PUP.Desktop Bar

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Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 21,175
Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 75
First Seen: August 27, 2015
Last Seen: July 8, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of PUP.Desktop Bar on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that may be causing issues with your computer's performance and security. It's essential to understand the nature of this threat and take appropriate steps to remove it to prevent any potential harm.

What Is PUP.Desktop Bar?

PUP.Desktop Bar is a type of potentially unwanted program that can install itself on your computer without your explicit consent. These programs often come bundled with other software or are downloaded from untrusted sources. While they may not be malicious in nature, they can still cause problems by consuming system resources, displaying unwanted advertisements, and potentially collecting user data.

How PUP.Desktop Bar Operates

PUPs like PUP.Desktop Bar typically operate by installing themselves on your system and then integrating with your web browser or other applications. They may alter your browser settings, add toolbars or extensions, and display unwanted advertisements or pop-ups. In some cases, they may also collect user data, such as browsing history or search queries, to deliver targeted ads or sell to third-party companies.

Symptoms of Infection

If your system is infected with PUP.Desktop Bar, you may notice several symptoms, including slow system performance, unwanted advertisements or pop-ups, and changes to your browser settings or homepage. You may also notice the presence of unfamiliar toolbars or extensions in your browser. Additionally, you may experience increased data usage or unexpected charges on your phone bill if the PUP is using your internet connection to communicate with its servers.

  • Unwanted advertisements or pop-ups
  • Changes to browser settings or homepage
  • Presence of unfamiliar toolbars or extensions
  • Slow system performance
  • Increased data usage or unexpected charges

How to Remove PUP.Desktop Bar

  1. Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the PUP from loading and to allow you to download and install removal tools.
  2. Download and install a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, and perform a full scan of your system to detect and remove the PUP.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that may be related to the PUP.
  4. Reset your web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to their default settings to remove any changes made by the PUP.
  5. Reboot your computer and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that the PUP has been completely removed.

Conclusion

Removing PUP.Desktop Bar from your system is essential to prevent any potential harm and restore your computer's performance and security. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively remove the PUP and prevent future infections. It's also important to practice safe computing habits, such as downloading software from trusted sources and being cautious when clicking on links or ads, to minimize the risk of infection. Remember to always keep your anti-malware tool up to date and perform regular scans to detect and remove any potential threats.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove PUP.Desktop Bar

Registry Details

PUP.Desktop Bar may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION\DesktopBarApp.exe
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\DesktopBar
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION\DesktopBarApp.exe
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\DesktopBar

Directories

PUP.Desktop Bar may create the following directory or directories:

%appdata%\DeskBar