What is the Pokki virus and how does it get rid of it?

Is your computer running slower than usual? Does random text turn to hyperlinks? Is the browser redirecting you to unwanted websites or you are seeing strange search results? You may encounter the negative effects of adware program commonly known as Pokki virus.

The Pokki virus usually affects the Start menu on Windows computers but it is also found on Macs running OS X. Windows 8 and 10 are particularly vulnerable, although this virus can also affect any version. Any other Windows.

If the antivirus software detects any version of the following names, you are infected with the Pokki virus: Win32 / Pokki; Win32 / Pokki BrowserModifier; Win32 / Pokki Start Menu .

What is Pokki virus?

It is difficult to call this program a virus because adware, technically, is a legitimate application that installs code to deliver ads to computers. That ad is usually delivered via pop-up ads or toolbar settings on the web browser. However, many antivirus programs currently classify the Pokki adware as an average threat to the system.

How does Pokki virus work?

Pokki.com is actually a legitimate website, selling an advertising tool that can be used to change the Windows Start menu, making it act like a mobile app interface.

Because it is often bundled with other software, you may not realize you are even downloading it to your computer. In addition, it actively installs updates for itself automatically and, in doing so, other unwanted programs (PUPs) are also downloaded. As part of this process, it can cause the browser to redirect to dangerous download pages.

Both are the reasons why more and more antivirus applications classify it as a moderate threat. While Pokki does not harm the user's operating system or files, it may display potentially dangerous content that increases the likelihood of serious virus infections.

Due to the way this program updates itself, it is often called the Pokki Update Virus.

How do you know if you have a Pokki virus?

As with any real virus, it's not always easy to say if you have a Pokki virus. You may see common virus symptoms on your system, such as a sudden very slow response to commands. The Windows boot process may also suddenly be slow, due to the ability to change menu items and allowing other components during the boot process.

However, often you may suddenly see a notice on your computer that 'Pokki has been updated to the latest version update' ( Pokki has been updated to the latest version ) or 'The Start Menu Updated' ( The Start Menu has been updated ).

You may also see an increase in the number of pop-up ads, display banners, and annoying ads that redirect you to misleading websites. Search results from any browser can lead you to phishing websites or links when you click on them. Additional browser tabs may also appear unexpectedly.

Antivirus software vendors are urging people to remove this adware as soon as it suspects it appears on the system, so that it does not continue to upload more harmful programs to the computer.

How did you get infected with Pokki virus?

You may have downloaded the Pokki virus in a harmless legitimate download. Pokki works with many application developers, claiming that it has a partnership with computer manufacturers and can promote new programs through Arcade Games, app stores and Windows Start menu.

Lenovo, a well-known laptop manufacturer, even installed Pokki software in 2013 on thousands of Windows 8-based computers, called bloatware at the time and was considered harmless.

You may also have clicked on an unsolicited email attachment or the ad appears to be appropriate and safe. Even if you didn't do anything else, that click might have quietly downloaded Pokki.

The Pokki virus may hide among some installation notices asking you to approve additional software. When you want to speed up the installation of several other programs at the same time, you can quickly click OK or similar button and do not carefully check every software notification to confirm if it is really safe to download. down or not. It is also possible that the software you have downloaded simply never informs you about the additional programs it includes.

Pay attention when you install any kind of software because you never know when a good program loaded with seemingly harmless adware like Pokki virus. During the installation process, sometimes you can uncheck the unwanted programs included.

This is usually an option when you choose the Custom or Advanced installation method . The program is pre-selected to include and you can usually spot it there, just uncheck the option to include it during the installation process.

How to get rid of this virus?

The most effective way to remove any sneaky software on your computer is to use an antivirus software program. Strong antivirus software can solve a variety of problems, including adware like the Pokki virus. This process may take several hours but these programs are the most comprehensive way to remove this type of software. Try the best antivirus program for Windows for the best protection.

Other options include:

1. If you want to do the removal yourself and are confident that you know what to look for, follow these tips to remove adware.
2. It is possible to remove Pokki tho virus manually just by uninstalling specific applications and files related to it. Both Windows and macOS have clear ways to uninstall applications you no longer want to use.
3. If the Pokki virus has taken control of your browser, the first step is to remove suspicious add-ons and extensions from the browser.
4. If the problem occurs on mobile devices, you may need to try different techniques to remove the virus from Android.
5. If none of those steps solves the problem, you can use the system restore feature to get back to the previous point before you detected the Pokki virus.
6. Always scan your computer with anti-virus software after the removal process to make sure the threat is no more.