You opened your computer, checked the list of installed apps, or looked in Task Manager, and there it was: Wave Browser. Maybe you don’t remember installing it. Maybe your default browser or search engine changed. Maybe your antivirus mentioned a PUP.

So, what is Wave Browser? Is it dangerous? And should you remove it?

The short answer: Wave Browser is a web browser, but if it appeared on your computer without your permission, you should treat it as unwanted software and remove it. Malwarebytes classifies Wave Browser as PUP.Optional.Wave, meaning a potentially unwanted program, and says it has been reported as being distributed through channels that install it without user consent.

What is Wave Browser?

Wave Browser is a web browser. Its current marketing presents it as a browser with productivity, safety, ad-blocking, AI, memory-saving, and sustainability features. On its website, Wave says searches are powered by Yahoo by default, while users can change the search engine in settings. It also promotes features such as a built-in “Threat Shield,” smart tab organization, an AI assistant, and an ad blocker.

That sounds like a normal browser pitch. The problem is that Wave Browser has also been flagged by security companies. Malwarebytes identifies it as PUP.Optional.Wave and describes it as a browser that can be customized and rebranded. Malwarebytes also says the browser is advertised as secure and fast, but that users have reported distribution methods that install it without clear consent.

That is why many people search for things like “Wave Browser on my computer,” “Wave Browser PUP,” and “Wave Browser how to remove.”

Is Wave Browser safe?

The safest answer is: Do not keep Wave Browser if you did not intentionally install it.

A potentially unwanted program is not always the same thing as a traditional virus, but it can still be a problem. PUPs may arrive through bundled installers, change browser settings, add startup entries, show ads, create confusion, or be difficult to remove. Microsoft Defender includes PUA protection that can detect and block potentially unwanted applications, quarantine detected files, and warn users when those items are found.

Malwarebytes says it can detect and remove PUP.Optional.Wave, and it also lists traces associated with Wave Browser, including shortcuts, “Wavesor Software” folders, and registry keys related to WaveBrowser and Wavesor.

There is also a second reason for caution: Malwarebytes says it blocks the domain wavebrowser.co because it is associated with riskware and is the home of a program detected as PUP.Optional.Wave.

Is Wave Browser a virus?

Not exactly. The better term is PUP, which stands for potentially unwanted program.

A virus is malicious software that usually spreads or infects files. A PUP is software that may not behave like a classic virus but can still be unwanted because of how it is installed, what it changes, or how hard it is to remove.

So, instead of asking “Is Wave Browser a virus?”, the better question is:

Did you knowingly install Wave Browser, and do you trust it enough to keep it?

If the answer is no, uninstall it.

Why is Wave Browser on my computer?

There are a few common explanations:

1. You installed it intentionally and forgot about it.
2. It came bundled with another free app or installer.
3. You clicked a misleading download button or advertisement.
4. Someone else who uses your PC installed it.
5. A third-party installer added it as an optional offer.

The concerning scenario is the second one. Malwarebytes specifically says it has been notified that Wave Browser is also spread through distribution channels that install the browser without user consent.

If you do not remember installing it, that is enough reason to remove it.

What is Wave Browser used for?

Wave Browser is used for browsing the web. Its own site describes it as a browser with safety, productivity, tab organization, ad-blocking, AI assistant, and memory-saving features. It also says it funds ocean cleanup through browser revenue and search partnerships.

However, that marketing does not override the security concern. A program can have useful features and still be unwanted if it was installed without clear permission or if security tools flag it.

Should you uninstall Wave Browser?

Uninstall Wave Browser if any of these are true:

• You do not remember installing it.
• Your default browser or search engine changed unexpectedly.
• You see Wave Browser opening on startup.
• You see Wave Browser or Wavesor Software in Task Manager, Startup apps, or Installed apps.
• Your antivirus or anti-malware tool flags it.
• It keeps returning after you remove it.

Keep it only if you intentionally installed it, understand how it works, accept its privacy terms, and your security software does not warn you about it.

For most users who discovered it unexpectedly, the practical answer is: remove it and run a scan.

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How to remove Wave Browser from Windows 11 or Windows 10

Before you start, close Wave Browser if it is open. If you used it as your main browser, export your bookmarks first.

Step 1. Uninstall Wave Browser from Windows Settings

On Windows 11:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Search for Wave Browser.
4. Click the three-dot menu next to it.
5. Select Uninstall.

Microsoft’s official Windows uninstall instructions recommend using Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, then choosing the app and selecting Uninstall. If the app is not listed there, Microsoft also recommends trying Control Panel’s Programs and Features page.

On Windows 10:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Find Wave Browser.
4. Select it and choose Uninstall.

If you see Wavesor Software, remove that too.

Step 2. Check Control Panel

Some desktop programs are easier to remove from the classic Control Panel.

1. Search for Control Panel.
2. Open Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Look for Wave Browser, WaveBrowser, or Wavesor Software.
4. Right-click it and choose Uninstall or Uninstall/Change.

