How to Remove Malware Installed with Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to safely remove malware or unwanted software (like KNCTR) that was bundled and installed alongside Adobe Acrobat.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Downloading and installing a PDF reader from a third-party website.
- Observed behavior
- Unwanted software or adware is installed on the computer system alongside the intended Adobe application.
Save all your ongoing work and close all open applications, as the malware removal and scanning process may require you to restart your computer.
Uninstall the Unwanted Software and Run an Anti-Malware Scan
Use your operating system's built-in application settings to manually remove the unwanted program, then scan your system to eliminate residual threats.
Software like KNCTR is often bundled with installers downloaded from third-party, non-official websites. Manually uninstalling the visible application and following up with a deep system scan is the most effective way to secure your device.
Navigate to your operating system's settings. For Windows, open 'Settings' and go to 'Apps' or open the 'Control Panel' and select 'Programs and Features'.
Scroll through the list of installed applications to find the unwanted software (e.g., KNCTR). Click on it and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it.
Open your preferred anti-malware or antivirus software (such as Windows Defender). Select the option to run a 'Full Scan' to detect any hidden malicious files.
Once the scan is complete and any identified threats have been quarantined or deleted, restart your computer to apply the changes and ensure a clean startup.
Perform a Clean Reinstallation of Adobe Acrobat
Remove the potentially compromised version of Adobe Acrobat and reinstall a secure, official version.
Use WPS Office for a Safe and Secure PDF Experience
Avoid the risks of third-party bundled software by switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly secure, lightweight, and official all-in-one suite that handles Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files without any hidden malware.
- 1. Visit the Official Site: Go to wps.com to ensure you are downloading the guaranteed safe and official installer.
- 2. Download the Suite: Click the 'Free Download' button to get the lightweight WPS Office installer for your operating system.
- 3. Install and Set as Default: Run the setup file and follow the clean, straightforward prompts to start viewing and editing your PDFs securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Adobe Acrobat install unwanted software on my PC?
This typically happens when you download the installer from a third-party software distribution website rather than the official Adobe site. Third-party sites often bundle legitimate software with adware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) to generate revenue.
Can I prevent unwanted apps from installing during setup?
Yes. When installing any software, always choose the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation option if available. Read every installation screen carefully and manually uncheck any pre-ticked boxes that offer to install additional tools, toolbars, or browser extensions.
Is it safe to use third-party download sites for PDF software?
It is generally not recommended. While some platforms are reputable, many third-party sites inject bundled installers containing adware. To ensure your device's security, always download PDF software directly from the developer's official website.
