Adware Removal

Adware is a PUP or Potentially Unwanted Program that can install itself on a computer or device without getting proper permission from the users. It can enter into the computer in many ways, and some are listed below:

Step 1:Through the software you download from the internet.

Step 2:Toolbars.

Step 3:Browser extension.

Step 4:Bundled software.

Step 5:The "downloads" option offered by pop-ups.

Even if adware seems scary, it can be detected and removed easily from your computer. Continue reading this page to know about “adware removal.”

ADWARE – TYPES & DETECTION METHODS

DETECTION OF ADWARE

“How can I find if there is adware on my computer?” Well, there are some signs that show your computer has adware. The first thing is that when adware enters your computer, it starts responding slowly to the requested actions.For example, consider you’re trying to open an application. Now, if your computer has adware, it might take more than a minute to open that specific application.Other signs of adware attack are listed below:

Step 1:Slow internet speed.
Step 2:Device or application crashes frequently.
Step 3:Pop-up ads.
Step 4:Changes in your web browser’s home page.

TYPES OF ADWARE

Before finding and removing the adware from your computer, check if it is harmful or harmless.

Step 1:Legitimate adware (harmless) or adware that comes with the downloaded program
Step 2:Developed by all types of developers.
Step 3:The developers use it to provide free apps to the users.
Step 4:It doesn’t contain any malicious software.
Step 5:On-site adware or PUP (harmful)
Step 6:It is completely illegal.
Step 7:This adware has the potential to slow down your computer, hijack the browser, and install the virus or spyware.
Step 8:It enters your computer when accessing an infected website.

HOW TO PREVENT YOUR COMPUTER FROM ADWARE

Generally, adware enters the computer without your proper permission or knowledge. However, there are some ways to prevent it from entering the computer. The section below covers the same.

WEB BROWSER SETTINGS

Since any adware enters the computer through a web browser, configure the browser’s settings such that it stops showing unwanted pop-up ads. Avoid opening new or suspicious tabs. Also refrain from installing apps without your knowledge.

The simple instructions given below will show you how to change the site settings in Chrome.

Step 1:Open the Chrome browser if it is closed.
Step 2:Open the More menu.
Step 3:Select Settings > Privacy and Settings > Site Settings > Additional content settings > Ads.
Step 4:Configure the site settings as per your preferences and save them.

FIREWALL

Step 1: Using a firewall is another great way to prevent adware from entering the computer.
Step 2:You can use the Firewall feature of default or third-party antivirus software (that you’re using on your computer) or the network’s firewall settings to block unwanted sites from loading in the browser.

TRUSTWORTHY WEBSITE

Step 1:Adware enters your computer easily through an unauthorized or infected website.
Step 2:So, when accessing the page over the internet, check to ensure that the page you’re trying to access is trustable.

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER UP-TO-DATE

Step 1:The periodic updates released by the OS developers come with the latest security patches, which are almost enough to protect your computer from all kinds of threats.
Step 2:Check and update your computer’s OS periodically.

ADWARE REMOVAL – MALWAREBYTES

Now, let’s see how to perform the adware removal process using the free Malwarebytes Adware Cleaner tool.

MALWAREBYTES ADWCLEANER

This free adware removal tool detects and removes unwanted or PUP programs from your computer. It is designed to work on Windows and Mac OS. Continue reading this page to know more about this software.

To download, install and use the Malwarebytes AdwCleaner tool on your computer, follow the instructions below.

Step 1:Go to the official page of Malwarebytes AdwCleaner.
Step 2:Download the latest version of the AdwCleaner software file.
Step 3:After downloading the file, open it.
Step 4:Click the Yes button if prompted.
Step 5:Install the software by following the prompts displayed on the screen.
Step 6:After installing the Malwarebytes AdwCleaner software on your computer, open it by double-clicking on its icon.
Step 7:Click the Dashboard tab followed by the Scan Now button.

Step 8:Now, AdwCleaner will start scanning your computer.
Step 9:Once the scanning is over, the detected unwanted or PUP software will be displayed on the screen.
Step 10:Select the software you want to quarantine and disable by clicking the checkbox beside it.
Step 11:Click Continue > Restart Now.

MALWAREBYTES FREE

The free version of Malwarebytes helps you detect and remove unwanted programs on your computer. The key features of this software are listed below:

Step 1:Powerful cleaning.
Step 2:Detects and removes adware, spyware, unwanted programs, and browser hijackers.
Step 3:Quick Scan.
Step 4:Easy to install and use.

Refer to the instructions given above to download, install, and use Malwarebytes free on your computer.

MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE FOR MAC

The Malwarebytes for Mac software helps you protect your computer from malware, adware, and other threats. Its free version comes with the 14-day trial version of premium. Some highlighting features offered by this anti-malware software are listed below:

Step 1:Fast scanning
Step 2:Detects and stops unwanted apps from entering the computer
Step 3:Premium version comes with the following features:
Step 4:Automatic real-time virus
Step 5:VPN
Step 6:Brute Force Protection
Step 7:Ransomware and zero-day exploit protection
Step 8:Phishing and malicious link protection and more

DOWNLOADING, INSTALLING, AND USING MALWAREBYTES FOR MAC

Step 1:Visit the official page of Malwarebytes.
Step 2:Select the Free or Premium version of the application and download it.
Step 3:After downloading the file, open and install it on your Mac computer.
Step 4:Type your computer’s admin password if prompted.
Step 5:Install the Malwarebytes for Mac software by following the prompts displayed on the screen.
Step 6:After installing the software, open it.
Step 7:Select the Personal Computer or Work Computer option on the “Where are you installing Malwarebytes?” screen.

Step 8:Click Continue.
Step 9:If you wish to scan your computer for malware, click the Scan Now button on the Dashboard screen.
Step 10:Remove the detected threats by following the instructions displayed on the screen.
Step 11:Set the protection and other settings as per your preferences.