Users Urged to Uninstall QuickTime for Windows to Stay Secure

Author: Joe Martin, Date: 2016-07-15

For security purposes, QuickTime for Windows should be removed by users. The program has various security vulnerabilities that may allow attackers to gain control of a computer. In a recent statement to Trend Micro, Apple stated it would not be taking action to repair these vulnerabilities, which means that for today’s user, it’s time to uninstall the program and remain safe.

Apple Isn’t Warning Consumers Yet

What makes it worrisome for today’s users is that Apple is still offering the product, with its vulnerabilities, for download on its website. It also hasn’t really taken any steps to warn consumers about the risks. For those who are using a Mac device, there’s no risk present. To clarify, QuickTime for Mac remains safe to use and does not need to be removed from the computer. The company is no longer updating its QuickTime for Windows product, which means it will not get better for users. And, over time, it will become worse. This is a similar situation to what Apple did with Safari for Windows.

Understanding the Risks to QuickTime for Windows Users

Users can be impacted in several ways since QuickTime for Windows has two specific vulnerabilities present. The attacker can use the program to gain access to your computer through these vulnerabilities. Specifically, the attacker can run code on the user’s computer if they’ve visited a web page or if they play an infected downloaded file. Two browsers still allow for the plug-in’s use – Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explore – and using them positions users to be compromised just by visiting a website. If you use Google Chrome as your browser, which no longer supports the plug-in, there’s no risk.

How to Uninstall QuickTime for Windows

Even the U.S. government is warning users of the risks associated with QuickTime for Windows. The only way to protect your system is to uninstall the program from your computer. To do that, follow these steps:

• Go to the Control Panel
• Click “Uninstall a Program”
• Locate QuickTime on the list
• Then, click “Uninstall” and follow any prompts

This process removes both the browser plug-in and the QuickTime desktop application, both of which pose the risk to users. Removing the software is essential and really the only way to protect against such risks.

Playing Video After Uninstalling the Program

Some people may initially be concerned that they cannot play QuickTime videos without the tool. It is still possible to watch these videos because they are .mov and .qt files, which means they are supposed by numerous codecs and modern .mov files. In other words, if you come across a QuickTime video you want to watch, your system is likely going to automatically play these files. And, these types of files are being replaced throughout the internet with .mp4 files. You can download VLC to play these videos as well.

Most websites no longer use the QuickTime plug-in. If you find a website that has content available through QuickTime, it is likely the videos will just play using the built-in HTML5 video support, and you will not have to do anything else to get them to play. VLC, again, can be an option for a very old video that you may find somewhere.

Also important to note, iTunes does not require the use of QuickTime to operate. You can uninstall QuickTime and still be able to play your videos in iTunes without any delay.

In other words, there’s no reason for users to hold onto the high-risk QuickTime for Windows application. Getting rid of it is essential to protecting your system.

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