“Keep Awake” is an application that, on the surface, seems designed to prevent your computer from entering sleep mode. However, it has been identified as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) by various security vendors due to its malicious behaviors. This article will guide you through understanding what “Keep Awake” does, how it affects your system, and how to remove it completely using both manual methods and Gridinsoft Anti-Malware.
According to a 2024 report by Cybersecurity Insights, potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) accounted for 25% of all detected threats, with a 15% increase from the previous year. This highlights the growing importance of being vigilant against such applications.
What is “Keep Awake”?
According to Gridinsoft’s research, “Keep Awake” is a PUA that can be installed on your system without your explicit consent, often bundled with other software or through deceptive installation methods. While it may claim to keep your system awake, its actual activities are more sinister. It can consume excessive CPU and memory resources, leading to slow system performance and frequent crashes. Additionally, it has the capability to collect sensitive user data, such as browsing history and location, without your consent, raising significant privacy concerns. The application also delivers intrusive advertisements and may redirect you to dubious websites, increasing the risk of downloading further unwanted or harmful applications.
How Does “Keep Awake” Get Installed?
“Keep Awake” can be installed in several ways, often without the user’s full awareness or consent. Common methods include:
- Software Bundling: It may be bundled with other legitimate software, and during the installation process, users might inadvertently agree to install “Keep Awake” by not reading the fine print or deselecting optional components.
- Deceptive Ads: Clicking on misleading advertisements or pop-ups can lead to the installation of “Keep Awake” without clear user notification.
- Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Drive-by downloads or exploiting security flaws in your system or browser can result in the automatic installation of “Keep Awake”.
Detecting “Keep Awake”
Detecting “Keep Awake” can be straightforward if you know what to look for. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate its presence on your system:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Unusual System Behavior | Slowdowns, frequent crashes, high resource usage |
| Unwanted Advertisements | Excessive or irrelevant ads |
| Browser Redirects | Unexpected redirects to suspicious sites |
| New Toolbars or Extensions | Uninstalled toolbars or extensions in the browser |
Keep Awake disguising itself as “Node.js JavaScript Runtime” in Windows Task Manager as:
Manual Removal of “Keep Awake”
Before proceeding with manual removal, it’s important to note that this method can be complex and may not completely eliminate all traces of the application. For a thorough and safe removal, we recommend using Gridinsoft Anti-Malware. However, if you prefer to attempt manual removal, follow these steps:
- Uninstall from Control Panel:
Go to the Control Panel, select “Programs and Features,” and look for “Keep Awake” or any similarly named program. Uninstall it if found.
- Delete Associated Files:
“Keep Awake” may leave behind files that need to be manually deleted. Common locations include:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Keep Awake
C:\Program Files\Keep Awake
Delete all files and folders related to “Keep Awake”.
- Remove Registry Entries:
“Keep Awake” might have entries in the Windows Registry. To remove them, open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and search for keys related to “Keep Awake”. Delete any found keys. Be cautious, as incorrect modifications to the registry can harm your system.
After manual removal, it’s crucial to scan your system with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to ensure that all remnants of “Keep Awake” are removed and to protect against future threats.
Thorough Removal with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
While manual removal can be effective, it’s not always comprehensive, and there’s a risk of missing some files or registry entries. Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is designed to detect and remove a wide range of threats, including PUAs like “Keep Awake”, ensuring your system is completely clean and protected.
Here’s how to use Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to remove “Keep Awake”:
Download and install Anti-Malware by clicking the button below. After the installation, run a Full scan: this will check all the volumes present in the system, including hidden folders and system files. Scanning will take around 15 minutes.
After the scan, you will see the list of detected malicious and unwanted elements. It is possible to adjust the actions that the antimalware program does to each element: click "Advanced mode" and see the options in the drop-down menus. You can also see extended information about each detection - malware type, effects and potential source of infection.
Click "Clean Now" to start the removal process. Important: removal process may take several minutes when there are a lot of detections. Do not interrupt this process, and you will get your system as clean as new.
Gridinsoft Anti-Malware not only removes “Keep Awake” but also provides ongoing protection against future threats, making it an essential tool for maintaining your system’s security and performance.
Prevention Tips
Preventing the installation of “Keep Awake” and other PUAs involves being cautious and following best practices for safe browsing and software installation. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Download from Trusted Sources: Only download software from reputable websites and official app stores.
- Read Installation Prompts: Carefully read and understand what you’re agreeing to during software installations. Deselect any optional components that you don’t need.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and other software to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Use Strong Antivirus Software: Install and regularly update a reliable antivirus program like Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to detect and block threats.
- Be Wary of Ads and Pop-ups: Avoid clicking on suspicious advertisements or pop-ups, especially those that promise too-good-to-be-true offers.
Conclusion
“Keep Awake” is a PUA that can compromise your system’s performance and your privacy. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove it and protect your system from similar threats in the future. Remember, for a thorough and safe removal, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is the recommended solution.
Stay informed and stay safe online. Have you encountered “Keep Awake”? Share your experience in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: Is “Keep Awake” a virus?
A: “Keep Awake” is classified as a potentially unwanted application (PUA), not a virus. However, it can exhibit behaviors similar to malware, such as data collection and adware.
Q: Can I safely keep “Keep Awake” if I need a tool to prevent my system from sleeping?
A: It’s generally not recommended to keep “Keep Awake” due to its unwanted behaviors. There are legitimate, safe alternatives available for preventing your system from entering sleep mode.
Q: Will removing “Keep Awake” fix all performance issues on my system?
A: Removing “Keep Awake” should help improve system performance if it was the cause of the issues. However, if there are other underlying problems, you may need to perform additional troubleshooting.
