Description: A Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) is a type of software that, while not considered malicious in the strict sense, can have adverse effects on system performance or user experience. These programs often install without the user’s explicit consent, typically as part of a larger software package. PUPs can include adware, which displays intrusive advertisements, or software that modifies browser settings, such as the homepage or default search engine. While some PUPs may offer useful functionalities, their intrusive nature and the way they install can lead to user frustration and degraded system performance. Therefore, it is essential for users to be cautious when installing software and to carefully review installation options to avoid the inclusion of these programs. Detection and removal of PUPs is a common feature in many antivirus and antimalware solutions, which help maintain system integrity and performance.
