Remove SoftwareBundler:Win32/LinkPadBundle

SoftwareBundler:Win32/LinkPadBundle is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) commonly flagged by Microsoft Defender. Although not always overtly malicious on the surface, this software bundler poses a significant risk to the integrity, performance, and privacy of your Windows operating system. Its primary method of infiltration is through the bundling of other programs during software installations, often without clear user consent.

This bundler frequently appears alongside game cheat tools, cracked software, and free utility downloads, making it particularly dangerous for younger users or those unaware of the risks associated with unofficial downloads.

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	SoftwareBundler:Win32/LinkPadBundle
Threat Type	Software Bundler / PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)
Detection Names	Microsoft Defender: SoftwareBundler:Win32/LinkPadBundle
Danger Level	High
Associated Files	Roblox Evon Exploit V4 UWP_79989118.exe
Distribution Method	Cracked applications, Roblox cheats, game hacks, freeware sites
Common Source URL	getfilenow.com
File Location	C:\Users\[Username]\Downloads
Symptoms of Infection	Slow system performance, altered browser settings, intrusive ads, spyware
Possible Damage	Spyware installation, credential theft, browser hijacking, dropped malware
Associated Emails	Not applicable / None reported
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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Why Is SoftwareBundler:Win32/LinkPadBundle Dangerous?

Although it may seem like an innocent add-on during a software installation, SoftwareBundler:Win32/LinkPadBundlecan be the first step toward a deeply compromised system. These bundlers typically install adware, browser hijackers, or spyware without explicit user approval. Some versions may even act as droppers—a malware type used to deploy more serious threats such as keyloggers or trojans.

Because the changes occur quietly in the background, many users don’t realize their system has been compromised until it’s too late. Over time, the bundler can:

• Install unwanted software and processes that slow down your system
• Modify browser settings to redirect traffic or serve unwanted ads
• Collect data on browsing behavior, system details, and sometimes even login credentials
• Open backdoors for additional malware downloads

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Roblox Exploits: A Key Infection Vector

One of the most alarming aspects of this threat is its association with Roblox exploit tools, such as “Roblox Evon Exploit V4.” These types of applications are often sought out by younger users attempting to gain unfair advantages in the Roblox gaming platform.

However, such tools frequently come bundled with hidden threats like SoftwareBundler:Win32/LinkPadBundle, making them both a risk to system integrity and to the user’s personal information. Not only do they risk bans from gaming platforms, but they also provide a gateway for cybercriminals to gain control of your device.

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How to Remove Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) – Full Guide

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) are intrusive applications that often install without clear user consent, usually bundled with free software. These programs can cause browser hijacking, unwanted ads, slow performance, and security risks. Follow the instructions below to remove PUPs from your Windows or Mac system, as well as from popular browsers.

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Manual PUP Removal Guide (Windows & Mac)

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

For Windows Users

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find and Remove Suspicious Applications:
   • Look for unfamiliar or suspicious applications.
   • Right-click the unwanted program and select Uninstall.
3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts:
   • If a dialog box appears asking for confirmation, click Yes.

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder → Click Applications.
2. Locate Unwanted Apps:
   • Look for recently installed suspicious programs.
3. Move to Trash:
   • Drag the program to Trash or right-click and select Move to Trash.
4. Empty the Trash:
   • Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

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Step 2: Remove PUP-Related Browser Extensions

PUPs often install malicious browser extensions that cause unwanted redirects and intrusive ads.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome → Click on the three-dot menu (top-right).
2. Navigate to Extensions:
   • Click More Tools → Extensions.
3. Remove Suspicious Extensions:
   • Locate unknown extensions and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox → Click on the menu button (≡) → Select Add-ons and themes.
2. Go to the Extensions tab.
3. Find and Remove suspicious extensions.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge → Click on the three-dot menu.
2. Select Extensions → Click Manage Extensions.
3. Locate and Remove unwanted extensions.

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar → Select Preferences.
2. Navigate to the Extensions tab.
3. Find and Uninstall unknown extensions.

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Step 3: Reset Browser Settings (Optional)

If the PUP modified browser settings, reset them.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome → Click three-dot menu → Settings.
2. Scroll down and click Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults.
3. Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox → Click Menu → Help → More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox → Confirm.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge → Go to Settings → Click Reset settings.
2. Choose Restore settings to their default values → Confirm.

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar → Clear History.
2. Select All History → Click Clear History.

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Step 4: Check for Remaining PUP Files

Windows

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Repeat the process with %appdata%, %localappdata%, and C:\ProgramData.

Mac

1. Open Finder → Click Go → Go to Folder.
2. Enter:javascriptCopyEdit~/Library/Application Support/
3. Locate and delete suspicious folders.

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Automatic PUP Removal Using SpyHunter

For a faster and more secure method, use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool. Follow these steps to remove PUPs automatically.

Step 1: Download and Install SpyHunter

1. Go to the official SpyHunter download page:
   • Download SpyHunter
2. Click the Download button and follow the on-screen installation steps.

Step 2: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter after installation.
2. Click Start Scan Now to begin scanning your system.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and review the detected threats.

Step 3: Remove Detected PUPs

1. Click Fix Threats to remove all detected PUPs.
2. Restart your computer to complete the process.

For detailed SpyHunter download and installation instructions, refer to: SpyHunter Installation Guide

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Final Recommendations

• Avoid Free Software Bundles: Always opt-out of unwanted applications when installing free software.
• Use a Reputable Anti-Malware Tool: SpyHunter helps prevent and remove PUP infections.
• Stay Vigilant: Regularly check installed programs and browser extensions.

By following this guide, you can effectively remove and prevent Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) from infecting your device. If you need a quick solution, download and use SpyHunter for automated removal.

Download SpyHunter for PUP Removal: SpyHunter Official Download

Conclusion

SoftwareBundler:Win32/LinkPadBundle may not present itself as malware, but its ability to silently install additional programs and compromise your privacy places it firmly in the category of high-risk threats. Its prevalence in cracked games and cheat tools, especially those linked to Roblox, makes it a significant concern for younger users and those downloading from unofficial sources.

For anyone suspecting this threat on their system, using a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is strongly recommended. While it may not act as a virus itself, its role in delivering more malicious payloads cannot be ignored.