Onelaunch offers a customisable dashboard for Windows with features such as clipboard history, recent windows, and instant shortcuts, among others.
However, many people have reported that Onelaunch is malware, which the company vehemently denies. In this article, we’ll deeply dive into Onelaunch and explain how to remove it.
What exactly is Onelaunch?
Simply speaking, Onelaunch projects itself to be a productivity software that promises to increase your productivity by offering quick access to various tools, such as:
- A dashboard where you can see your recent files, apps and websites.
- A search bar like the Google search bar on Android where you can directly search from your computer.
- A custom browser.
- Clipboard history showing your copied items.
- Weather and clock widgets.
Malware or junkware? Where does OneLaunch fit?
So why do people have problems with Onelaunch? Is it a malware? The answer is not so straight. Usually, hackers use malware to target the victim for some purpose, like collecting ransom, spying, or snooping on activities.
However, software like Onelaunch can be categorised as junkware or potentially unwanted applications. Let us understand the privacy policy and terms of service of Onelaunch for a better understanding of this app.
Also read: What is Pinaview? Is it safe?
Onelaunch: Terms of Use and privacy policy explained
In this section, we’ll briefly examine Onelaunch’s terms of use and privacy policy.
In its consent for data usage sub-heading in the terms of use, the company states that:
“You agree that OneLaunch may collect and use information transmitted by you through the Software and/or gathered in any manner as part of the services provided to you, if any. OneLaunch may also use any information collected to improve and enhance the Software and to provide notices to you which may be of use or interest to you.”
Just a casual glance raises several privacy concerns. Onelaunch mentions that it may collect and use the information and may send notifications based on web usage. That being said, it is important to mention that many companies use this methodology and is not a standalone technique of Onelaunch.
Going further below, in the advertisements section, we see the following:
“Some components of the Software may be supported by advertising revenue and may display advertisements and promotions. These advertisements may be targeted to the content of information stored by or through the Software, queries made through the Software or other information.”
You will be shown advertisements based on your browsing history and interests. Again, nothing new. Even YouTube does this.
In their privacy policy, the company mentions what constitutes ‘personal data’. As per the company, personal data compiles these details:
- Name
- IP address
- MAC address
- Physical address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Account name
- Geographic location
- Credit card information
Other than the ‘personal data’, Onelaunch will also collect ‘anonymous data’, including web browser type, OS version, domain name, and time stamp of your visit.
The company shares this data with its affiliates, business partners, and third parties.
As with any data storage mechanism, the vast amounts of data that Onelaunch stores are not immune to the dangers of hacking.
The company mentions, “We will never sell, trade, or rent any Personal Data, or any Anonymous Data that may contain Personal Data, to any third party.”
The privacy policy and terms of use are standard, and we have seen more or less the same terms and wordings in most software companies.
Also read: What is Pinaview? Is it safe?
Should you remove Onelaunch?
As explained earlier, Onelaunch offers many features but comes at a cost. Overall, the costs outweigh the benefits:
- People have complained that Onelaunch slows down their PC as it consumes more RAM.
- Adware
- Data collection
- Redirecting search queries through its website.
If you’re facing these or other issues after installing Onelaunch, remove it. Otherwise, keep on using the software, but be sure to install a reputable antivirus and never type any sensitive data while you’re working on Onelaunch, just in case.
You can remove Onelaunch by heading to the Add or Remove Programs tool in Windows. Search Add or remove programs in the taskbar search bar and then uninstall Onelaunch. Take a look at the screenshot for reference.
In conclusion, Onelaunch is not malware but legitimate software. However, people have reported many problems after they have installed Onelaunch on their computers. If you’re also facing problems, then you should immediately remove this software.
