I need to delete this PC APP STORE virus

[AS524]

I need to delete this PC APP STORE virus

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@AS524,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Here is a detailed, step-by-step description how to deal with your issue.

The PC App Store is a piece of deceptive adware/malware that frequently bundles itself with free software, locks the screen with intrusive pop-up ads, and deliberately blocks standard removal tools. You can completely eradicate this malicious software from your HP device by terminating its active processes and forcing an uninstallation through Windows Safe Mode.

Step 1: Force Close the Aggressive Overlay Window:

If the program is currently filling your screen and preventing you from clicking anything else, you must forcefully shut it down.

• Task Manager Method: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to instantly pull up the Windows Task Manager. Locate PC App Store or PCAppStore.exe under the active processes, highlight it, and click End Task.
• Command Prompt Bypass: If the Task Manager window remains stuck behind the malware screen, press the Windows Key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator, then type or copy/paste/Enter: taskkill /F /IM PCAppStore.exe to force it closed.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode to Block the Malware:

Stubborn adware will often display "Administrator permission required" errors or hide its uninstaller file when you attempt to delete it normally.

1. Disconnect Internet: Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect from your Wi-Fi network to keep the adware from downloading secondary payloads.
2. Access Advanced Startup: Press and hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while clicking Restart inside your Windows Start Menu power options.
3. Select Safe Mode: On the blue screen menu, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. Once your HP laptop reboots to a black-and-blue choice screen, press 4 or F4 to launch your computer in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Completely Uninstall the Core Program:

1. Open Windows Settings (press Windows Key + I) and choose Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features).
2. Search through the list specifically for PC App Store, PCAppStore, or Pokki.
3. Click the three horizontal dots next to the entry, select Uninstall, and confirm the prompt.

Step 4: Sweep Residual Files and Broken Registries:

Adware leaves malicious registry crumbs and hidden operational tracking directories that can reinstall the program later.

• Delete Application Folders: Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer. Check both C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) for any folders explicitly named PC App Store and delete them entirely.
• Purge AppData Cache: Navigate to C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local to see if a folder titled NWJS or PCAppStore exists, and permanently delete it.
• Run an Offline Threat Scan: Open the system tray, launch Windows Security, and navigate to Virus & threat protection. Select Scan options, check the box for Microsoft Defender Offline scan, and click Scan now. Your HP system will safely reboot outside of Windows to neutralize hidden threat fragments.

To make sure your security architecture is completely clear, let me know:

• Which specific operating system version your HP laptop is running (Windows 10 or Windows 11)?
• If you noticed any unfamiliar browser extensions or forced changes to your search engine homepage?

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777