How to remove WinPcap

What is WinPcap

WinPcap is a legitimate program that is classified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). WinPcap is used to monitor network traffic, and while it is a legitimate program, its installation method and overall behaviour makes it quite questionable.

One of the reasons why it’s classified as a PUP is its installation method. Users have reported that they find WinPcap installed on their computers but have no recollection of installing it. That is because like many PUPs, WinPcap uses software bundling to install. It comes attached to free software as an extra offer, and if users do not deselect it during installation, it installs alongside. However, most users do not deselect it because they’re not aware of it being there in the first place. Overall, software bundling is rather frowned upon installation method and most programs that use it are classified as PUPs. We will explain how to avoid these unwanted installations in the following section of the report.

It has also been noticed that the program inserts advertisements when users are browsing the Internet. This is particularly annoying behaviour and we doubt any users will appreciate it.

If the program installed on its own, there is no reason why you should keep it. The sooner you remove WinPcap, the quicker you can go back to regular browsing.

How to avoid installing unwanted programs

A lot of questionable programs use software bundling to spread because it allows them to bypass users and install without anyone even noticing. The method is frowned upon and programs that use it are not looked at favourably. However, it is beneficial to them because once they install, not all users remove them, and they can continue generating advertisement content by showing users ads.

Software bundling is adding programs to other programs as additional offers. So WinPcap was added to some free program you installed. The offers are authorised to install alongside without even clearly informing users about it. However, they are optional. If you want to prevent these unwanted installations in the future, you need to start paying attention to how you install programs. Most importantly, opt for Advanced (Custom) settings when given the option, instead of Default. Advanced settings will show you everything that has been added, and you will be able to deselect it/them. We recommend always deselecting the extra offers, even if they seem useful at first. In the end, they will only clutter your computer.

Should you delete WinPcap?

If the program installed on its own, there is no reason to keep it installed. While the program itself may function as it promises, it may also insert certain components into browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. As you browse, you may notice an increase in advertisements and even get redirects. While the ads may be generated by WinPcap, the program is not responsible for their content. They could advertise all kinds of shady programs, lead to scams or even prompt you to install something malicious.

One of the most dangerous ads you could encounter are the ones offering you to install some program. The programs may seem useful but ads are not reliable sources for downloads. You could end up downloading something malicious and it could cause a lot of damage. Never download anything from advertisements, whether it’s a program, update or anything else. Always do research prior to installing and use official sources.

Another type of dangerous ad you could encounter is one claiming you have won some kind of prize. These ads are classic scams and have been around for decades. They lure the user in with promises of great prizes and then trick them into revealing their personal information, which can be used to scam them further.

So while WinPcap may be a legitimate program, no one likes an increase in unregulated ads which may cause issues.

WinPcap removal

Because it’s classified as a PUP, many security programs will detect it as a potential threat. We recommend using anti-spyware software to uninstall WinPcap because that would be the quickest and safest way. However, you can try to remove WinPcap manually. The process isn’t too complicated but it is important to delete all components so that the program cannot recover again.

Offers

Download Removal Toolto scan for WinPcapUse our recommended removal tool to scan for WinPcap. Trial version of provides detection of computer threats like WinPcap and assists in its removal for FREE. You can delete detected registry entries, files and processes yourself or purchase a full version.

More information about SpyWarrior and Uninstall Instructions. Please review SpyWarrior EULA and Privacy Policy. SpyWarrior scanner is free. If it detects a malware, purchase its full version to remove it.

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