OneStart is a rogue program that is presented as a Chromium-based browser with AI features, such as a ChatGPT widget and a desktop toolbar, aiming to streamline access to various online tools. It is in fact a rather controversial application, with many sources classifying it as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) due to how it’s distributed and its behavior on users’ systems. User complaints regarding its questionable behavior confirm these verdicts. In this post, I will explain what is wrong with this browser and show how you can remove it for free.
OneStart Browser Overview
OneStart is a browser built on the Chromium open-source project, marketed as an AI-assisted tool that integrates features like a ChatGPT widget, a desktop toolbar, and seamless switching between AI engines such as Google AI, Bing, and others.
According to its official page, it aims to streamline online experiences with lightning-fast performance and customization options like light and dark modes. However, its legitimacy is debated, with security sites classifying it as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) due to distribution methods.
Its official blog (OneStart.ai is Not A Malware And Here’s Why) defends its safety, claiming rigorous security assessments by tools like VirusTotal and no flags as malicious software (in fact has). It emphasizes user consent for installation, but user reports suggest otherwise, highlighting a discrepancy between claims and experiences.
How Users Get Infected with OneStart Browser?
Research indicates OneStart browser is often distributed through software bundling, a common tactic where it’s included with other downloads without clear user consent. This can occur via freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer networks, or deceptive sites, especially when users rush through installations using “Quick/Simplified installation” settings.
It’s installed unknowingly, bundled with other software, leading to confusion about its origin. This method increases the risk of inadvertently allowing unwanted programs, and user reviews on platforms echo similar experiences of unexpected installations.
What’s Wrong With OneStart Browser?
There are several concerns surrounding OneStart, making it a problematic application for many users. One of the primary issues is its unwanted installation. Many users find it on their systems without explicit permission, often due to software bundling. This classifies it as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP).
During installation, the program requires you to check the EULA box. However, along with this checkbox, two checkboxes are immediately placed against the items “Auto start when logging into Windows” and “run in the background”. Although you can remove the two checkboxes afterward, not every user can think of doing so.
The program alters browser settings, such as resetting the default search engine, frequently without user consent. Another major concern is search query redirection. When users perform searches, their queries are first routed through onestart.ai before reaching Yahoo. This raises significant privacy concerns, as it suggests potential data collection.
In addition to these issues, OneStart is known for injecting unwanted advertisements and opening new tabs with promotional content. These ads can sometimes promote scams or even malicious software, further compromising user security. Some sources have even labeled this browser as a trojan, citing its ability to track user data, including browsing histories and personal details, which could then be sold to third parties.
The controversy surrounding OneStart is reflected in user forums and reviews. While some users appreciate its AI features, many others report system slowdowns and unwanted behavior, reinforcing its reputation as a questionable program. How about VirusTotal, vendors are divided in their opinions. At the time of writing, 12 anti-malware vendors have marked the OneStartInstaller.msi installer as potentially unwanted software or Generic Application Downloader.
How to Remove?
Theoretically, OneStart browser should be rather easy to remove manually, through the Windows interface. But a considerable share of users say it refuses to go away, returning errors at the attempt to uninstall it. There are also quite solid suspicions that the browser may get installed along with other unwanted programs that should be removed as well.
That is the reason why I recommend running a scan with GridinSoft Anti-Malware. It shows excellent performance in removing questionable software, and will not let any strange apps in afterwards. Download it by clicking the banner below, and run a Standard scan: it will be optimal for OneStart browser removal.
If you are willing to try the manual removal of OneStart browser, open the list of installed programs (Start → Settings → Apps → Installed apps), scroll to OneStart, click the three dots on the right and select Uninstall. These steps should remove the unwanted browser from the system. Yet if the method fails, or you suspect other PUPs are present on your computer, feel free to use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to get your system as good as new.
