Oh, snap: Microsoft has reclassified the Ask Toolbar as unwanted software, which means its security tools will automatically detect and remove all versions from PCs.
The lone exception to that is the most recent version of the ubiquitous bar.
The Ask toolbar is a familiar sight to anyone who has downloaded Java or other software in the last few years. The search engine has obviously cut some pretty sweet deals with software companies to be included as auto-installed bloatware on PCs—but not everyone appreciates the fact that it suddenly appears in the browser toolbar without consent—nor that it changes the default browser to Ask.com.
And in Microsoft’s view, it has been credited with slowing down searches, locking users in unwittingly, and installing a slew of files on machines that simply don’t need to be there.
“Older versions of software can restrict or limit your control over your search provider,” Microsoft said on its Malware Protection Center website. “It can prevent you from disabling or modifying your search provider. This software poses a high threat to your PC.”
So now, Windows Defender for Windows 8.1 and Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7 and Windows Vista will detect and remove the toolbar.
Essentially, Microsoft is classifying it as a potentially unwanted program (PuP), which is a class of invasive software that is bundled with other, wanted software and installed on systems, whether the user wants it or not. It can cause issues by junking up one’s files, affecting performance—or initiating actions that the user doesn’t want. More dangerously, some PuPs are full-blown malware, as was the case with the Superfish spyware that came pre-installed on Lenovo machines.
Software bigwigs have been making more noise about PuPs of late. Last fall for instance Google unveiled new features in its web platforms designed to prevent their spread: A new Chrome warning will flash up in danger red if a user is about to visit a site that encourages downloads of unwanted software.
Software engineer, Lucas Ballard, said that the changes to Google Chrome, Search and ads would help to shield users from “nefarious downloads.”