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How to remove adware from the operating system

Also Known As: Gstatic malware
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Gstatic?

Gstatic is a legitimate Google service that facilitates reduced bandwidth usage and increased network performance. You can read more about it here.

Loading website content (Google services such as Google Maps, Gmail, and so on) using the gstatic.com website is normal, however, in some cases, this service is employed by cyber criminals to promote malware and scams. If you often encounter pop-ups that open with gstatic.com, your computer has probably been infected with adware (or other malicious software).

Gstatic pop-up

More about adware and other software of this kind

These unwanted pop-ups are usually delivered by adware-type software or browser hijackers that are installed without users' consent. Adware delivers intrusive advertisements (such as coupons, banners, pop-ups) that are displayed using tools (for example "virtual layers") that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site and conceal underlying content.

These ads are annoying and often redirect users to other untrustworthy sites or even run scripts that download and install unwanted applications that might be malicious. In summary, ads delivered by adware-type software can lead to problems, including high-risk infections.

A browser hijacker is software that changes browser options/settings such as search engine, new tab URL, and homepage (setting it to the URL of a malicious website). Therefore, users might encounter redirects to untrustworthy websites.

Furthermore, browser hijackers often collect data (including IP addresses, keystrokes, search queries, geo-locations, URLs of visited websites, etc.), some of which might include personal or sensitive details.

Later, browser hijacker developers share these details with third parties (potentially cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. As a result, users might experience various privacy/browsing safety issues or even encounter identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Gstatic malware
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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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.

Unwanted apps in general

Potentially unwanted applications (adware-type and browser-hijacking) often are installed unintentionally, or users are tricked into installing them. These applications are usually promoted as 'useful', supposedly providing features or tools, however, they deliver none of the functionality promised. They are used to generate revenue and only cause problems.

How did adware install on my computer?

Browser hijackers are proliferated using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" or through intrusive ads. "Bundling" is stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications (adware or browser hijackers) with other third party software.

In summary, software developers avoid disclosing information about bundled apps properly and hide them in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings/options of the installation processes.

Furthermore, many users click intrusive advertisements or skip installation steps, thus allowing potentially unwanted applications to be installed, exposing their systems to risk of computer infections, and compromising their online privacy.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download software using official, trustworthy sources and direct links. Do not use third party software downloaders/installers, torrent clients, and so on. Furthermore, check "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings or options when installing software (especially free software). Deselect additionally-included, unwanted software and only then finish the installation.

Many intrusive ads redirect users to untrustworthy websites such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on. If you encounter these redirects, check installed extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins on your browser and uninstall unknown/unwanted entries immediately.

If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

A list of several known gstatic URLs used by Google:

  • csi.gstatic.com
  • ssl.gstatic.com
  • www.gstatic.com
  • encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com
  • encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com
  • encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com

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:

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.

Gstatic adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any potentially unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Gstatic 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 Gstatic ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the gstatic malware, 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 Gstatic  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 Gstatic ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the gstatic malware, 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 Gstatic 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 Gstatic ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

It can diminish the web browsing experience (by displaying ads that conceal website contents), affect computer performance, and invade privacy.

What does adware do?

Usually, aware bombards users with annoying/intrusive advertisements. Additionally, its functionalities can include browser hijacking and information collecting.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of them participate in various affiliate programs and promote websites, products, services, etc. They get paid after users make purchases through their ads and web pages.

Will Combo Cleaner remove adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all detected adware. When the adware is removed manually, files and other components belonging to it often remain hiding in the system even after the removal. Thus, we recommend using Combo Cleaner for adware removal.

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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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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

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Gstatic malware QR code
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