Remove LuckyWheel adware from PC
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Valdas Bertašavičius
Contributor
Your device is likely infected with LuckyWheel adware if you notice a surge in unwanted ads, intrusive pop-ups, or suspicious browser redirects. Although adware typically displays loads of advertisements, LuckyWheel can also act as a browser hijacker and redirect you to shady websites filled with more dangerous viruses.
Additionally, fake ads may trick you into sharing personal information, which is later used to target you with more scams. That's why removing LuckyWheel from your PC as soon as possible is best.
In this article, we'll explain how to remove LuckyWheel adware from your device manually or using a reliable antivirus.
What is LuckyWheel?
LuckyWheel is a PC adware that infects Windows devices to display plenty of unwanted advertisements and scammy pop-ups. It also decreases device performance and can even cause it to overheat. LuckyWheel is also known to function as a browser hijacker and modify popular web browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox to redirect them to dubious websites.
Fraudulent pop-ups can steal user data, and browser redirects lead to dubious websites ridden with other viruses. That's why, if you notice any of the symptoms listed below, you should quickly remove LuckyWheel from your PC using reliable antivirus software or through other removal methods.
| Threat name | LuckyWheel |
| Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), adware, browser hijacker |
| Devices | PC (Windows devices) |
| Symptoms | A huge surge of unwanted ads and pop-ups, suspicious browser redirects to unintended websites, altered browser home screen, slower device performance, overheating |
| Damage | Potential personal data leak, slower device and browsing performance, increased risk of future infections, and tons of annoying ads. |
Similar scam examples
Adware is a common type of malware generally used to increase ad revenue for its creator. For example, hackers can bundle adware with otherwise legitimate software, like the PC App Store program, that the victims unsuspectingly install. The adware then bombards PC App Store users with ads and pop-ups.
Some adware software resembles browser hijackers to modify default browser settings and direct victims to websites ridden with more advertisements. A Search Marquise browser hijacker disguises itself as a typical search engine, but, in reality, it modifies search results to lead users to potentially malicious websites and displays tons of annoying ads.
Why am I seeing LuckyWheel ads?
You see these ads because your Windows PC has been infected with LuckyWheel adware. This malicious software often comes uninvited with bundled software installations, so refrain from hastily clicking "Next" when you install new apps. Instead, choose the "Advanced/Custom" installation option and go over each program, disabling suspicious entries like LuckyWheel.
Hackers often place malware on illegal content-sharing platforms, like torrenting sites. You risk downloading adware with video game cracks, torrented movies, free software updates, or any other files placed on such sites.
You can also catch LuckyWheel adware by clicking on deceptive ads found on online casinos or adult content sites. Sometimes, these ads will offer free software and prizes or discounts to lure you into clicking on them. It's best to use real-time malware protection, like the TotalAV antivirus, to scan all incoming files for malicious elements and protect your device even if you mistakenly click on fraudulent advertisements.
How to get rid of LuckyWheel
Getting rid of LuckyWheel infection is a multi-step process. Firstly, you must remove the LuckyWheel adware from your PC. You can use reliable antivirus software or remove the adware manually. Afterward, you will have to reset your browser to prevent LuckyWheel from reappearing.
Step 1: Remove the LuckyWheel adware using an antivirus
Like most malware, LuckyWheel makes removing it from the system as hard as possible. That's why it's best to use professional antivirus software that will wipe it out completely. Here's how:
- Pick a reliable antivirus. Our top pick is TotalAV, now 84% OFF
- Create an account, download and install the antivirus on your device
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Locate and perform the full system scan option
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Follow your antivirus instructions to remove LuckyWheel from your PC completely
Step 2: Uninstall suspicious applications
Although we recommend removing the LuckyWheel adware using an antivirus whenever possible, sometimes that's not an option and can be done manually. Cautiously follow each step, as overlooking some may cause LuckyWheel to reappear on your PC.
- Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and open it
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Select Uninstall a program under the Programs option at the bottom
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Look for the LuckyWheels entry, right-click on it, and select Uninstall. The adware could have another or similar name to disguise itself
- Confirm it by clicking Yes in the pop-up
Step 3: Remove malicious browser policies
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Press the Windows key and type cmd to locate the Command Prompt, then choose the "Run as administrator" option
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RD /S /Q "%WinDir%\System32\GroupPolicyUsers" and press Enter
RD /S /Q "%WinDir%\System32\GroupPolicy" and press Enter
gpupdate /force and press Enter
- Press X to close the Command Prompt
Step 4: Remove malicious scheduled tasks
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Press the Windows key, type Task Scheduler, and open it
- Click on Task Scheduler Library on the left
- Look for suspicious tasks. Remember that they can have random names, like Chrome_Display, Chrome_Folder, and the like
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Right-click on the suspicious task and select Delete
- Confirm it by clicking Yes in the pop-up
Step 5: Remove malicious files in the AppData/Roaming and AppData/Local folders
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run app
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Type "%AppData%" and click OK
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Locate and delete suspicious folders in the opened Roaming folder. Remember that they can have random names, like Markets, Energy, or similarly deceptive names
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run app again
- Type "%localappdata%" and click OK
- Search for suspicious folders in the AppData/Local directory and delete them. They might be randomly called WindowsApp or ServiceApp
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In the same AppData/Local directory, go to Google -> Chrome -> User Data (or Profiles) -> Extensions. Search for suspicious extensions folders and delete them
Step 6: Reset your browser's settings
Google Chrome
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Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner and select Settings
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Locate the Reset settings option on the left and click on it
- Choose Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm it by clicking on Reset settings
Mozilla Firefox
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner and choose Help
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Select More troubleshooting information
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Locate and click on Refresh Firefox, then confirm it by clicking on Refresh Firefox again
Microsoft Edge
- Click on the three horizontal dots in the upper right corner and select Settings
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Navigate to the Reset settings option on the left and click on it
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Choose Restore settings to their default values and confirm by clicking Reset
How can I protect my device against LuckyWheel?
Now that you've removed the LuckyWheel adware from your PC, it's essential to guarantee you'll not catch it or similar malware again. Here are some practical tips you can apply right now to be safer online:
- Use an antivirus. A reliable antivirus, like TotalAV, is the best way to protect your device from malware and viruses. It will catch and neutralize all threats during the full system scan and prevent further infections with its robust real-time protection feature.
- Update your software and OS. Software updates often include crucial cybersecurity patches that fix known vulnerabilities. It's especially important regarding operating systems like Windows, which could be breached if you do not update on time.
- Beware of software bundles. Hackers often place adware in bundled installs hidden behind legitimate programs. Do not rush into clicking "Next," but choose the Custom/Advanced installation option and deselect all apps you find suspicious.
- Download from legitimate sources. It's always best to download and install software from the original developer's website. Avoid downloading from third-party websites, especially if they host torrents and other illegal content.
- Develop safe browsing habits. Do not click on backlinks from unverified sources or open email attachments from unknown senders. Do not click on ads that promise free software, discounts, or limited-time prizes, as the vast majority are there to trick you.
Conclusion
Although adware is considered a low-risk malware type, it can cause significant harm left unattended. The LuckyWheel adware can also act as a browser hijacker and redirect you to websites filled with more dangerous viruses, posing a real threat to your online safety.
To protect your Windows devices from all kinds of online threats, we recommend using an antivirus like TotalAV. It will scan downloads for malicious elements and prevent infected files from reaching your device, even if you mistakenly click on a dubious ad. You can also schedule automatic scans to verify your device is virus-free in the long run, significantly decreasing the chances of getting hacked.
More malware removal guides from Cybernews:
How to remove CharmSearching.com virus: detailed guide
How to remove GoSearches.gg redirect: protect your devices
How to remove URL:MAL pop-up virus: get rid of the virus
How to remove MS Edge viruses: how-to guides and security tips
FAQ
How do I get rid of the LuckyWheel pop-up?
You can remove the LuckyWheel adware from your PC by scanning your Windows device with a trustworthy antivirus, like TotalAV. It has nearly perfect detection rates that identify 98.5% of online threats to keep you safe.
Can adware spy on you?
Yes, some nasty adware applications can act as spyware and peek at your browsing activities. Furthermore, adware displays ads that are designed to trick users into sharing personal details, which can later be used to target them with other scams.
How do I get rid of LuckyWheel adware on Chrome?
To remove LuckyWheel adware on Chrome, you have to reset the malicious Chrome browser policies, delete infected extension files, and reset Chrome settings to the default. However, we recommend scanning your Windows device with an antivirus, like TotalAV, to make sure that the malware is removed completely from your PC.
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