How to remove Windows Internet Watchdog

What is Windows Internet Watchdog

Windows Internet Watchdog is a rogue antivirus program that masquerades as a legitimate security software. It is part of the FakeVimes family of fake antivirus programs, which also includes variants like Windows Web Watchdog, Windows Antibreach Patrol, and Windows Pro Defence Kit. This software is designed to scare users into believing their systems are infected with high-risk malware by reporting non-existent security infections. Once installed, Windows Internet Watchdog modifies the registry entries of the affected operating system, blocking the execution of installed programs, including internet browsers, and disabling the Task Manager. It configures itself to start automatically on each system startup, similar to ransomware infections. It then performs fake scans, reporting numerous non-existent infections. The software then prompts the user to purchase a ‘license key’ for $99.90 to remove the supposed infections.

How Windows Internet Watchdog infected your computer

Windows Internet Watchdog infiltrates computers through various methods. One common method is through hacked websites and fake online security warning messages, often imitating Microsoft Security Essentials alerts. Another method is through spam emails containing infected attachments or links to malicious websites. The emails are often disguised as notifications from shipping companies like DHL or FedEx, tricking users into believing they have a package delivery issue. The software can also be downloaded without user authorization via malicious advertisements, email spam, and compromised social media content.

1. Download Windows Internet Watchdog Removal Tool
2. Remove/Uninstall Windows Internet Watchdog from Control Panel
3. Cannot remove/uninstall Windows Internet Watchdog using standard methods
4. Remove Windows Internet Watchdog files, folders, and registry keys
5. Block pop-ups promoting Windows Internet Watchdog
6. How to protect from threats, like Windows Internet Watchdog

Remove Windows Internet Watchdog manually for free

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full Windows Internet Watchdog removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of Windows Internet Watchdog installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove Windows Internet Watchdog from Control Panel

To start removing Windows Internet Watchdog, you should remove it using Control Panel. It should uninstall correctly, however, we recommend you to use IObit Uninstaller to clean leftover items after uninstalling. Here are instructions for Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

Remove Windows Internet Watchdog from Windows XP:

1. Click on Start button.
2. Choose Control Panel.
3. Click Add or Remove Programs.
4. Find Windows Internet Watchdog.
5. Click Uninstall.

Remove Windows Internet Watchdog from Windows 7:

1. Click Start button.
2. Then go to Control Panel.
3. Click Uninstall a Program.
4. Find Windows Internet Watchdog and click Uninstall.

Remove Windows Internet Watchdog from Windows 8:

1. Hover mouse pointer to the bottom-right corner to see Menu.
2. Click Search.
3. After that, click Apps.
4. Then Control Panel.
5. Click Uninstall a Program under Programs.
6. Find Windows Internet Watchdog, click Uninstall.

Remove Windows Internet Watchdog from Windows 10:

There are 2 ways to uninstall Windows Internet Watchdog from Windows 10

Way one

1. Click on the Start button.
2. In opened menu, choose Settings.
3. Click on the System tile.
4. Click Apps & features and locate Windows Internet Watchdog in the list.
5. Click on it and then click Uninstall button near it.

Way two (classic)

1. Right-click on the Start button.
2. In opened menu, choose Programs and Features.
3. Locate Windows Internet Watchdog in the list.
4. Click on it and then click Uninstall button above.

Remove Windows Internet Watchdog from Windows 11:

1. Right-click on the Start button.
2. In opened menu, choose Settings.
3. Click on the Apps tab on the left side.
4. Click Apps & features and locate Windows Internet Watchdog in the list.
5. Click on 3-dots icon near it and then click Uninstall button near it.
6. Depending on the type of application (Windows Store app or classic Win32 app) it will be removed immediately, or you will need to confirm the action and go through the standard uninstall procedure.

Cannot uninstall Windows Internet Watchdog

In some cases, Windows Internet Watchdog won’t uninstall and gives you a message, that “You do not have sufficient access to uninstall Windows Internet Watchdog. Please, contact your system administrator” when you try to remove it from Control Panel or “Access denied” error when removing Windows Internet Watchdog folder and files. This happens because some file or service does not allow you to do it. In this case, I will recommend you to use SpyHunter 5 or Malwarebytes or uninstall Windows Internet Watchdog in Safe Mode. To boot in Safe Mode, do the following:

1. Reboot your computer.
2. While it starts booting, press F8 button.
3. This will open Advanced Boot Options menu.
4. Choose Safe Mode and wait until Windows loads.
5. Go to Control Panel > Uninstall a program and remove Windows Internet Watchdog.

>> See detailed instructions and video tutorial on how to boot in Safe Mode

Remove files, folders, and registry keys of Windows Internet Watchdog

Windows Internet Watchdog files:

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Windows Internet Watchdog folders:

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Windows Internet Watchdog registry keys:

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How to block ads and pop-ups, offering to download Windows Internet Watchdog

As Windows Internet Watchdog is mostly distributed via special ads and pop-ups promising to fix Windows errors or remove viruses, a good way to avoid the installation of Windows Internet Watchdog is to block such ads in browsers. There are a couple of programs that have such functions. We recommend you use AdGuard to remove ads by Windows Internet Watchdog from browsers. Download free trial here:

Download AdGuard

Get the best internet security to protect from threats, like Windows Internet Watchdog, in the future

One of the most famous and reputable security programs for Windows is SpyHunter 5. Advanced algorithms and large databases help SpyHunter detect and remove various types of threats. Get complete protection from ransomware, adware, spyware, trojans, viruses, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), like Windows Internet Watchdog, with SpyHunter 5. Download it here:

Download SpyHunter 5