What is QtWebEngineProcess.exe? Should You Remove It?

by Ventsislav Krastev | March 25, 2019 | 0 Comments PUP

Qtwebengineprocess QtWebEngineProcess.exe Summary QtWebEngineProcess.exe – Distribution Qt Qtwebengineprocess Virus Remove QtWebEngineProcess.exe from Mac / PC

Qtwebengineprocess

The process Qtwebengineprocess.exe originally belongs to a piece of code, called Qt WebEngine, which is an engine for web browsers. It is not a system process of Windows and can be disabled at any time. Qt WebEngine may be based on the Chromium Project which enables content from the Web to be embedded into Qt apps and platforms. The bad news is that it may be a process that could also be used by a virus version of the Chromium Browser itself. As we have detected over time, many different types of adware and browser hijacker fake types of browsers whose main goal was to introduce an enormous amount of advertisements that may lead to scamming or malicious files.

This article is created to explain what is the Qtwebengineprocess.exe and show you how to remove it in case it is malicious.

QtWebEngineProcess.exe Summary

Name	Qtwebengineprocess.exe / Qtwebengineprocess / Qt Webengine Process
Type	Chromium Browser File or Browser Hijacker
Location	C:\Program Files subfolder
Short Description	Very likely to be part of the Chromium browser processes. If adware, may create it’s own files and folders on the computers and may corrupt the current web browsers to make them show ads.
Symptoms	Lots of error messages pop-up. The process takes too much computer resources. Your web browser may begin to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your PC.
Distribution Method	Legitimate apps. Bundled downloads. Hacked web pages which may advertise it.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by Malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss QtWebEngineProcess.exe.

QtWebEngineProcess.exe – Distribution

The QtWebEngineProcess.exe comes onto computers most likely via the Chromium browser. The main way via which this web browser is added to computers is likely done via downloading a Chromium-Based browser from the web, thinking it will be able to help you be more secure, improve your browsing speed or experience in some form, like stopping ads, for instance.

In addition to this, a Chromium browser may also be spread as a result of being installed alongside another third-party program, whose main idea is to advertise this browser via its installer. In those installers, Chromium browser can be advertised as a new web browser that is better than an average, since it may provide some type of free service, like free ad-blocker or other forms of services. The bad news is that it is not difficult to miss the installation prompt of such a Chromium browser since it is often hidden in the “Advanced” or “Custom” install options.

Qt Qtwebengineprocess Virus

QtWebEngineProcess.exe generally belongs to the Chromium web browser. Chromium is an open-source project, using the source code of the Google Chrome browser. It allows anyone to create their own version of Chromium for free.

The bad news is that most companies that are involved with making ad-supported programs, also referred to as PUPs also have taken advantage of this and have created a lot of Chromium browsers that slow computers down and introduce a lot of third-party ads of all types. There are many users who report that they are wondering how to fix QtWebEngineProcess.exe process taking too many resources issues. That’s why Qt Qtwebengineprocess is sometimes considered a virus.

We have covered a few PUPs that are known to misuse the Chromium Project for the realization of their shady purposes:

What is common between those suspicious web browsers is that all of them are regardet as unsafe and they do not even strive to hide this fact:

Besides this, Chromium browsers of the adware type are often classified as a low-level threat to your computer. Their main idea is to use tracking technologies to obtain your browser activity. Thes technologies often include, cookies, pixels, tags as well as other technologies, whose primar puporse is to get information from users, such as:

Online browsing history.
What data they type on the sites they visit, etc.
Search queries.
Online clicks.

This data can be used by an adware creator, like the one that may be using the QtWebEngineProcess.exe process to flood your computer with a lot of advetisements, like:

Redirects.
Pop-ups.
Banners.
Online highlighted texts.

And not only this but the programs that may be associated with the QtWebEngineProcess.exe may also run extension that may self-add their code into your legitimate browsers to change their settings, home pages and also introduce ads to you via them as well. Below we can see one such browser corrupting a Mac:

Furthermore, the Chromium browsers may not be directly hazardous for your PC, but they may significantly slow it down. The main danger they represent for your computer is the sites they advertise, which could be malicious or scamming sites of the following types:

Malicious URLs.
Fake Tech support sites.
Sites that add more adware.
Crypto miner websites that use your PC to mine for BitCoin or Monero.
Scamming sites.
Phishing sites.

This is the main reason why having the QtWebEngineProcess.exe may be an indirect threat to your computer and it should be removed from it if it is related to third-party browsers and if it is tracking your information introducing ads to you.

Remove QtWebEngineProcess.exe from Mac / PC

If you are gunning at fully eliminating all files, ads, and objects, related to QtWebEngineProcess.exe, we suggest that you follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. They have been made with the main idea in mind to help you delete every unwanted file either manually or automatically. If the manual removal is not able to help out, then we strongly suggest that you focus on removing the QtWebEngineProcess.exe and Chromium “virus” automatically, preferably by running a scan on your PC or Mac with an advanced anti-malware program. Such software’s main purpose is to fully scan your PC or Mac and eliminate all of the traces of files and objects that may be intrusive or harmful to it. Not only this, but it also aims to ensure that your machine stays protected against such 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.

How to Remove QtWebEngineProcess.exe from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove QtWebEngineProcess.exe

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall QtWebEngineProcess.exe and related software from Windows

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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by QtWebEngineProcess.exe on your computer.

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 QtWebEngineProcess.exe there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for QtWebEngineProcess.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of QtWebEngineProcess.exe from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall QtWebEngineProcess.exe and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to QtWebEngineProcess.exe:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to QtWebEngineProcess.exe. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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 QtWebEngineProcess.exe. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 QtWebEngineProcess.exe 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as QtWebEngineProcess.exe. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 QtWebEngineProcess.exe files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as QtWebEngineProcess.exe, 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for QtWebEngineProcess.exe:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove QtWebEngineProcess.exe 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase QtWebEngineProcess.exe 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall QtWebEngineProcess.exe 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove QtWebEngineProcess.exe 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 QtWebEngineProcess.exe will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate QtWebEngineProcess.exe 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.