Is OneLaunch Malware? Everything You Need to Know
It's intrusive and stores data, but does OneLaunch pose a threat?
- OneLaunch has been trending in user forums lately after it appeared on a lot of PCs.
- The software presents a few benefits, but most users uninstall it.
- Keep reading to find out whether you should uninstall OneLaunch and its browser.
Did you recently turn on the PC, and the interface appeared different? If you have a new toolbar at the top of the desktop, it could be OneLaunch, a software that left many surprised and not for the right reasons. Subsequently, users wonder if OneLaunch is a malware.
In some cases, users didn’t knowingly install OneLaunch, but it just showed up one day. And any software that gets installed this way raises valid suspicion and concerns. So, is OneLaunch safe? Let’s find out!
What is OneLaunch?
OneLaunch is a productivity software meant to improve the Windows experience. It has a dedicated dashboard, a search bar, a custom browser, lists recent items, displays clipboard history, and more.
As per experts, OneLaunch can’t be categorized as malware, but it’s an unwanted program and falls in the same set as Windows bloatware. But anyone concerned about security, privacy, and discreetness should know the ins and outs of OneLaunch and the effects it has on the PC.
How does OneLaunch work?
OneLaunch works as a customization software that allows users to personalize the desktop and ensure a seamless experience. Be it accessing recent files or searching the web directly from any screen!
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But its after-effects are concerning. OneLaunch is found to slow down the PC and change some functions. It’s got way too many permissions and requires administrative privileges. The application always runs on the PC, and to achieve that, it creates an entry in the Task Scheduler.
Besides, as per OneLaunch’s Terms of Use, it stores user data and uses it to serve pop-up ads or promote third-party services. These targeted ads form a portion of the revenue generated by the software. And certain OneLaunch components may include links to third-party websites.
For those wondering why OneLaunch is on their PCs, there’s no definite answer. As per reports, most users didn’t consent to the installation, and OneLaunch somehow ended up on the PC.
You could have clicked on a link, or it got installed through another program. Cooking recipe websites and some third-party software often serve as a medium.
To check if OneLaunch is installed on the computer, press Windows + R to open Run > type appwiz.cpl in the text field > click OK > verify if the software is listed here.
Remember, some hackers may develop a malware by the same name, so make sure to scan OneLaunch with a reliable antivirus software.
Types of malware related to OneLaunch
- Adware software: The software presents many ads, some of which are intrusive and may redirect users to suspicious sites.
- Browser hijackers: OneLaunch may change your PC’s default browser or search engine and set its own.
- Rogue software: OneLaunch, though developed by a reputable company, is an unwanted software, given its functioning.
- Search engines with unwanted extensions: The custom OneLaunch browser is not as safe as the other popular browser options, though its integration is user-oriented.
Potential dangers of having OneLaunch installed
- Data security risks: When any program stores data, there’s always the risk of a breach, no matter how secure their system is.
- Reduced computer performance: Based on user feedback, the primary disadvantage of OneLaunch is reduced PC performance.
- Increased risk of infection from malicious software: Third-party programs can always result in suspicious files, malware attacks, and a wide array of security threats.
How do I uninstall OneLaunch?
- Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to Apps from the navigation pane, and click Installed apps on the right.
- Locate OneLaunch from the list, then click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Uninstall.
- Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.
While this will remove the app, we recommend using an effective uninstaller tool to get rid of any leftover files and registry entries. And if Windows keeps installing apps without permissions, fix that too. It’s a major security threat!
By now, you should understand whether the software is a virus or the OneLaunch browser a malware. Our take, it poses no immediate threat or critically affects the PC directly.
The security aspect can be further solidified, given that OneLaunch is available on the Microsoft Store. The apps listed here undergo several security checks, as detailed in this official guide. So, if you want to install OneLaunch, get it from the Microsoft Store instead.
For any queries or to share your thoughts on OneLaunch, drop a comment below.