Microsoft also lists Control Panel as an uninstall option for programs that may not appear correctly in Settings.

Step 3. Restart your PC

After uninstalling it, restart Windows. This helps stop leftover processes and lets security tools finish cleanup.

Step 4. Run a security scan

Open Windows Security and run a scan:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Windows Security.
3. Go to Virus & threat protection.
4. Choose Scan options.
5. Run a Full scan.

Microsoft says the Windows Security app lets you run quick, full, custom, and Microsoft Defender Offline scans. A full scan checks every file and program on your device, while the offline scan restarts the PC and scans before Windows fully loads, which can help with persistent malware.

If Wave Browser keeps coming back, also run Microsoft Defender Offline scan.

Step 5. Use Malwarebytes or another reputable scanner

Malwarebytes says it detects and removes PUP.Optional.Wave and can quarantine detected threats.

You do not have to use Malwarebytes specifically, but use a reputable anti-malware tool. Avoid random “PC cleaner” apps advertised in pop-ups, because those can create the same problem you are trying to solve.

Step 6. Reset affected browser settings

If your search engine, homepage, or new tab page changed, reset your normal browser.

For Chrome:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select Reset settings.
4. Choose Restore settings to their original defaults.
5. Click Reset settings.

Google says resetting Chrome can help when apps or extensions changed settings without your knowledge. Resetting Chrome does not delete saved bookmarks or passwords, but it can reset the default search engine, homepage, new tab page, pinned tabs, and other settings.

For Microsoft Edge, open Settings, check Start, home, and new tabs, review your default search engine, and remove unfamiliar extensions. Microsoft also recommends checking Edge settings, clearing browsing data, disabling extensions, and checking device security when Edge has problems.

Step 7. Check Startup apps

Wave Browser may try to open when Windows starts.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to Startup apps.
3. Disable anything related to Wave Browser, WaveBrowser, or Wavesor.

Do not disable items you do not recognize unless you look them up first. Some startup items are drivers or security tools.

Step 8. Check browser extensions

Open Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or your usual browser and remove extensions you do not recognize. Pay special attention to extensions that control search, new tabs, coupons, shopping, downloads, or “security.”

Step 9. Do not randomly delete registry keys

Some removal guides tell users to delete registry keys manually. Be careful. Malwarebytes lists registry keys associated with WaveBrowser and Wavesor, but deleting registry entries manually can damage Windows or installed apps if you remove the wrong thing.

Use Windows uninstall tools and reputable scanners first. Manual registry cleanup should be the last resort, not the first step.

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What if Wave Browser will not uninstall?

Try these options in order:

1. Restart the PC and try uninstalling again.
2. Uninstall it from Control Panel instead of Settings.
3. Run a full Windows Security scan.
4. Run Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
5. Use a reputable anti-malware scanner.
6. Use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter if Windows shows an uninstall error.

Microsoft says that if you get an error while uninstalling a program, you can try the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.

If Wave Browser keeps reinstalling after all that, something else on the PC may be reinstalling it. In that case, check recently installed apps, browser extensions, scheduled tasks, and startup items, or consider getting help from a trusted technician.

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FAQ

What is Wave Browser.exe?

Wave Browser.exe or a similarly named process is the executable file that runs Wave Browser. Seeing it in Task Manager usually means Wave Browser is installed or running in the background. If you did not install it, uninstall Wave Browser and run a security scan.

Is Wave Browser Pro different?

Wave Browser Pro appears to be branding for Wave’s paid or advanced features, such as an AI assistant and ad blocker. Wave’s own blog describes Wave Browser Pro as including a built-in AI assistant and ad-blocking features.

The same safety rule applies: if you did not intentionally install it, remove it.

Is Wave Browser malware?

Security companies more commonly classify it as a PUP, not necessarily as traditional malware. Malwarebytes detects it as PUP.Optional.Wave.

Is Wave Browser connected to Yahoo?

Wave’s own site says searches are powered by Yahoo by default, though it also says users can choose another search engine in settings.

Can I just delete the Wave Browser folder?

No. Uninstall it first. Deleting folders manually can leave startup entries, shortcuts, services, or registry entries behind. After uninstalling, run a scan to clean up leftovers.

Why do people call Wave Browser a PUP?

Because Malwarebytes classifies Wave Browser as PUP.Optional.Wave and says it has been reported as being distributed through channels that install it without user consent.

Should I reset my PC to remove Wave Browser?

Usually, no. Start with uninstalling it, resetting affected browser settings, and running a full scan. Resetting Windows should be a last resort for severe or persistent infections.

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Bottom line

Wave Browser is a real browser, but it has a reputation problem. Its own marketing presents it as a feature-rich browser, while Malwarebytes classifies it as a potentially unwanted program and blocks its domain as riskware.

If you installed it intentionally and trust it, that is your choice. But if Wave Browser appeared on your PC unexpectedly, the best move is simple:

Uninstall Wave Browser, reset any affected browser settings, and run a full security scan.