How to Remove OneStart

OneStart is a persistent and invasive adware program, similar to the Niwp App and MYWeb Watch, that embeds itself deeply into your system, making removal a frustrating task. It primarily operates from the directory C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\OneStart\bar\updater.exe and often disguises itself under generic names like “Quick Updater.exe.” Once active, it executes PowerShell commands, bypassing normal permissions with parameters such as /silentall -nofreqcheck. This allows it to install silently and avoid detection.

The problem doesn’t stop there. OneStart creates scheduled tasks, including “OneStart Chromium” and “OneStart Updater,” to maintain its presence. It also modifies your system’s registry, adding entries in both user-level and Local Machine hives to ensure it can relaunch even after removal attempts. Its behavior is sneaky and designed to outlast casual clean-up efforts, leaving you stuck with its unwelcome presence.

This guide breaks down the entire removal process, from stopping its processes to clearing its registry changes, ensuring your system is thoroughly cleaned and secured.

OneStart Removal Tutorial

I suggest that you first attempt to remove OneStart using some quicker and easier steps. Those might work in some cases and save you lots of time you’d otherwise spend on performing the more advanced removal solution I’ll show furhter down this page. So here’s what I recommend doing first:

Uninstalling OneStart from Your PC

1. Open Settings and go to Apps.
2. Use the Installation Date filter to locate recently installed programs.
3. Spot entries like “OneStart” or unfamiliar software installed at the same time.
4. Select the suspicious program and hit Uninstall. Follow the instructions to complete the process.

Eradicating Residual Folders

1. Launch File Explorer and browse to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86).
2. Look for any folders named “OneStart”.
3. Delete them without hesitation.

Restart your computer after completing these actions. If traces of OneStart persist, move to more the advanced methods.

SUMMARY:

Before You Begin: Something to Keep in Mind

How to Remove the OneStart PUP (Advanced Steps)

If the quick steps I explained above weren’t enough to rid you of the OneStart PUP, then you’ll have to dig a bit deeper and find and delete all elements liked to this program that are currently in your system. To do that successfully, you’ll first need some preparation:

1. Open File Explorer and click the View tab.
2. Select Options or Folder Options.
3. Under the View tab, choose Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
4. Click Apply and then OK.
5. Download the free LockHunter tool.
6. Install LockHunter on your PC – you’ll need it later to delete blocked files.

Once you complete these preparatory steps, you’ll be ready to take on the OneStart PUP.

Video walkthrough for this step:

Get Rid of OneStart Background Processes

You must definitely check the Task Manager for processes ran by this PUP. You are highly likely to find osmething that must be stopped before you could fully get rid of the unwanted software. Here’s how to clean up the Task Manager:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Expand the view by selecting More Details.
3. Under the Processes tab, sort tasks by CPU Usage or Memory.
4. Locate processes linked to OneStart. Right-click and select Open File Location to confirm their identity.
5. Note the file path, return to Task Manager, and click End Task.
6. Navigate to the noted location and delete the associated files.

Patience is key here. Background processes often anchor OneStart to your system.

Video walkthrough for this step:

Deleting OneStart Hidden Files

OneStart can create hepler files in various locations in the system, so it’s important to check all potential locations where such files can be hidden and delete anything tied to this program. Here are the locations I recommend checking:

• C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\OneStart\bar\updater.exe
• C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs
• C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
• C:\Program Files
• C:\Program Files (x86)
• C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Remove anything tied to OneStart. Double-check file names to avoid deleting vital system files.

Also go to C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp and delete everything there. Just empty the entire folder.

If you are strugglign with the deletion of a particualr file, use the LockHunter as explained in the next embedded video.

How to Delete Persistent Files with Lock Hunter

Disable OneStart Startup Items

OneStart has also likely created some startup items that may allow it to launch automatically every time your computer turns on and you log into your User account. Here’s what you must do:

1. Open the Task Manager again (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Disable anything that looks tied to OneStart or looks otherwise unfamiliar.
4. You should leave enabled only the items that you actually want to launch automatically on startup.

After you do this, close the Task Manager and move on to the next section.

Get Rid of OneStart Scheduled Tasks

Don’t forget about the Task Scheduler. That’s another location where the PUP has likely left its mark, so yu must go there and delete anything that looks tied to OneStart.

1. Type Task Scheduler into the Start Menu search bar and open it.
2. Navigate to the Task Scheduler Library.
3. Review tasks for anything connected to OneStart.
4. Open suspicious tasks, check the Actions tab, and note file paths.
5. Delete the task and manually remove files from the identified paths.

This step cuts off OneStart’s ability to reappear without warning.

Video walkthrough for this step:

Delete OneStart Items From the Windows Registry

The Windows Registry stores entries that allow PUPs like OneStart to persist. Removing these requires careful attention to avoid harming your system. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Use Ctrl + F to search for “OneStart.”
3. Delete entries that match its name or functionality.
4. Inspect these keys for additional traces:

• HKEY_USERS\software\OneStart.ai
• HKEY_USERS\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall{31F4B209-D4E1-41E0-A34F-35EFF7117AE8}

These entries are where you are most likely to find something linked ot OneStart. However, I also suggest checking the ones listed below, as the are often targeted by unwanted apps and malware:

• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\Setup
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services

Delete suspicious values, but avoid touching system-critical keys.

Video walkthrough for this step:

Final Steps for System Stability

Restart your system after completing all steps. Observe its behavior closely. If OneStart reappears, revisit these methods to uncover any missed elements.

To protect your system moving forward, follow these precautions:

1. Download software only from reputable sources.
2. Use custom installation options to uncheck bundled offers.
3. Avoid clicking on suspicious pop-ups or links.

Practicing these habits helps maintain a secure and functional computer. Taking proactive steps now prevents future headaches.