Proud browser virus still here?

Alvin Ko 0 Reputation points
2026-06-21T09:34:54.3533333+00:00

I have avast, (free ver). I scan frequently for viruses and it says there isn't any. I also did an offline scan with windows defender just now. (didn't remove proud browser.) I don't see it in folders but I see it when I go to control panel -> uninstall a program. I tried to delete it but avast blocks it and says : "threat detected, (details)" and blocks it. Then proud browser (the topleft on the tab) says error, couldn't delete.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy
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  1. Ramesh Srinivasan 82,490 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-21T10:09:41.27+00:00

    Please download Malwarebytes Antimalware and run a scan. Eliminate every piece of malware it finds. Malwarebytes should also get rid of all adware and PUAs and browser hijackers.

    https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/thankyou

    Note: the Malwarebytes setup may activate the Premium trial (15-day) version. After 15 days, it switches to the free version automatically.

    Post the detection report here.

    enter image description here

    Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate, safe information.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-06-21T09:35:08.99+00:00

    Proud Browser is unwanted/deceptive software. Because it appears in Programs and Features but Avast blocks its uninstaller, use Windows’ own tools plus Microsoft’s malware guidance instead of the bundled uninstaller.

    Follow these steps in order:

    1. Uninstall via Control Panel/Settings (with Avast temporarily out of the way)
      1. Disconnect from the internet (turn off Wi‑Fi or unplug Ethernet).
      2. Temporarily disable Avast’s shields (in Avast UI) so it does not interfere with removal.
      3. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
      4. Find Proud Browser or any program you don’t recognize that appeared at the same time.
      5. Select it and choose Uninstall, then follow the prompts.
      6. If the uninstall works, restart the PC.
      If Proud Browser does not uninstall or errors out, continue with the malware-removal steps below and re‑enable Avast when finished.
    2. Use Microsoft’s deceptive/unwanted software removal guidance Proud Browser fits the description of deceptive/unwanted software. Use the built‑in removal methods:
      • Try uninstalling again from Control Panel > Programs and Features as described above, removing any suspicious entries.
      • If it is not listed or won’t uninstall, look for its own uninstaller:
        1. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Program Files and (on 64‑bit systems) C:\Program Files (x86).
        2. Look for a folder named Proud Browser or similar.
        3. If found, open the folder and run the uninstall file (for example Uninst.exe, Uninstall, or Uninstall Proud Browser).
        4. Follow the on‑screen instructions.
      Do not delete the program folder manually if there is no uninstaller; that can damage Windows or other programs.
    3. Run Microsoft malware tools to clean leftovers Since Proud Browser behaves like unwanted/deceptive software, use Microsoft’s tools to clean up:
      1. Run the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
        1. Press Windows key + R.
        2. Type "%windir%\system32\mrt.exe" and select OK.
        3. If prompted, select Yes to allow changes.
        4. Choose a Full scan and let it complete, removing anything it finds.
      2. Run Microsoft Defender Offline (you already tried an offline scan, but if it wasn’t specifically Defender Offline, run this):
        • In Windows 10, open Windows Security, choose Virus & threat protection, then run Microsoft Defender Offline. This scans outside Windows and can remove threats that hide from normal scans.
    4. Update Windows and security definitions After cleaning:
      1. Run Windows Update to install the latest updates and security fixes.
      2. Ensure Microsoft Defender Antivirus definitions are up to date (even if Avast is installed) so it can detect unwanted software better.
    5. If removal still fails If Proud Browser still appears or behaves like it is installed:
      • Follow the advanced malware troubleshooting steps for problems with detecting and removing malware.
      • Consider submitting suspicious files for analysis if you can locate the Proud Browser executables.
    6. Prevent similar unwanted software in the future
      • Download software only from official websites or the Microsoft Store.
      • Use a protected browser such as Microsoft Edge with SmartScreen enabled to block known unwanted software sites.
      • Keep Microsoft Defender Antivirus enabled (or at least updated) alongside any third‑party antivirus, and avoid bundled installers that add extra browsers or toolbars.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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