Do you know what Oniria is?
If you have downloaded Oniria onto your Google Chrome web browser, it is most likely that you found this extension bundled with a more desirable extension or application. Perhaps, you were forced to install this PUP (potentially unwanted program) as it could not be rejected during the installation of that more desirable piece. We assume this because, in general, the PUP does not appear to be very attractive. It is promoted as a tool that is meant to enhance your search results via Google Search, which, clearly, does not make it extremely useful. It is stated that the extension can show results that you would not normally see when using Google Search, but that is not necessarily a good thing. In fact, this might be a reason to remove Oniria from your browser. If you are not sure if you want to delete this PUP, continue reading.
Oniria is introduced at valid-install.com/oniria.html, and the Chrome web store represents the installer at chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/oniria/kehhlijkibnldgjaigkiecbdkomambmm/. At the time of research, the add-on was downloaded by more than 7,000 users, and it had a five-star rating. Of course, only three ratings were submitted, and so it is hard to say how the actual users of the PUP are rating it. If the ‘Add to Chrome’ button is clicked on the Chrome web store, a pop-up shows up. It informs that Oniria can “Read and change your data on valid-install.com and www.google.com.” What this means is that the extension is in full control over what you end up seeing when browsing the web. This makes sense in a way, but considering that Google Search is involved, we are worried. Less cautious users might assume that the results are actually presented by Google, and that might make them interact with them carelessly. In fact, if you are not going to be careful, you might as well remove the PUP immediately.
Oniria screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
It is most likely that Oniria showcases modified search results to promote the offers and links to third-party sites that belong to those who pay for the service. The PUP is free to download, and that means that the creator has to find a different way to earn a living, and it looks like they are relying on advertising. The problem is that interacting with such ads is kind of risky. We do not know which parties Oniria is associated with, and that means that we have to consider the possibility that the injected sponsored content could be unreliable. At the end of the day, Google Search is a thorough and trusted search tool, and if you want to browse the web safely, using this engine is your best option. However, if the results are modified by a potentially unwanted program, trusting them is too risky.
If you enjoy Google Search, you should set this engine as your default search provider. However, you should NOT trust this engine if you are redirected to it by Oniria or any other potentially unwanted program or browser hijacker. The instructions you can see below show how to delete this PUP from your Google Chrome browser, and once you do that, you can choose the preferred search provider. Another option is to employ a trusted anti-malware program to delete Oniria automatically. This is the perfect option for those who are dealing with multiple threats at the same time or those who want to have their operating systems and browsers secured in the future.
Remove Oniria from Google Chrome
- Launch the browser.
- Simultaneously tap Alt and F keys on the keyboard.
- Select More tools.
- Click Extensions and find the unwanted add-on.
- Click the Remove button.
In non-techie terms:
Oniria might be introduced to you as a beneficial and helpful tool, but our research team identifies it as a potentially unwanted program that does nothing but intrude on normal web browsing sessions. It exploits the well-known Google Search engine to introduce users to sponsored content and ads, which may or may not be unreliable. Considering that the services offered by the PUP are not exactly beneficial and that trusting them is kind of risky, we suggest performing removal as soon as possible. You can install an automated anti-malware tool to find and delete Oniria automatically, or you can follow the guide above. If you choose this option, do not skip the opportunity to perform a full system scan.