Is OneLaunch malware? Everything you need to know
5 min read
OneLaunch is a program in Windows 10 and 11 that customizes your desktop and adds a dock-like feature. Its creators claim it improves the Windows experience with a clean layout and built-in browser, but some users have reported that it can slow down their computers. While that might make it less convenient, it doesn’t necessarily mean OneLaunch is malicious. Let’s take a closer look at how OneLaunch works and whether it poses any real risk.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is OneLaunch?
OneLaunch is a software program that provides an alternative to the traditional Windows desktop and dock, positioning itself as a productivity tool. Users can create their own customized dashboards to find frequently-used applications more easily. OneLaunch also places a web search bar at the top of the desktop for easy access.
OneLaunch has several other built-in features that affect the Windows experience. For example, it has its own web browser. The platform also comes with shortcuts to help you find the files you’re looking for more quickly.
What does OneLaunch do?
Once OneLaunch is on your computer, it changes the entire interface of your desktop and may change the way some apps function on your computer. The OneLaunch browser might also serve as your default browser.
Some OneLaunch users complain that the program displays unwanted and distracting pop-up notifications. Many users have also noticed that OneLaunch manipulates search results with ads from its partners.
Since OneLaunch is always running in the background, it takes up a significant portion of your computer’s resources. As a result, OneLaunch can negatively affect your device’s performance and cause other applications to run slowly. But does it mean that OneLaunch is malicious?
Is OneLaunch malware?
While there are many concerns about OneLaunch, the program is not malware. A professional team of developers located primarily in British Columbia, Canada, runs the platform without malicious intent.
However, OneLaunch falls into the gray area of software programs that can interfere with your computer’s normal operations and expose it to third-party security risks. These programs are often referred to as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or bloatware.
Potential privacy risks and drawbacks of OneLaunch
While OneLaunch itself is not malware, the program does come with some potential security risks. Having OneLaunch on your computer could make your device more susceptible to cyber threats, even though OneLaunch isn’t directly responsible for these threats.
OneLaunch’s privacy policy specifies that the company collects personal data to improve the user experience and provide targeted, personalized features. Some examples of personal data that OneLaunch may collect include your:
- Name
- IP address
- Phone number
- Physical address
- Credit card number
OneLaunch also collects “anonymous data” that is not directly linked to your identity. This information could include browsing data or software activity on your device.
The company claims that it does not sell, trade, or rent personal data to third parties. However, it shares anonymous data with its business partners and associates, raising privacy and data security concerns.
The OneLaunch privacy policy states that the platform uses “industry-standard security technologies and procedures” to protect users’ personal data, but it doesn’t specify exactly what these measures are. This is similar to many companies, where security effectiveness depends on the specific measures implemented. If cybercriminals were to target OneLaunch and cause a data breach, its users could potentially have their personal data compromised.
While OneLaunch is not malicious, its search functionality could expose users to external cybersecurity risks. For example, OneLaunch places targeted ads in its search results, and clicking on an unverified ad could result in an adware download or even a computer virus if you aren’t careful.
Some users have also reported that OneLaunch is installed on their devices through software bundles without their explicit consent. The program may also request local admin rights, granting it deeper access to the system. These practices raise concerns, particularly when users unknowingly grant permissions or install the software bundled with other programs.
How to use OneLaunch safely
If you’re a Windows user who enjoys OneLaunch’s features, you can use the app safely in a few ways. This starts with downloading the app directly from the OneLaunch website. Do not download OneLaunch from any third-party sites because you could end up with a lookalike OneLaunch browser or some malicious software rather than the real thing.
While you’re using OneLaunch, make a habit of checking the permissions settings within the platform so you know what data it collects. Also, make sure to update OneLaunch when new patches or versions are released because cybercriminals often target users with outdated software programs.
Finally, be cautious when interacting with search results in the OneLaunch browser. Like in any other browser, avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads and look for signs of malware.
How to remove OneLaunch from your computer
If you’ve accidentally downloaded and installed OneLaunch on your computer and want to uninstall it, the process is fairly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of OneLaunch “malware” removal on Windows 11.
- Click on the Windows button at the bottom of your screen to bring up the Windows Start menu.
- Enter “Uninstall” in the search bar.
- Select “Add or remove programs” from the results to bring up a new window with a list of apps.
- Select OneLaunch from the list. You may need to search for it if you have many apps.
- Select the three horizontal dots to the right of the OneLaunch. Select “Uninstall” from the drop-down menu.
- Select “Uninstall” again from the pop-up menu.
- Windows may ask if OneLaunch can make changes to your computer. Select “Yes.”
- A final pop-up will ask if you’re sure you want to uninstall OneLaunch. Select “Yes.”
- The OneLaunch uninstaller will run. Once the process is complete, restart your computer.
Key takeaways on OneLaunch
Ultimately, OneLaunch is not malware. This software application is made by legitimate software developers and is designed to streamline the Windows desktop experience.
However, some application security concerns have fueled malware myths about OneLaunch. While the app requires admin permission to install, it is often bundled with other software, leading to unintentional installations. Additionally, it can slow down PC performance and interfere with search results.
Cybersecurity tools and best practices will help protect your computer from digital threats. To improve your security, you can use tools like NordVPN’s vulnerability detection to identify known vulnerabilities in already installed software versions. However, note that this feature does not check apps before you download or install them.