Web Companion Explained: Is It Safe or a Threat

The Internet is full of software designed to enhance security and improve user experience. One such tool is a Web Companion.

It is a program developed by LavaSoft. Now, it is known as Adaware. It claims to protect users from malicious websites, unwanted ads, and tracking scripts.

However, many users question its safety. This question might also come to your mind. Is it truly helpful? Is it a potential threat?

We have brought this guide to you to help you understand what it does, whether it is safe or not, and How to remove it if necessary.

What is Web Companion?

Some users say that it is not truly malicious, but it is bloatware. Bloatware gets installed without your knowledge on your device.

Some PC users report that their device acts like they don’t have an internet connection. Thus, the device can not run apps like Steam, Discord, and Spotify.

It says ‘No Connection’. These problems can annoy you as well. This is why it’s a great idea to uninstall the Web Companion program.

Key Features of Web Companion

Here are the key features of Web Companion. 

• It blocks harmful phishing websites. It stops unauthorized alterations to search engines and homepage settings.
• The software prevents websites from tracking browsing activity.
• Besides, it reduces intrusive ads and pop-ups.

These features can sound beneficial to you. However, the software is criticized a lot due to its unaware installation and its impact on the system’s performance.

How Does Web Companion Get Installed?

Many users find Web Companion on their computers without actively downloading it. This often happens through bundled software installations.

When downloading free programs, it might be included as an optional addition. Users who do not carefully review installation prompts may unknowingly install it.

Common Ways Web Companion Gets Installed

• Bundled with Free Software – It is often packaged with freeware or third-party downloads.
• Automatic Updates from Adaware Software – It might install itself if you use other Adaware products.
• Misleading Installation Prompts – Some installers make it difficult to opt-out.

If you do not remember installing Web Companion, it likely came from one of these sources.

Is It Safe?

Lavasoft’s approach has given Adaware Web Companion a not-so-great label which is ‘a PUP’. PUP is a potentially unwanted program. This isn’t a good thing. It can cause problems for users and the company behind the software.

So, what makes PUPs so bad? Let’s see in detail.

• They Slow Down Your System: PUPs are known to make your computer run slower. They do this by showing too many ads and messing with other programs. It works as an annoying guest who rearranges your stuff and won’t leave.

• They Change Your Browser Settings: Have you ever noticed your search engine suddenly changing? Or maybe you tried to visit a website but ended up somewhere else? That’s a PUP at work. These programs change your browser settings without asking.

• They Steal Your Personal Data: The biggest worry with PUPs is that they can take your personal information. They might collect your browsing habits, passwords, or even credit card details. The people behind PUPs can sell your data to others with bad intentions.

How to Remove Web Companion?

If you did not intentionally install Web Companion or find it unnecessary, you must remove it immediately. Follow these steps to do it on different platforms.

Uninstall Web Companion on Windows

• Open Control Panel – Press Windows + R, type Control Panel, and hit Enter.
• Go to Programs and Features – Click Uninstall a program under the Programs section.
• Find Web Companion – Look for Web Companion by Adaware in the list.
• Click Uninstall – Select the program and press Uninstall to remove it.
• Restart Your Computer – Reboot to ensure complete removal.

Remove Web Companion from Browser Settings

Even after uninstalling, Web Companion might leave traces in your browser.  You can reset browser settings by doing this.

Google Chrome

• Open Chrome and go to Settings.
• Scroll down and click Reset settings.
• Confirm by clicking Restore settings to their original defaults.

Mozilla Firefox

• Open Firefox and go to Help > Troubleshooting Information.
• Click Refresh Firefox and confirm.

Microsoft Edge

• Open Edge and go to Settings > Reset settings.
• Click Restore settings to their default values and confirm.

This ensures Web Companion does not affect your browser experience after removal.

Alternatives to Web Companion

If you’re unsure about using Web Companion, you can look below at the best alternatives to consider.

• Adblock Plus: A popular ad blocker that also offers basic tracking protection.
• Malwarebytes: A comprehensive anti-malware tool that provides real-time protection against threats.
• uBlock Origin: A lightweight ad blocker that’s highly customizable and open-source.
• Avast Free Antivirus: A free antivirus program that includes web protection and ad-blocking features.

Tips to Prevent Web Companion

You can follow the best practices to prevent Web Companion from installing without your knowledge.

• You must always be cautious with free software. You can choose custom installation instead of express installation.
• It’s a safe idea to uncheck optional software during installation.
• Users should install trusted security software that detects and blocks PuPs.
• You must go to your control panel and review installed programs. Now, you can remove anything unfamiliar.
• The best advice is to install only trusted extensions and then regularly clear cache and cookies.

Thus, you can avoid unwanted programs like a web companion to maintain a secure browsing experience.

Summing Up

Web Companion is not a virus, but it behaves like a potentially unwanted program. It offers some protection, but the way it is installed raises concerns. You can keep it if you have installed it knowingly and find it useful.

However, you must remove it immediately if you did not intend to install it or experience performance issues. You can follow the guide to remove it effectively.

Besides, you must stay alert while installing software and always prioritize cyber security to keep your device safe.