Yeadesktop.com is a persistent browser hijacker that records various information that may be either personally or non-personally identifiable. It is capable of changing the homepage, the new tab windows and the default search engine of all affected browsers. As long as it is present on the system it transfers the information about search queries, visited websites and other browsing habits to its servers. The company owner of Yeadesktop.com could then disclose the collected information with third-party providers or use it to deliver you sponsored content.
Threat Summary
| Name | Yeadesktop.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The hijacker redirect can change the homepage, search engine and new tab on every browser application you own. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of all your browsers will be switched to Yeadesktop.com. You will be redirected and could see sponsored content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Yeadesktop.com. |
The Yeadesktop.com can hijack installed browsers after the installation of a potentially unwanted program. The installation setups of freeware often have additional potentially unwanted components. They are often hidden in the Advanced/Custom options you may unnoticeably install them by following the regular steps. The good news is that when you select the Advanced option, you can opt out all unwanted elements or at least be informed that a potentially unwanted program is also to be installed.
Another possible way to get infected with Yeadesktop.com browser hijacker is via a visit to a corrupted web page that is set to download it on the system.
Yeadesktop.com – In Depth Analysis
Apparently, most of the provided elements on the website are only available but not working. There are two inactive features that should supposedly serve you to communicate with your co-workers or write down some thoughts, quotes, projects or documents so you can save them and use them when you needed again. There is also an embedded video form where you can express your opinion that is again out of order. Even the buttons for Yeadesktop.com social channels are not working and just redirect to the homepage of its website. The weirdest thing is that none of the provided options for download of the company’s app is causing an actual download or at least a redirect to a website with an available download.
Furthermore, the website offers a catalog of several web-based games hosted by the company SoftGames. However, it is recommended to restrain yourself from accessing these games as they could be possibly compromised by malicious intenders who aim to infect your device with malware.
Actually, the Yeadesktop.com browser hijacker may be related to an adware program called YeaPlayer. The adware may get installed on the computer along with another free program or by tricking you into downloading the next useful program. Once it affects the system it may constantly redirect you to Yeadesktop.com domain while you are browsing.
The actual purpose of Yeadesktop.com is to access the settings of target browsers so it can replace the homepage, the new tab page and the default search engine with its domain address. After that, it may also download and install potentially unwanted browser add-ons and extensions that can obtain browsing activities in order to generate sponsored content. Such content may come in a variety of online advertisements – banners, pop-ups, in-text links, pop-unders, and videos. However, the most preferred place remains the page of the search results. With so many ads generated in your browser, you may experience diminished browsing experience and some severe crashes.
Yeadesktop.com – Privacy Policy
In fact, there is no Privacy Policy section provided by Yeadesktop.com but only a link to a Chinese on its homepage. The website, however, categorically deny having something in common with Yeadesktop.com redirect. Well, the lack of any Privacy Policy is yet another sign that Yeadesktop.com is a hoax website that at worst may lead to privacy theft and severe malware intrusions.
It may be assumed that Yeadesktop.com hijacker obtains the following personally and non-personally identifiable information from all its users:
- Email address
- IP address
- Home address (mailing address)
- Search queries and all data you type in searches
- Search data and specifics of searches
- URLs and clicks
- Browser type
- Your name
- Your geographic location
- Your ISP (Internet Search Provider)
- Communications preferences
- Operating System (and other related data)
By continuing to use Yeadesktop.com services you give your consent to its owners to collect information about you and your online habits. Unfortunately, the collected information can be disclosed to third party entities and partners of the owners.
Remove Yeadesktop.com Browser Hijacker
For Yeadesktop.com browser hijacker removal you can follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. Have in mind that sometimes after the manual removal approach some leftovers remain on the system and continue to cause redirects to Yeadesktop.com. So be advised to scan the system with an advanced anti-malware tool to delete all browser hijacker files. Furthermore, such a tool is one of the most efficient ways to stay safe in future.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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 Yeadesktop.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Yeadesktop.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Yeadesktop.com 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com (Windows).
Get rid of Yeadesktop.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com. 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 Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Yeadesktop.com, 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 Yeadesktop.com (Mac)
Remove Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com will be removed.
Eliminate Yeadesktop.com 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".
Yeadesktop.com-FAQ
What Is Yeadesktop.com?
The Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com?
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 Yeadesktop.com?
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 Yeadesktop.com Work?
Once installed, Yeadesktop.com 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.
Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Yeadesktop.com 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 Yeadesktop.com?
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 Yeadesktop.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.