WhiteClick Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is WhiteClick?
WhiteClick is a deceptive application that supposedly enhances the browsing experience by allowing users to search directly from the Task Bar, without opening the browser. This functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, WhiteClick is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware.
There are three main reasons for these negative associations: 1) stealth installation without consent; 2) tracking of users' Internet browsing activity, and; 3) display of intrusive advertisements.
Immediately after infiltration, WhiteClick starts recording various information relating to web browsing habits. Collected data (IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and so on) usually includes personal details that are later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people misuse private information to generate revenue.
Therefore, the presence of data-tracking applications such as WhiteClick can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Another important issue is display of intrusive ads. Research shows that WhiteClick delivers coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar ads.
To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the web browsing experience. In addition, some can lead to malicious websites and execute scripts that stealthily download/install other PUPs or even malware.
Therefore, even a single accidental click might result in high-risk computer infections. You are strongly advised to eliminate WhiteClick adware immediately.
| Name | Ads by WhiteClick |
| 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. |
WhiteClick is virtually identical to Browsing Secure, SearchAwesome, BetterWorld, Google Image Downloader, and dozens of other adware-type applications.
As with WhiteClick, these apps also offer "useful features". In fact, they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, they deliver intrusive advertisements and gather sensitive data. Claims to provide useful functions are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.
How did WhiteClick install on my computer?
WhiteClick is free for anyone to download on its official website, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, this potentially unwanted program often infiltrates systems without permission.
Research shows that developers promote WhiteClick using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of PUPs together with regular software). Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.
Furthermore, many users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click various ads without understanding the possible consequences. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.
You are also advised never to use third party download/installation tools, since developers monetize them by promoting ("bundling") PUPs. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, but once clicked, redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and similar).
If you encounter these redirects, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with WhiteClick, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Official WhiteClick adware installation setup:
Deceptive free software installer distributing WhiteClick 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:
- What is WhiteClick?
- STEP 1. Uninstall WhiteClick application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove WhiteClick adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove WhiteClick ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by WhiteClick' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove WhiteClick extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
WhiteClick adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "WhiteClick", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes WhiteClick ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove WhiteClick adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, WhiteClick 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:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" 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".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by whiteclick, 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by whiteclick, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by whiteclick removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by whiteclick, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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 whiteclick or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion