but you should be advised that we have received reports of the application possibly slowing down the computer performance and it may even display targeted advertisements that may lead to third-party websites. This is why security experts recommend that you to remove this program from your computer by following the removal instructions below. They are created to help you remove Pokki from your computer.
Since manual removal and simple uninstall of the program may not remove it entirely, it is also advisable to remove it automatically, using an advanced anti-malware program which will make sure the program is gone permanently and your PC is protected against intrusive apps in the future.
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 Pokki Start Menu from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Pokki Start Menu with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu (Windows).
Get rid of Pokki Start Menu from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu. 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 Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Pokki Start Menu, 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 Pokki Start Menu (Mac)
Remove Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu will be removed.
Eliminate Pokki Start Menu 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".
Pokki Start Menu-FAQ
What Is Pokki Start Menu?
The Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu?
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 Pokki Start Menu?
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 Pokki Start Menu Work?
Once installed, Pokki Start Menu 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.
Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Pokki Start Menu 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 Pokki Start Menu?
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 Pokki Start Menu threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.