Koaiw App is today’s new adware that uses file bundling to get inside users’ PCs and spam them with ads and misleading notifications. In many cases, people don’t even realize how the rogue app got downloaded and installed, but once it’s already in the system, its presence there cannot go unnoticed.
High CPU usage, random pop-ups and ads both in the browser and outside of it, and unwanted changes in the browser settings are all common symptoms associated with this adware app, and others like it – Kotalq App, Tisiqo App, etc.
OFFER
Koaiw App isn’t likely to damage anything on your PC but its presence there can certainly expose you to various risks – scam phishing sites, pages that automatically download malware, fraudulent online offers, and more. Needless to say, you’ve got to remove this adware, and the methods to do it are shown below.
You can choose between the option to remove Koaiw App automatically, with the help of a specialized tool, such as SpyHunter 5, or to eliminate it manually, by following the steps I’ve prepared in the next guide.
Koaiw App Removal Tutorial
Koaiw App is malware, and depending on your luck, getting rid of it might be quick—or a nightmare. Some people can remove it in a few easy steps, but if that doesn’t work, brace yourself. The deeper cleanup is no joke, so try the simple fixes first and only move on if Koaiw App refuses to leave.
Quick Steps to Remove Koaiw App
- 1.1Hit the Start Menu, type “Apps & Features”, and press Enter. This will pull up a complete list of all installed programs on your computer.
- 1.2To spot the malware faster, sort the list by installation date. Most of the time, unwanted programs show up as one of the latest installations.
- 1.3Now, take a good look at that list. Do you see anything strange? Maybe an app you don’t remember installing? A weird name or a generic icon? If something doesn’t seem right, flag it for review.
- 1.4If a program looks sketchy, select it and uninstall it. Trust your instincts!
- 1.5Head over to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86), find where that program was installed, and manually delete any leftover files. Some malware tries to hide extra components to reinstall itself later.
Now, restart your PC and check if Koaiw App is gone. If it’s still lurking, don’t worry—you’ve got more tools at your disposal.
SUMMARY:
Important! Read Before Continuing
This next guide on how to remove Koaiw App includes several steps that require some troubleshooting experience and may prove to be challenging to less tech-savvy users. In case you find that one or more of the steps are too challenging, my advise for you is to use SpyHunter 5 and let it clean your system. It’s super easy to use and will perform all the necessary cleanup actions for you so that Koaiw App gets fully removed.
How to Remove the Koaiw App Virus
If quick removal methods fail, you’re in for a manual cleanup. But before diving in, you need to unhide system files and gain permission to delete locked ones—because Koaiw App hides and protects what keeps it alive. If you skip this, you’ll waste time. Do this first, or you’ll never fully wipe Koaiw App from your system.
1. Koaiw App Removal Preparatory Steps
- 1.1
To reveal hidden files, open File Explorer, go to the View tab, then click Options (or Folder Options in some Windows versions). In the new window, navigate to View again and enable “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”. Click Apply and OK. - 1.2Malware often locks its own files, so you’ll need a tool called LockHunter —a free program that force-deletes files that refuse to go quietly. Download and install it now, because you’re going to need it later.
I know that some users prefer not to install any third-party apps when troubleshooting, but in this case, LockHunter is non-negotiable. Besides, as I mentioned, it’s totally free.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Delete the Koaiw App Virus Files
Koaiw App isn’t going down without a fight—it hides files in key locations to keep itself alive. Your job? Find those folders, dig through them, and delete anything linked to the malware. If you ignore this step, Koaiw App will just bring itself back like nothing happened. Be thorough or risk dealing with it again.
2. How to Delete Koaiw App Files
- 2.1Open File Explorer and go to these locations:
– C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming
– C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
– C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Take your time here. If you see random file names, weird icons, or anything that looks out of place, delete it. - 2.2
Now, let’s wipe out your Temp folder:
– Navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp
– Press Ctrl + A to select everything
– Hit Delete
Don’t worry—deleting these files won’t break anything. This folder is just a dumping ground for temporary files, and malware loves hiding here. - 2.3Next up, check C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86). Most things in these folders are legit, but malware can blend in. If something seems off, Google it. If it’s malicious, delete it.
