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How to remove Pokki adware and the advertisements it displays

Also Known As: Ads by Pokki
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Pokki?

Pokki is a rogue application that supposedly enables the classic start menu in Windows 8. This functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, research shows that this potentially unwanted program (PUP) infiltrates systems without permission and continually records various information.

Furthermore, Pokki is categorized as adware - a form of software that continually feeds users with intrusive advertisements.

Pokki adware

Pokki adware overview

Pokki delivers coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, delivered ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, intrusive advertisements might redirect to malicious websites and even execute scripts designed to download and install malware. Therefore, even a single accidental click can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. As mentioned above, Pokki also records information relating to web browsing habits.

Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other collected data is often personally identifiable and shared by Pokki's developers with third parties to generate revenue. These people (potentially, cyber criminals) misuse private information to generate revenue.

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking app such as Pokki can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You should remove this adware from your computer immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Pokki
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.
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Adware examples

There are dozens of adware-type applications that share similarities with Pokki including SimplyWatch, Clean Grill Grates, and ProxyGate - these are just some examples from many. By offering "useful features", adware attempts to give the impression of legitimacy to trick users to install.

Bear in mind, however, that these programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers - they deliver no real value for regular users. Rather than enabling functions promised, adware-type applications pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did Pokki install on my computer?

Pokki is free for anyone to download on its official website, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, this program often infiltrates systems without permission. Developers promote Pokki using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of PUPs together with regular software.

Developers do not disclose these installations properly - they hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences.

This behavior can lead to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs such as Pokki - users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy. 

How to avoid installation of adware?

Careless behavior and lack of knowledge are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software.

Criminals do their best to make intrusive advertisements seem legitimate, but they redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, surveys, and other untrustworthy websites. As mentioned above, ads are typically delivered by adware-type PUPs such as Pokki.

Therefore, in case of dubious redirects, check the list of installed applications/browser plug-ins and eliminate any suspicious entries. Furthermore, choose "Custom/Advanced" download/installation settings and carefully analyze each step. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.

Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are often monetized using the "bundling" method (promoting PUPs) and, thus, should not be used. Having a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running is also paramount.

Screenshot of Pokki adware:

Pokki adware

Pokki adware installation setup:

Pokki adware's installation setup

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Quick menu:

Pokki 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.

Pokki adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Pokki adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Pokki did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Pokki 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 any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Pokki ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by pokki, 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 Pokki  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing Pokki ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by pokki, 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 Pokki 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Pokki ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by pokki 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 ads by pokki, 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 ads by pokki or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

The presence of adware on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware typically collects private data – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types are capable of causing redirects and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Pokki adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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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.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
Ads by Pokki QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Pokki on your mobile device.
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