WatchThisNow is an application that claims to offer users daily updates on where to stream their favorite movies and TV shows. However, upon inspection, it becomes evident that this software delivers no real value and instead exhibits behaviors typical of a potentially unwanted program (PUP). Rather than genuinely helping users watch content, WatchThisNow simply redirects them to Google search results and may compromise privacy and system performance. For these reasons, cybersecurity experts classify it as an unwanted application that should be removed immediately.
What Does WatchThisNow Actually Do?
While WatchThisNow may appear helpful at first glance, its primary function is to simulate utility. When users click on a show or movie within the app, it does not stream the content as expected. Instead, it redirects them to Google, performing basic keyword searches like “movie name + online + episodes.” This misleading feature falsely inflates the app’s usefulness.
Beyond this deceptive functionality, WatchThisNow has more concerning attributes. It may collect sensitive user data such as:
- IP addresses
- Browsing history
- Search queries
- System information
- Possibly even personally identifiable information (PII)
This data may be sold to third parties or misused in marketing schemes and online scams. Users also report seeing an increase in intrusive ads, fake giveaways, misleading promotions, and redirections to potentially dangerous websites.
Threat Summary Table
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Name | WatchThisNow suspicious app |
Threat Type | Unwanted Application (PUP) |
Detection Names | N/A (Not available on VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Pop-up ads, slow system performance, redirections to unfamiliar websites |
Distribution Methods | Software bundling, deceptive ads, unreliable websites, P2P networks |
Potential Damage | Privacy invasion, exposure to scams, installation of malicious content |
Associated Emails | Not applicable |
Danger Level | High – Due to privacy risks and potential exposure to scams |
Recommended Removal Tool | SpyHunter |
Complete Guide to Removing Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) infiltrate devices through software bundling and can cause slow performance, intrusive ads, and security risks. This guide provides manual removal instructions for Windows and Mac users, along with an automated method using SpyHunter.
Manual Removal Guide for Windows & Mac
If you suspect a PUP is installed on your system, follow these steps to remove it manually.
Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs
Windows Users
- Open Control Panel:
- Press Win + R, type
appwiz.cpl
, and hit Enter.
- Press Win + R, type
- Locate and Remove Unwanted Programs:
- Look for unfamiliar or suspicious applications.
- Right-click the program and select Uninstall.
- Follow the Uninstallation Process:
- If prompted, confirm by clicking Yes.
Mac Users
- Open Finder → Click Applications.
- Find and Remove Suspicious Apps:
- Look for programs that you don’t remember installing.
- Move to Trash:
- Drag the unwanted application to Trash.
- Empty the Trash:
- Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
Step 2: Remove PUP-Related Browser Extensions
PUPs often install browser extensions that display ads or redirect search results.
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome → Click the three-dot menu.
- Go to More Tools → Extensions.
- Find any suspicious extensions and click Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox → Click the Menu button (≡).
- Select Add-ons and themes → Extensions.
- Remove any unwanted extensions.
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge → Click the three-dot menu.
- Select Extensions → Manage Extensions.
- Locate and Remove any unknown extensions.
Safari (Mac)
- Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar → Preferences.
- Navigate to the Extensions tab.
- Find and Uninstall any unfamiliar extensions.
Step 3: Reset Browser Settings (If Necessary)
If PUPs have altered your browser settings, reset them.
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome → Click three-dot menu → Settings.
- Scroll down and select Reset settings.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults → Confirm.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox → Click Menu (≡) → Help.
- Select More Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox and confirm.
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge → Click Settings.
- Select Reset settings → Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm the reset.
Safari (Mac)
- Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar.
- Select Clear History → Choose All History → Click Clear History.
Step 4: Check for Leftover PUP Files
Even after uninstallation, some PUPs leave traces behind.
Windows
- Press Win + R, type
%temp%
, and press Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Repeat the process for:
%appdata%
%localappdata%
C:\ProgramData
Mac
- Open Finder → Click Go → Go to Folder.
- Enter:javascriptCopyEdit
~/Library/Application Support/
- Look for and delete suspicious folders.
Automatic PUP Removal Using SpyHunter
For a faster, more thorough, and easier solution, use SpyHunter, an advanced anti-malware tool.
Step 1: Download and Install SpyHunter
- Go to the official SpyHunter download page:
- Click the Download button and follow the installation instructions.
Step 2: Scan Your System
- Launch SpyHunter.
- Click Start Scan Now to initiate a full system scan.
- Wait for SpyHunter to detect any PUPs and malware.
Step 3: Remove Detected Threats
- Click Fix Threats to remove all detected PUPs.
- Restart your computer to complete the cleanup.
For detailed SpyHunter download and installation steps, refer to: SpyHunter Installation Guide
Final Recommendations
- Avoid Software Bundles: Always choose custom installation when installing free software.
- Use an Anti-Malware Tool: SpyHunter ensures your system stays protected from PUPs.
- Regularly Check Installed Programs & Browser Extensions: Be proactive in removing suspicious apps.
By following this guide, you can effectively remove and prevent Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). If you want a quick and effortless solution, use SpyHunter to scan and remove threats.
Download SpyHunter for PUP Removal: SpyHunter Official Download
Why WatchThisNow is Considered Dangerous
WatchThisNow not only wastes users’ time but also puts them at risk. The misleading search feature masks its true purpose: ad revenue generation and data harvesting. The ads shown may lead to tech support scams, fake giveaways, or attempts to steal personal or financial information. Such aggressive ad behavior and the use of potentially malicious redirects make the application dangerous, especially for non-tech-savvy users.
The app can also burden system resources, slowing down computers or mobile devices and causing performance issues. In many cases, removing WatchThisNow is not as straightforward as deleting a regular app. It may embed components that resist uninstallation and require specialized anti-malware tools for complete removal.
Conclusion
WatchThisNow masquerades as a helpful streaming assistant but delivers none of its promised features. Instead, it exposes users to a host of risks including data tracking, annoying advertisements, scam redirects, and system slowdowns. Due to its deceptive practices and harmful impact, this application is best classified as a potentially unwanted program and should be removed immediately.
To remove WatchThisNow and protect your system, use a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter.