Should you remove the Playstv.exe from your computer? Is this file, developed by Plays.tv, safe? We investigate.
If you opened your Task Manager and decided to have a look at some of the executable files listed, and had Playstv.exe as one of these files, your first reaction might be to delete the file immediately.
And we cannot blame you for taking such swift action. The reason for this is that the .exe files have the reputation of being harmful and unsafe files, and in most cases, they are trojans or malware masquerading as safe executable files.
Since you are here, it means that you wish to learn more about the file before you take some pretty drastic actions which could damage or protect your computer. In this article, we’ll tell you more about this file: what is it, what it does, and what you should do about it.
What is Playstv.exe?
Playstv.exe file refers to a file that’s part of the Plays.TV, a program developed by the Plays.TV, LLC. Playstv.exe refers to Plays.tv Video Recorded by Raptr. Even with several releases made over the years, the most-used or downloaded version of the application is the 1.9.2-r111395 version.
Upon the installation and the subsequent setup of this application, it will define an auto-start registry entry that allows the program to run every time you boot Windows.
Playstv.exe also adds some sort of controller service which is set to run automatically. You could, however, delay its start using your computer’s service manager.
You should also know that Playstv.exe’s design allows you to connect to the internet and the trickiest bit about this is that it comes with an extra Windows Firewall exception which allows the file to run without your interference and without your knowledge.
With no known use in your computer’s operating system, the Playstv.exe file is regarded as malware as it could cause significant harm to your computer system.
Note that this file is often found in the
C:\Program Files (x86) folder often, as C:\Program Files (x86)\Raptr Inc\PlaysTV\.
And this program is neither visible although it leaves behind a digital signature, listening in and sending data through the internet or any other open ports.
Is Playstv.exe Safe? Should You Remove It?
Playstv.exe, as mentioned above, is a malware under the guise of a safe and even important executable system file.
This malware could hinder your computer’s performance by not just infecting your system, but also allowing the dubious installation of other unwanted and unsafe programs. Playstv.exe also allows the addition of malicious extensions that target your computer.
As a result of the malware infection, the introduction of new and unwanted programs, and the installation of malicious extensions, Playstv.exe always results in high CPU usage, as well as the depletion of your memory, hence the reduced performance of your computer.
To make things worse, this Playstv.exe file has been used by cyber hackers to steal confidential information and data or illegal use.
Therefore, if you see Playstv.exe in your Task Manager, you should know that you are dealing with a harmful agent that could cause significant damage to your computer system.
To answer your other question – Yes, you should remove the Playstv.exe from your computer as soon as you detect it.
How to Remove Playstv.exe?
Option 1- Manual Removal
You could manually remove the Playstv.exe file. To ensure that all the components of the file are removed, use the best malware auto removal tool on the market.
If you are using Windows 10, go to the Start Button to open the start menu (pressing the Windows key will have the same results). Select the Settings options then click select App & Features.
Look for the Playstv.exe Uninstall file (it should be on the right side of the window) and then select the option to Uninstall. To confirm that you’ve uninstalled it, click on the Uninstall option again.
If you use Windows 8 or 8.1, go to the Menu and then select Search. Next, click on Apps, then go to the Control Panel. Under Programs, click on Uninstall A Program then look for Playstv.exe. Select the file then click on the Uninstall option.
Option 2 – Remove the Playstv.exe extension/ add-on from your Browser
As mentioned above, your web extensions could be the reason for and how this malware got into your computer system. Therefore, you should consider removing the file from your browser.
If you use Chrome, open the browser, then press Alt+F and select Tools. Under the Tools, select Extensions then find the .com extensions. To remove them, just click on the Trash icon that appears next to the extension.
For Mozilla Firefox users, Open the browser then click on Shift+Ctrl+A. Select the .com extensions option then click on Remove or Disable.
And if you use Internet Explorer – Open your browser and then press on Alt+T then select the Manage Add-ons options. Go to Toolbar & Extensions then choose to Disable the .com option. Select the link named More Information then select Remove.
Once you remove the extension from your browser, you should reset the browser affected. The reset option is in the Advanced Settings/ Options tab. Note that if you use Safari, you’ll need to Force Quit the app.
To ensure the complete removal of the file, find the Library folder and then select the Saved Application Folder. In this folder, find com.app.Safari.savedstate and then delete its contents.
When done, restart Safari. And since you don’t want the problem to recur, go to Safari’s preferences tab and choose the Privacy Tab. Here, select the Remove All Website Data button – this step should remove cookies.
Option 3 – Automatic Removal
For the automatic removal of the Playstv.exe file, you will need an advanced malware removal tool. Now you know all about the Playstv.exe file, the risk it brings to your computer system, as well as the fact that it’s quite dangerous and you should remove it from your computer as soon as it is detected.