Win Speedup 2018 “Virus” – What Is It and How to Remove It

by Ventsislav Krastev | August 2, 2018 | 0 Comments

Threat Summary How Did I Get Win Speedup 2018 Win Speedup 2018 – What Does It Do How to Remove Win Speedup 2018 from Windows

This article has been made in order to best explain what is the Win Speedup 2018 software and how you can remove it fully from your PC.

A new hoax optimizer program which is going by the name Win Speedup 2018 was recently found by researchers. The software aims to make it seem that it is a legitimate program that only makes it seem as it detects malware and various types of threats on the victims computers, but instead asks for victims to purchase it’s licensed version to remove those threats. The program has been instead regarded as one of those hoax antivirus and helper products that may only make it seem as if it has detected performance issues on your computer, whereas in fact these issues may not even exist. Such programs often aim to get you to pay for the full version in order to remove problems with your PC that may or may not be real. This is why if you want to remove Win Speedup 2018, we recommend that you read this article carefully.

Threat Summary

Name	Win Speedup 2018
Type	Hoax PC helper
Short Description	Aims to display hoax detections of viruses with the main purpose to get victims to buy the full version of the software..
Symptoms	May run automatically on system start and may run scans by itself. May detect legitimate files as viruses..
Distribution Method	Bundled downloads. 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 Win Speedup 2018.

How Did I Get Win Speedup 2018

The primary way which is used to get you to download the Win Speedup 2018 is to be redirected to web pages that falsely claim that your computer is at risk, like the following fake “Windows Is Damaged” message we have previously detected in association with these types of programs:

These types of pop-ups may appear on your computer as a result of either having a PUP (potentially unwnated program) that is installed on your computer or by visiting a website that may transfer you to such a page. Such sites are usually websites with low reputation, or compromised ones.

Another way via which the Win Speedup 2018 may land on yur computer is by software bundling. This is basically when you include the Win Speedup 2018 install files in the setup of another program that is downloaded by the user. Win Speedup 2018 may appear in one of the installation steps of the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation modes and this activity may make it seem that the program is advertised “as a free extra” to the current installation process, but it may be difficult to see those prompts to add it.

Win Speedup 2018 – What Does It Do

Once installed and ran on your computer the Win Speedup 2018 may run automated scans on the victim PC with the main goal of displaying it’s hoax detections that may be nothing more than legitimate Windows Registry entries.

Once the scan by Win Speedup 2018 has finished on the victim’s compute,r the software may display fake detections of legitimate files and we believe that they are fake, because there is no proof that the software is actually removing those afterwards and more to it, there is no proof that system entries of Windows are slowing down the computer and are flaws.

And not only this, but just like a very similar program to it, called Win PC Repair this program also uses the fake toll-free number on which it aims to get users to make a call on it. The number is identified as 855-332-0124 and after checking it on the service 800notes where victims of scams report scamming numbers, the following reports have been brought to our attention:

Billie B
A message appeared on my computer from this company saying they would fix my problems with the computer being locked. I agreed, they did the “fix” but wanted to charge me $300-$500 for continued service. I would call this a ransom!
Caller: Microsoft Technologies

Billie B
A message appeared on my computer from this company saying they would fix my problems with the computer being locked. I agreed, they did the “fix” but wanted to charge me $300-$500 for continued service. I would call this a ransom!
Caller: Microsoft Technologies

Ralph
This number appears on CC Cleaner, NOT to be confused with CCleaner! After trying to update CCleaner, the web page went through 4 iterations and downloaded what appeared a similar program that I now deleted because of being HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS of the bait and switch tactic. The latest version of CCleaner was supposed to be 5.30… NOT 1.0.0!. It appears that Piriform has been hacked and diverted. A “Driver Update” also appeared shortly after this false download.

Not only the fact that the number used by this software is related to a shan. The number has also been reported in associations with other scams as some users claim they have received calls from this number by individuals pretending to likely be someone they are not, like judges, officers of the law and other fake personalities. More so, it is also likely that this hoax software may be related to series of incidents that may occur once you try to remove it, similar to theWindows Media Center virus, which occurred to one of our testing machines once we tried to regularly uninstall program of this type as a normal user would have done. This is why, it is reccomended not to underestimate this software if you see it on your computer and to not call the tech support number provided. To learn how you can remove this program, keep reading this article.

How to Remove Win Speedup 2018 from Windows

If you want to remove this potentially unsafe and seemingly scamming program, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. But be aware that manual removal may present some problems for you as it may be risky if you do not know what you are doing. This is why for maximum effectiveness, security experts often recommend to use an automatic approach for the removal process and delete this software via an advanced anti-malware program. It’s primary purpose is to help you to remove this software by scanning for all of the files and objects related by it and removing them in a safe manner without the risk of causing actual harm to your PC and in the same time protecting your machine against infections 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 Win Speedup 2018 from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Win Speedup 2018

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 Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018 from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018:

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 Win Speedup 2018. 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 Win Speedup 2018. 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 Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018. 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 Win Speedup 2018 files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Win Speedup 2018, 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 Win Speedup 2018:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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

Remove Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018 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 Win Speedup 2018 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.