PUP.Highlightly

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Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 1,338
Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 34,399
First Seen: December 23, 2013
Last Seen: October 4, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of PUP.Highlightly 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 is essential to understand the nature of this threat and take appropriate steps to remove it and prevent future infections.

What Is PUP.Highlightly?

PUP.Highlightly is a type of potentially unwanted program that may have been installed on your system without your knowledge or consent. PUPs are software applications that are not necessarily malicious but can still cause problems, such as displaying unwanted ads, collecting user data, or slowing down system performance. The term "PUP" is a broad category that encompasses various types of software, including adware, toolbars, and browser extensions.

How PUP.Highlightly Operates

PUPs like PUP.Highlightly often operate by installing themselves on a system through bundled software downloads, deceptive advertising, or other means. Once installed, they may start displaying unwanted ads, collecting user data, or modifying system settings. In some cases, PUPs can also install additional software or malware, which can further compromise system security. It is crucial to remove PUPs promptly to prevent potential harm to your system and data.

Symptoms of Infection

Systems infected with PUP.Highlightly may exhibit various symptoms, including unwanted ads, pop-ups, or browser redirects. You may also notice slow system performance, crashes, or freezes. Additionally, you might see unfamiliar programs or icons on your system, or experience changes to your browser settings or homepage. If you suspect that your system is infected with PUP.Highlightly, it is essential to take immediate action to remove the threat.

How to Remove PUP.Highlightly

  1. Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the PUP from loading and to allow for a clean removal process.
  2. Use a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to perform a full scan of your system and detect any associated files or registry entries.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs or software that may be related to the PUP.
  4. Reset your browser settings to their default values, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to remove any modifications made by the PUP.
  5. Reboot your system and perform a follow-up scan to ensure that the PUP has been completely removed.

Conclusion

Removing PUP.Highlightly from your system is crucial to maintaining its security and performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively remove the PUP and prevent future infections. It is also essential to practice safe computing habits, such as avoiding suspicious downloads, using reputable anti-virus software, and keeping your operating system and software up to date. By taking these precautions, you can help protect your system from potentially unwanted programs and other types of malware, ensuring a safe and secure computing experience.

File System Details

PUP.Highlightly may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. HighlightlyClientIE.dll b59634cf7f26949e96c2c7d14c793cc8 290
2. hlnfd.sys 8decf397b091ff0af81cc48c601c6b94 80
3. highlightly_1612-b3c8818a.exe 1049f0dace8c7219f87b109e3c81fcf6 26
4. hlsvc.exe 80ec3d63b3688282c23fc9254145b230 2
More files

Registry Details

PUP.Highlightly may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
CLSID
{483F56D2-1D67-44A5-A4C5-67DBB724F7A0}
{83F2328D-0D6A-42B4-B0C4-02A929EDD4BE}
{EA3802D2-C00A-4478-9319-34075A31C28F}
Regexp file mask
%WinDir%\System32\drivers\hlnfd.sys
SOFTWARE\Highlightly
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions\{83F2328D-0D6A-42B4-B0C4-02A929EDD4BE}
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{83F2328D-0D6A-42B4-B0C4-02A929EDD4BE}
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{83F2328D-0D6A-42B4-B0C4-02A929EDD4BE}
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\{83F2328D-0D6A-42B4-B0C4-02A929EDD4BE}
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{83F2328D-0D6A-42B4-B0C4-02A929EDD4BE}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Highlightly
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{83F2328D-0D6A-42B4-B0C4-02A929EDD4BE}
SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\hlnfd
SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\hlsvc
SYSTEM\ControlSet002\services\hlnfd
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\hlnfd
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\hlsvc

Directories

PUP.Highlightly may create the following directory or directories:

%PROGRAMFILES%\Highlightly
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\Highlightly

URLs

PUP.Highlightly may call the following URLs:

gethighlightly.com