PUP.Protegent Antivirus

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Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 21,473
Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 2,116
First Seen: March 27, 2019
Last Seen: August 1, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of PUP.Protegent Antivirus 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 further problems.

What Is PUP.Protegent Antivirus?

PUP.Protegent Antivirus is a type of malware that is classified as a potentially unwanted program. This means that while it may not be as malicious as other types of malware, such as viruses or trojans, it can still cause problems with your system and compromise your security. PUPs are often installed unintentionally, and they can be difficult to remove without the right tools and knowledge.

How PUP.Protegent Antivirus Operates

PUP.Protegent Antivirus operates by installing itself on your system, often without your knowledge or consent. Once installed, it can begin to cause problems, such as slowing down your computer, displaying unwanted advertisements, or even stealing your personal data. PUPs can also install additional malware or unwanted software, making it even more challenging to remove them. They may also attempt to deceive users into purchasing or installing other unwanted programs.

Symptoms of Infection

If your system is infected with PUP.Protegent Antivirus, you may notice several symptoms, including slow system performance, unwanted pop-ups or advertisements, and unfamiliar programs or icons on your desktop. You may also experience issues with your browser, such as unwanted toolbars or extensions, or find that your default search engine has been changed. Additionally, you may notice that your system is crashing or freezing more frequently, or that you are being redirected to unfamiliar websites.

  • Unwanted changes to your browser settings or homepage
  • Slow system performance or crashes
  • Unfamiliar programs or icons on your desktop
  • Unwanted pop-ups or advertisements

How to Remove PUP.Protegent Antivirus

  1. Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the malware 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 and any associated malware.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that you do not recognize or that were installed without your consent.
  4. Reset your browser settings to their default values, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to remove any unwanted extensions or toolbars.
  5. Reboot your system and perform a follow-up scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that the PUP and any associated malware have been completely removed.

Conclusion

Removing PUP.Protegent Antivirus from your system requires careful attention to detail and the right tools. By following the steps outlined above, you can help to ensure that your system is free from this potentially unwanted program and any associated malware. Remember to always be cautious when installing new software or clicking on links from unfamiliar sources, and to keep your anti-malware tools up to date to protect against future threats.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove PUP.Protegent Antivirus

File System Details

PUP.Protegent Antivirus may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. pgavgui.exe 1dc52af9f0df66ddcb228c62503e1fa0 511
2. pavsetup.exe 521dad4d9da420989c8a5487c4c2691a 42
3. ProtegentAV.exe f7d593157e099a2c60f38441cff4cf75 25
More files