360 Extreme Browser is a web browser created by the developers of 360 Total Security. It’s legitimate software, and not some malware threat like X-essentiApp.exe or Watchdog, but it’s earned a bad reputation for showing up on computers without clear permission. Many users report that it gets installed if they fail to click an X button when a pop-up that recommends the browser appears on the screen. We see this as an underhanded method of installing software and as a valid reason to see the 360 Extreme Browser as something unwanted.
Once it’s on your computer, the problems don’t stop. The browser can set itself as your default without asking and refuses to go quietly when you try to uninstall it. It hides files in hard-to-find places, runs in the background, and even creates tasks to reinstall itself later. These tactics make it feel less like legitimate software and more like an unwanted intruder, leaving users annoyed and eager to find a way to get rid of it for good.
360 Extreme Browser Removal Guide
Most of the time, it shouldn’t be that hard to delete the 360 Extreme Browser. Here are a couple of quick steps to help you deal with it:
- Access Settings by clicking the Start button, then select Apps.
- In the Apps & Features section, sort the list of installed programs by Installation Date.
- Look for entries named 360 Extreme Browser or any software you do not recognize, particularly programs installed around the same time as the browser.
- Click on the program, then select Uninstall, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
- Check the C:\Programs files and C:\Program files(x86) folders for remnants of the unwanted program and delete anything you find.
- Restart your PC.
If the uninstallation fails or the program reappears, proceed to the advanced steps.
SUMMARY:
| Name | 360 Extreme Browser |
| Type | PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) |
| Detection Tool |
Before You Begin: Something to Keep in Mind
Removing X-essentiApp.exe manually isn’t simple. It’s a process that takes time, focus, and some technical knowledge to get right. I’ll lay out the steps clearly so you can follow them, but you’ll need to pay close attention and know your way around basic system tools.
If you’re feeling unsure or don’t have the time to go through the full process, a tool like SpyHunter 5 can save you the hassle. It’s designed to remove malware quickly and effectively while also protecting your system from similar threats down the road. Sometimes it’s just better to let the right tool do the heavy lifting.
How to Remove 360 Extreme Browser (Advanced Steps)
If the browser persists despite initial attempts, it’s likely that some of its components are still running in the background or hidden in your system. Use the following detailed steps to fully eradicate it.
Enable Hidden Files
Many potentially unwanted programs, including 360 Extreme Browser, hide their files to avoid detection.
To expose these hidden files, open File Explorer and click the View tab.
Select Options or Folder Options from the ribbon.
In the dialog box that appears, go to the View tab and check the box for Show hidden files, folders, and drives. Click Apply, then OK to save your changes.
I also recommend installing the free LockHunter tool to help you with the removal of stubborn files.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Stop 360 Extreme Browser Background Processes
360 Extreme Browser likely runs background processes to maintain its presence. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
If the Task Manager opens in compact mode, click More Details to expand it. Examine the list of processes under the Processes tab. Sort the list by CPU Usage or Memory to identify high-resource processes.
Look for processes with unfamiliar names, especially those linked to 360 Extreme Browser.
Right-click any relevant process and choose Open File Location to locate its files. Write down the file’s location, then return to Task Manager, right-click the process again, and select End Task.
Once the process is stopped, go to the file location you noted earlier and delete the folder or file associated with the browser.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Delete Residual 360 Extreme Browser Files
After stopping any associated processes, check critical system directories for residual files. Using File Explorer, navigate to the following directories:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\ProgramsC:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\ProgramsC:\Program FilesC:\Program Files (x86)C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp
Search each directory for folders or files linked to 360 Extreme Browser. Look for names such as “360”, “Extreme”, or any other similar entries. Delete these files or folders.
In the Startup folders (C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup), delete all entries except desktop.ini, which is a system file.
In the Temp folder (C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Temp), select all files and delete them.
Once you have finished this sweep, empty your Recycle Bin again.
How to Delete Persistent Files with Lock Hunter
Get Rid of 360 Extreme Browser Scheduled Tasks
To prevent the browser from reinstalling itself, check for unwanted scheduled tasks. Open Task Scheduler by typing “Task Scheduler” into the Start Menu search bar and selecting it from the results. In the Task Scheduler, navigate to the Task Scheduler Library on the left-hand side. Review all the tasks listed there.
Double-click each task to open its properties. Go to the Actions tab to see the script or executable the task is set to run. If you see anything related to 360 Extreme Browser or a file in an unfamiliar location, note the file path. Delete the task by right-clicking it and selecting Delete. Afterward, go to the file path you noted earlier and delete the associated file.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Delete 360 Extreme Browser Registry Items
The Windows Registry often contains entries created by potentially unwanted programs to ensure persistence. Be extremely cautious when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can harm your system.
To access the registry, press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Once in the Registry Editor, use Ctrl + F to search for “360 Extreme Browser” or related terms. Delete any entries that match, but only if you’re certain they are associated with the browser.
In addition to the search, manually inspect the following registry keys:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceHKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceHKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\RunHKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\RunHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnceHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\SetupHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services
Check the values listed in the right-hand panel of each key. Look for entries pointing to 360 Extreme Browser or unfamiliar software. Right-click and delete these values, but do not delete the entire key (folder). If you’re uncertain about an entry, leave it as-is to avoid causing system issues.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Final Steps
After completing these steps, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect. Once your system has rebooted, monitor it closely to ensure that 360 Extreme Browser does not reappear. If it does, revisit the steps above to confirm that no remnants of the program were missed. To avoid similar issues in the future, exercise caution when downloading files or clicking on advertisements or pop-ups online. Always keep your system updated and maintain good browsing habits.
Leave a Comment