- 2.4If a file refuses to delete, right-click it, choose “What’s locking it?” and in the window that appears next, click the Delete option.
How to Delete Persistent Files with Lock Hunter
Remove Koaiw App Malware Tasks From the Task Scheduler
You can’t just hit “Uninstall” and expect Koaiw App to disappear. It buries files deep in your system, making sure it can restore itself whenever it wants. You have to hunt those files down in specific locations and wipe them out. If you don’t, Koaiw App isn’t really gone—it’s just waiting to strike again.
3. How to Remove Koaiw App Entries From the Task Scheduler
- 3.1
Open the Start Menu, type Task Scheduler, and press Enter. Go to Task Scheduler Library. - 3.2Go through each task. Under the “Actions” tab, see if any task is running a suspicious .exe file or script. If you find one, write down the file location and delete the task.
- 3.3Now, go to the file location you wrote down and delete that file too.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Get Rid of Koaiw App Through the System Registry
Koaiw App modifies the Windows Registry to make sure it sticks around. That means you have to go in and delete every trace. But be careful—one wrong move can mess up your system. Not sure about this step? Use SpyHunter instead. If you’re confident, clear out those registry entries before Koaiw App locks itself in for good.
4. How to Remove Koaiw App Items From the Registry
- 4.1Type regedit in the Start Menu and run the first item as Administrator.
- 4.2Press Ctrl + F, type Koaiw App, and search. If you find anything linked to the malware, delete it. Keep searching until nothing remains.
- 4.3
Now, manually check these registry locations: - 4.4If any of these folders contain Koaiw App references, delete the values in the right panel—but don’t delete the registry keys themselves (left panel).
Video walkthrough for this step:
Remove Koaiw App Browser Policies
If you’re seeing “Managed by your organization” in your browser, that’s Koaiw App’s handiwork. It locks your settings, making sure you can’t change your homepage or search engine. To fix this, you’ll need to dig into policy settings and remove them manually. Until you do, Koaiw App controls your browser—not you.
5. How to Remove Rogue Koaiw App Policies
- 5.1
Open the Start Menu, type Edit Group Policy, and select the first result. Go to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates. - 5.2
Right-click Administrative Templates, select Add/Remove, and clear the list. Just delete everything you see there – nothing should be in this list unless you’ve added it yourself. - 5.3If you’re using Chrome, download the free Chrome Policy Remover tool. Run the tool as Administrator, and it will automatically reset all policies, removing them from Chrome.
- 5.4If Windows warns you about the Policy Remover tool, just click “More Info” > “Run Anyway” to ignore the warning. Don’t worry, this tool is perfectly safe.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Manual Group Policy Removal
Automatic Group Policy Removal
Uninstall Koaiw App From Your Browser
Kicking Koaiw App’s policies out of your browser isn’t enough—you have to reset everything it messed with. It changed settings behind your back, and if you don’t reverse them, it still has influence. Check every option, clear bad permissions, and take back control. If you don’t, Koaiw App might just sneak back in.
6. How to Remove Koaiw App From Your Browser
- 6.1Remove suspicious extensions – Open your browser’s Extensions page and uninstall anything unfamiliar.
- 6.2
Clear browsing data – Go to Privacy and Security settings, choose All Time, and delete everything except your saved passwords. - 6.3
Review Site Settings – Revoke permissions for any shady websites. - 6.4
Check search engine settings – Reset your search engine to something you trust. Remove any sketchy URLs. - 6.5Check On Startup and Appearance settings – Make sure there aren’t any unknown URLs listed.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Restart your computer and check if Koaiw App is completely gone. If you still see traces, it’s best to scan your system with a reliable security tool such as SpyHunter 5 and let it take care of any remnants from the malware.
Leave a Reply