An extremely aggressive and intrusive adware, DNS Unlocked has been around for quite some time now, affecting all types of users all over the globe. The unwanted program, also known as PUP shows adverts across each page during online browsing. To learn about DNS Unlocker and remove it effectively, we urge you to read this article completely.
Threat Summary
| Name | DNS Unlocker |
| Type | Add-Supported Software |
| Short Description | DNS Unlocker resembles a ligitimate program which provides access to geo-restricted websites, however it may perform unwanted activities. |
| Symptoms | The user may be redirected to pages with online surveys; as a result, targeted ads may appear in his browser. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundling or fake setups. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss DNS Unlocker. |
DNS Unlocker – A Quick Background
This nasty software first appeared on the security radar during the autumn of 2014, associated with the keyword “Netflix DNS Unlocker”. The software has nothing to do with Netflix, although it claims to enable users who cannot access Netflix(online service for watching TV series and other shows and movies online) from their area to use it, by modifying their DNS settings. Instead, the program uses the DNS Settings it has modified to sniff out user information and display various advertisements of unknown origins to the user. Even though Netflix is available in many places today, there are still a lot of geo-restricted websites that may push users into looking for access from their location and hence making the mistake of installing DNS Unlocker by accident. These factors make the software still very eventful and widely distributed, generating its author’s profit.
How Is DNS Unlocker Spread
To be distributed, the program does not have a direct download link on its website. Instead, it is spread via other methods, such as third-party installers downloaded from sites that may provide different programs for free. Such programs may be older versions of widely used apps, media players, video recorders, video converters and other programs downloaded daily. Some websites may replace or add to the installation of the programs DNS Unlocker’s installation file which slickly enough installs it on your computer. Users often tend to miss such “bundled” applications when they install programs for one reason or another. Here is how DNS Unlocker may appear on the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation options of your computer:
Since DNS Unlocker and other PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) like it are widely spread out across the web, users are strongly advised to read the End User License Agreement and always check for bundled applications. One particular software that may assist in “catching” such apps and may help to stop them is EULAlyzer which stops the installation if a specific keyword (for example bundling) is discovered. This makes it a very powerful tool in combination with a rich knowledge base and a recommended one if you want to detect adware or other rogue software slipping past you.
Associated Files and Objects with DNS Unlocker
Once the program is already installed on your computer it may leave its common files in the %Program Files% or %Program Files (x86)% (Depending on your Windows) folder of your computer:
In addition to that, DNS Unlocker also modifies and creates multiple registry entries, such as the ones below in gray, reported by Symantec researchers for one particular detection of the software:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ {alpha-numerical-value-here}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Dhcp\Parameters\”{alpha-numerical-value-here}” = {Hexidecimal Value}Source:Symantec
DNS Unlocker’s Activity In Detail
Finally after its ready and operational, DNS Unlocker may begin to display advertisements of various character on your computer. Such adverts may be:
- Banners.
- Pop-ups.
- Ad-supported search results on a hoax search engine.
- Browser Redirects.
An example of how DNS Unlocker advertisements may appear on an affected computer may be the following picture:
This is a clear indicator of having the application on your computer and such advertisements may redirect to other third-party websites. This is the main risk associated with DNS Unlocker, since it is created with that very purpose. Not only the suspicious software can redirect the user to third-party domains that want to generate hoax traffic and make money to their authors via pay-per-click and other affiliate schemes, but there are other dangers as well. We have divided the dangers associated with third-party websites in two main group:
Malicious domains that may infect the user with malware or rogue and unwanted software.
Dangerous domains that may scam users out of their money displaying fake messages, claims, etc.
Besides those dangers, DNS Unlocker also changes the IP version 4 DNS address of the user to what may appear to be an address belonging to the suspicious individuals behind it.
Such address is most likely used to collect user information, such as the following:
- The browsing history.
- The user’s online clicks.
- Online search history.
This information may be used for different purposes, and even according to DNS Unlocker’s Privacy Policy, shared with third-parties whose policies you may know nothing about:
Remove DNS Unlocker Files from Windows and Refresh Your Computer
Conventional uninstall may not be all that it will take to remove DNS Unlocker from your computer. This is why we urge you to take other steps towards the removal of this program. We have designed removal instructions below, and we suggest that you follow them for maximum effectiveness. In case you cannot locate or delete the files that are displayed in the article above or you believe that there are other unwanted programs or malware on your computer, you should use the steps for automatic removal. Also, be advised that malware researchers strongly recommend you to scan your computer with an advanced anti-malware software to automatically discover and delete all DNS Unlocker associated objects. Such program will also protect your PC from other programs of such character and malware in the future.
In addition to that, we have also prepared a video tutorial for removal of DNS Unlocker which may additionally assist you in the manual removal. In case you have any questions you may want to follow our forum topic about DNS Unlocker.
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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- Stop Push Pop-ups
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.