How to remove PDFast

What is PDFast

PDFast is an application marketed as a tool for converting various file formats, such as transforming Microsoft Office documents into PDF files. However, this software is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) due to its association with harmful functionalities and its propensity to distribute malware. Users often unknowingly install PDFast through deceptive pop-up ads or bundled software downloads that come from dubious sources. Once on a device, PDFast can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft, as it has been linked to malicious PowerShell scripts that download additional malware. These scripts have been observed executing from the app’s update executable, raising concerns about the application’s overall safety. Given its potential for causing chain infections and compromising system integrity, it is crucial for users to be vigilant about the software they install and to regularly scan their systems for such unwanted applications. Ultimately, staying informed and employing robust antivirus solutions can help mitigate the risks associated with PDFast and similar threats.

How PDFast infected your computer

PDFast typically infects computers through deceptive software distribution methods, primarily via bundled installations and malicious advertisements. Users often unwittingly download this potentially unwanted application (PUA) when they opt for quick installations of free software from unofficial or shady websites. Once installed, PDFast can introduce vulnerabilities that allow for further malware infiltration, primarily through an update executable known as “upd.exe.” This executable has been linked to malicious PowerShell scripts that download various forms of malware from compromised websites, exposing users to risks such as ransomware, trojans, and data theft. Additionally, PDFast may utilize legitimate certificates, making it harder for security software to detect and remove it. The combination of these tactics underscores the importance of cautious software installation practices and the need for robust antivirus solutions to safeguard against such threats.

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

Remove PDFast manually for free

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

Remove PDFast from Control Panel

To start removing PDFast, 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 PDFast from Windows XP:

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

Remove PDFast from Windows 7:

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

Remove PDFast 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 PDFast, click Uninstall.

Remove PDFast from Windows 10:

There are 2 ways to uninstall PDFast 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 PDFast 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 PDFast in the list.
4. Click on it and then click Uninstall button above.

Remove PDFast 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 PDFast 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 PDFast

In some cases, PDFast won’t uninstall and gives you a message, that “You do not have sufficient access to uninstall PDFast. Please, contact your system administrator” when you try to remove it from Control Panel or “Access denied” error when removing PDFast 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 PDFast 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 PDFast.

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

Remove files, folders, and registry keys of PDFast

PDFast files:

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PDFast folders:

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PDFast registry keys:

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How to block ads and pop-ups, offering to download PDFast

As PDFast 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 PDFast 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 PDFast from browsers. Download free trial here:

Download AdGuard

Get the best internet security to protect from threats, like PDFast, 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 PDFast, with SpyHunter 5. Download it here:

Download SpyHunter 5