Remove PUA:Win32/Vigua.A

PUA:Win32/Vigua.A is a detection name used by Microsoft Defender. The PUA in the name stands for potentially unwanted program, which means it’s not malware but rather something that’s behaving in a way that Defender does not like. Programs that have adware or browser hijacker-like features may be detected as PUAs, as would questionable system optimizers. It’s difficult to say what exactly the detected infection is in this case, as PUA:Win32/Vigua.A is used for many infections. It may even be a false positive.

 

 

There are many types of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) with different features, though they all usually have an installation method in common. These types of infections usually install via the software bundling method, and it’s quite deceptive due to the fact that programs can be installed without users’ explicit consent.

PUA:Win32/Vigua.A is not a detection name used for a specific infection, rather, it covers a broad range of infections that have similar characteristics. Potentially unwanted applications can spam ads, hijack browsers, show deceptive virus alerts, etc. Questionable system optimizer tools are usually detected as PUA:Win32/Vigua.A. That includes driver updaters, system optimizers that promise to free up space, and anti-virus programs that show fake or exaggerated detections.

While PUAs are not particularly dangerous as they usually do no direct damage to computers, they often have quite intrusive data collection practices. They can collect information like visited sites, search queries, IP addresses, etc. This information can be shared with unknown third parties as well. Considering that PUAs often have less than desirable features, there’s no reason to put up with any kind of data collection from them.

How to avoid installing bundled items?

Programs that use the bundling method to sneak into users’ computers are often flagged as potentially unwanted by anti-virus programs because they employ a deceptive method. Software bundling is quite frowned upon, as it can lead to the installation of unwanted programs without users’ explicit consent. Many free programs you download from third-party sources include adware, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) as additional offers. Although these offers are technically optional, users must remember to manually uncheck them to avoid installing them. Unfortunately, these offers are hidden in settings that users don’t typically check, making it easy to miss them and inadvertently allow these unwanted installations.

To prevent installing unnecessary programs that can result in a PUA:Win32/Vigua.A detection, you need to pay attention when installing free programs and select the correct settings. Default settings allow all bundled offers to be installed automatically. In contrast, choosing Advanced or Custom settings enables you to view all additional offers and provides the opportunity to uncheck them. Given the controversy surrounding this installation method, it’s recommended to decline any offers unless you really want to clutter your system with unwanted software that may be difficult to remove later. And as mentioned already, programs that use software bundling are frequently flagged as potential threats by anti-virus software.

It is also important to note that potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are often marketed as useful programs on various third-party app stores. They may be misleadingly advertised with features they do not have to deceive users into installing them. Therefore, it’s essential for users to research programs thoroughly before installation. A simple Google search is typically enough. Additionally, users should always download programs from official websites.

How to remove PUA:Win32/Vigua.A

It’s not impossible that PUA:Win32/Vigua.A is a false positive, which is why if Defender keeps detecting it but does not remove it, you should download a different anti-malware program and do a scan. If the other anti-malware program detects it, it should also be able to get rid of it. If nothing is detected, either Defender is detecting a false positive, or it has already removed it, but due to some error keeps showing the PUA:Win32/Vigua.A detection notification.