FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove ProxyGate adware and the advertisements it displays

Also Known As: ProxyGate ads
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is ProxyGate?

ProxyGate is an application that falsely claims to enhance the web browsing experience by providing access to a number of proxy servers. These fake promises often trick users into believing that ProxyGate is a legitimate application, however, it is categorized as adware and a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

There are three main reasons for these negative associations: 1) ProxyGate delivers various intrusive advertisements; 2) this application gathers various data types relating to Internet browsing activity, and; 3) ProxyGates often infiltrates systems without users' consent.

ProxyGate adware

ProxyGate adware overview

After stealth system infiltration, ProxyGate employs a 'virtual layer' to generate pop-up, banner, and various other advertisement types. The virtual layer enables placement of third party graphical content on any site, thus concealing underlying content and significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience.

In addition, these ads often redirect to malicious websites - clicking them risks further computer infections. ProxyGate also gathers various information that might include personal details. Data includes Internet Protocol (IP) addresses (to determine geographic locations), websites visited, search queries entered into search engines, pages viewed, and so on.

Developers share this recorded data with third party persons (often cyber criminals) who attempt to generate revenue by misusing private data. Therefore, the presence of an information-tracking app such as ProxyGate on your system can lead to serious privacy issues. We strongly advise you to eliminate ProxyGate adware immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name ProxyGate ads
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

Research reveals hundreds of adware-type applications similar to ProxyGate. Examples include USB Locker, BrowsingGuard, QkSee, and CurveLayer.

All adware promises 'valuable features' to trick users to install, however, none provide the functionality promised. Adware-type apps simply display intrusive advertisements and collect personal data. They are designed only to generate revenue for the developers - applications such as ProxyGate are useless for regular users.

How did ProxyGate install on my computer?

Developers distribute ProxyGate via an official download website and by using a deceptive software marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs with regular applications.

Developers are aware that many users do not express enough caution during the download/installation processes and conceal bundled programs within the "Custom" or "Advanced" section of these processes. Skip this section often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue applications such as ProxyGate.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by potentially unwanted programs, be very cautious during the download/installation processes. Closely analyze each step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Furthermore, all additionally-included programs should be cancelled. Bundled software is often rogue and, thus, should never be installed. The key to computer safety is caution.

Deceptive free software installer distributing ProxyGate adware:

Deceptive installer used to promote ProxyGate adware

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

ProxyGate adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

ProxyGate adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "ProxyGate version 3.0.0.1176", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes ProxyGate ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove ProxyGate adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing ProxyGate ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "ProxyGate", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing ProxyGate ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the proxygate ads, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing ProxyGate  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "ProxyGate", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing ProxyGate ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the proxygate ads, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing ProxyGate ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "ProxyGate".

Removing ProxyGate ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with proxygate ads removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the proxygate ads, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on proxygate ads or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware endangers device integrity and user safety. It can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data tracking abilities. Adware-delivered ads endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware operates by displaying various advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates most of its profits through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, products, services, and so forth. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProxyGate adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. Since after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) can stay hidden in the system. What is more, such components can resume running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Removal Instructions in other languages
Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
ProxyGate ads QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of ProxyGate ads on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.