I made this page to help you remove Firefox-patch.js. The Firefox-patch.js removal guide works for Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Firefox-patch.js is a malicious script file, responsible for displaying fake update messages for Mozilla Firefox. There are infections which target a specific web browser and do not attack the rest. This is a prime example of such activity. Firefox-patch.js displays bogus alerts, titled “Urgent Firefox Update”. This does not mean that closing Firefox will stop the messages from popping up. The rogue program can have notifications appear from the task bar. All messages it shows are fake. Security experts have categorized Firefox-patch.js as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

What issues can Firefox-patch.js cause?

Firefox-patch.js is responsible for spreading malware. The windows the clandestine program displays contain download links for a certain piece of software. As elaborated, they are supposed to be for the latest version of Mozilla Firefox. There is no merit to this statement. Firefox-patch.js is not connected to a legitimate update notification for the program. The process carries other software which may be harmful. Accepting to do an update can prompt the install of malware.

Firefox-patch.js gets listed in the processes tab of the Task Manager when a notification appears. The extension explains what kind of operation the process conducts. The .js suffix stands for Javascript. At this point, we need to explain what application Javascript can have. A .js file can be used to transfer a program. This makes sense, since the messages are for an update. As we already explained, the update is a hoax. Firefox-patch.js contains other software which could damage your system.

As a rule, you should check where a notification came from before following it. For system messages, consult your Update Center. However, Mozilla Firefox does not come together with the Windows OS. It generates its own notifications instead of relying on the Windows Update Center. Custom programs have an individual regime when it comes to displaying messages. Firefox shows update requests upon launch. If a message appears after you have been using the program for a while, you can dismiss it as fake. Furthermore, the program does not open new windows like Firefox-patch.js does.

Apart from the possible danger of installing a malicious program to your system, there is also a threat for your personal data. Firefox-patch.js has the ability to collect information from your web browser. The PUP can gather details from your surfing history, tracking cookies and keystrokes. This includes your IP address, geographic location, zip code, email, phone number, user names, passwords, security codes and other sensitive input. The gathered data can be sold on dark markets without your consent.

How did Firefox-patch.js penetrate my system?

There are a handful of ways for Firefox-patch.js to infiltrate your computer. The predominant vector is bundling. The covert program can be secluded within the setup file of another piece of software. The download client can be freeware, shareware or a pirated copy of a licensed utility. To avoid letting in undesired tools, you need to read the terms and conditions of the programs you add to your computer. Uncheck all extra tools or cancel the installation altogether.

Spam emails are used as carries for all kinds of malware. The setup wizard of a given program can be transferred through an attachment. The sender will list the file as an important document to get you to open it. To tell if an email is reliable, check the contacts. If the person is writing on behalf of a given company or entity, he should be using an official email account. Go to the organization’s website and match the data.

Corrupted websites and links are another source for Firefox-patch.js. The PUP can be transmitted to your PC after a single click. You need to be cautious about the websites you trust. Whether it is about following a link or just opening a page, you must be sure the domain is safe. Whenever you are about to visit a website you have not entered before, take some time to research on it beforehand.

Firefox-patch.js Removal

Before starting the real removal process, you must reboot in Safe Mode. If you know how to do this, skip the instructions below and proceed to Step 2. If you do not know how to do it, here is how to reboot in Safe mode:

For Windows 98, XP, Millenium and 7:
Reboot your computer. When the first screen of information appears, start repeatedly pressing F8 key. Then choose Safe Mode With Networking from the options.

For Windows 8/8.1
Click the Start button, next click Control Panel —> System and Security —> Administrative Tools —> System Configuration.‌

Check the Safe Boot option and click OK. Click Restart when asked.
For Windows 10
Open the Start menu and click or tap on the Power button.

While keeping the Shift key pressed, click or tap on Restart.

These are the steps you must follow precisely to remove Firefox-patch.js from the browser:

Remove From Mozilla Firefox:

Open Firefox, click on top-right corner , click Add-ons, hit Extensions next.

Look for suspicious or unknown extensions, remove them all.

Remove From Chrome:

Open Chrome, click chrome menu icon at the top-right corner —>More Tools —> Extensions. There, identify the malware and select chrome-trash-icon(Remove).

Remove From Internet Explorer:
Open IE, then click IE gear icon on the top-right corner —> Manage Add-ons.

Find the malicious add-on. Remove it by pressing Disable.

Right click on the browser’s shortcut, then click Properties. Remove everything after the .exe” in the Target box.

Open Control Panel by holding the Win Key and R together. Write appwiz.cpl in the field, then click OK.

Here, find any program you had no intention to install and uninstall it.

Run the Task Manager by right clicking on the Taskbar and choosing Start Task Manager.

Look carefully at the file names and descriptions of the running processes. If you find any suspicious one, search on Google for its name, or contact me directly to identify it. If you find a malware process, right-click on it and choose End task.

Open MS Config by holding the Win Key and R together. Type msconfig and hit Enter.

Go in the Startup tab and Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer.

Still can not remove Firefox-patch.js from your browser? Please, leave a comment below, describing what steps you performed. I will answer promptly.