How to remove PDFCastle

What Is PDFCastle?

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PDFCastle is a potentially unwanted program/application (PUP/PUA)

How PUPs End Up on Users’ Computers:

A PUP is a “potentially unwanted program”. Sometimes users encounter an ad for a “useful” program or browser extension and end up installing it without reading License Agreement first and realizing that the program will generate ads or change browser settings. Many cases of adware installation happen when users install some free or “cracked” software and don’t uncheck boxes responsible for extra programs’ installation. These extra programs usually ends up to be adware, browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted software. Regardless of the source, in many cases adware is not the only program that ends up getting installed. Often there will also be other apps; in the best case it will be programs causing some annoyance: redirecting the user to unwanted sites, opening pop-ups, changing default search engine, etc. In worse cases some malicious programs might be installed: spyware, ransomware encryptors, and so on.

  1. Remove PDFCastle Automatically
  2. Remove PDFCastle From Installed Programs
  3. Stop PDFCastle From Running
  4. Boot Into Safe Mode
  5. How to Protect Your PC From PDFCastle and Other Adware

Remove PDFCastle Automatically:

You may remove PDFCastle automatically or use the manual instructions provided below.
However it is still recommended that you scan your system with a good antivirus or anti-malware tool, to find and remove other possible malware and PUPs that may have been installed along with PDFCastle.

SpyHunter is a powerful anti-malware solution that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. SpyHunter is available for Windows and macOS devices.

Download SpyHunter

Other anti-malware software that may be able to get rid of PDFCastle:
Norton (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) The link may not work correctly in some countries.
Malwarebytes (Windows)

Remove PDFCastle From Installed Programs:

Go to the list of programs installed on your computer or smartphone (the steps for different operating systems are provided below). Uninstall PDFCastle and other suspicious programs, programs you don’t remember installing, or programs you’ve installed just before PDFCastle showed up for the first time. When you are not sure about a program, look it up on Google / Bing / DuckDuckGo. Don’t just trust one source, look at what several sites are saying.
If PDFCastle won’t uninstall because the program is running, open Task Manager and end the process for PDFCastle or restart into Safe Mode (the instructions are further down) and repeat the steps.

Windows 11:

  1. Press Windows key and I (“i”) key on your keyboard. The Settings window will open.
  2. On the left panel select Apps.
  3. On the right panel click on Apps and Features.
  4. Find the program you wish to uninstall.
  5. Click on the three dots button next to the program and click Uninstall.
  6. Click Uninstall.

Windows 10:

  1. Press and hold Windows key Windows key and hit X key.
  2. Select Apps and Features from the menu.
  3. Optional: click on Sort by: above the list of programs and select Install date.
  4. Select a program you wish to uninstall.
  5. Click Uninstall.

Windows 8 / Windows 8.1:

  1. Press and hold Windows key Windows key and hit X key.
  2. Select Programs and Features from the menu.
  3. Optional: click on Installed on above the dates column to sort the list by date.
  4. Select a program you want to remove.
  5. Click Uninstall.

Windows 7:

  1. Click on Start button in the lower left corner of the screen.
  2. In the Start menu select Control Panel.
  3. Find and select Programs and Features or Uninstall a program.
  4. Optional: click on Installed on above the list of programs to sort it by date.
  5. Click on a program you wish to remove.
  6. Click Uninstall.

Mac OS:

  1. On the top menu click on Go => Applications.
  2. Drag an unwanted application to the Trash bin.
  3. Right-click on the Trash and select Empty Trash.

Android:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Apps => Apps.
  3. Tap an app from the list that you wish to uninstall.
  4. Tap Force stop if the button is enabled.
  5. Tap Uninstall and then OK on the confirmation pop-up.

Stop PDFCastle From Running:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Find and click on the program that won’t uninstall (PDFCastle or another name).
  3. Click End task.

Boot Into Safe Mode With Networking

Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7:

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Once you see a boot screen tap F8 key continuously until a list of options appears.
  3. Using arrow keys, select Safe Mode with Networking.
  4. Press Enter.

Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11:

  1. Hold down Windows key Windows key and hit X key.
  2. Select Shut down or sign out.
  3. Press Shift key and click on Restart.
  4. When asked to choose an option, click on Advanced options => Startup Settings.
  5. Click Restart in the bottom right corner.
  6. After Windows reboots and offers you a list of options, press F5 to select Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Delete Suspicious Programs From File Explorer:

This step is for experienced computer users who know what they are doing. You might accidentally delete something you weren’t supposed to.
Sometimes malicious programs don’t show up in Programs and Features. Check %ProgramFiles%, %ProgramFiles(x86)%, %AppData% and %LocalAppData% (these are shortcuts; type or copy and paste them into the address bar of File Explorer). If you see folders with unfamiliar names, see what’s inside, google those names to find out if they belong to legitimate programs. Delete the ones that are obviously associated with malware. When you are unsure, you may make a backup copy of the folder (copy it to a different location) before deleting the folder itself.

How to Protect Your PC From PDFCastle and Other PUPs:

  • Get a powerful antivirus or anti-malware software that can detect and remove not only viruses, trojans, spyware, etc., but also adware and PUPs/PUAs.
  • Keep your operating system, browsers and antivirus up to date. Cybercriminals always search for new browser and operating system vulnerabilities to exploit and sometimes find them. If a vulnerability is made public, software creators will usually release an update soon to patch the vulnerability. If a program stops getting updates, it can become a gateway for malware. As for antiviruses, their creators are always on the lookup for new malware samples, which are then added to antiviruses’ databases. That is why it is important to keep your antivirus up to date.
  • Download and use a good ad-blocking program or browser extension, for example, Adguard or uBlock Origin.
  • Don’t click on links blindly and don’t open attachments in spam emails.
  • Download from trusted sources. Only download apps from reputable sources like the Microsoft Store and be cautious about the apps you install
  • Be careful when installing free software. Read through the install wizard instructions carefully, choose custom settings over standard or express options, and avoid accepting bundled programs during installations

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