FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove pubads.g.doubleclick.net

Also Known As: Pubads.g.doubleclick.net malware
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is pubads.g.doubleclick.net?

doubleclick.net is a legitimate advertising service provided by Google, however, some cyber criminals use the pubads.g.doubleclick.net site to force users to visit various other adware-type websites. If you encounter these redirects or pop-ups (or other ads) that open with pubads.g.doubleclick.net, adware or browser hijackers have probably infiltrated your system.

Pubads.g.doubleclick.net pop-up

More about pubads.g.doubleclick.net

In this case, pubads.g.doubleclick.net is used to promote the Speedup PC 2018 computer repair tool that supposedly fixes Windows errors. It is stated that, over time, most computers begin to suffer stability problems that can result in PC errors and other issues, mostly relating to Windows registry.

To avoid these problems, software is offered for download, which supposedly fixes computer crashes and errors, cleans the registry, and tunes up the entire system. Users wishing to download this software are encouraged to pay for the 'full version', but it will be downloaded together with other unwanted applications or even malware.

If pubads.g.doubleclick.net redirects you to websites promoting 'useful software', or you arrive at pages containing ads, check your browser or operating system for unwanted/suspicious programs or plug-ins, and scan the entire system with reputable antivirus software.

Unwanted pop-ups are often delivered by adware-type software or browser hijackers. Adware-type software delivers coupons, banners, pop-ups and various other intrusive advertisements. These are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.

The ads often conceal underlying content of any visited website and diminish the browsing experience. Furthermore, they usually lead to untrustworthy websites or even execute scripts designed to download and install potentially unwanted applications or even malware.

Browser hijackers, on the other hand, make changes to browsers by reassigning the new homepage, search engine, and new tab URLs. Users then start to encounter redirects to untrustworthy or malicious websites.

Furthermore, most browser hijackers collect data, such as IP addresses, keystrokes, URLs of visited websites, geo-locations, pages viewed, search queries, and so on.

Collected data might contain personal or sensitive data. The developers of these browser hijacker sell private information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. These applications can lead to privacy issues or even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Pubads.g.doubleclick.net 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.
▼ 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.

Conclusion

Adware and browser hijackers are potentially unwanted applications that supposedly provide "useful" features, however, they provide none of the functionality promised and are designed only to generate revenue. These applications only cause problems relating to users' online privacy or browsing safety.

How did adware install on my computer?

Adware and browser hijackers are often installed through intrusive advertisements or when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" to trick users into installing potentially unwanted applications together with regular software.

They do not disclose information about the presence of this extra software and hide it in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings or options of the installation processes. In many cases, users simply skip the installation steps without checking the settings/options. This behaviour often results in unintentional installation of various potentially unwanted applications.

How to avoid installation of  unwanted applications?

Download software using official, trustworthy sources and direct links. Do not use third party downloaders, torrent clients, or other similar sources. Be cautious when installing software - do not skip installation steps without checking "Advanced", "Custom" and other additional settings/options.

Make sure that you opt-out of any additionally-included software (potentially unwanted applications), and only then finish the installation. Be careful when choosing which ads to click (if any), especially when visiting unknown/suspicious websites. Ads may seem legitimate, but some will redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other untrustworthy websites.

If you encounter these redirects, check your browser for unwanted/unknown extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins installed and remove them 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.

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.

Pubads.g.doubleclick.net 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 pubads.g.doubleclick.net 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 Pubads.g.doubleclick.net 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 Pubads.g.doubleclick.net ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the pubads.g.doubleclick.net 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 Pubads.g.doubleclick.net  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 Pubads.g.doubleclick.net ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the pubads.g.doubleclick.net 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 Pubads.g.doubleclick.net 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 Pubads.g.doubleclick.net ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with pubads.g.doubleclick.net 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 pubads.g.doubleclick.net 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 pubads.g.doubleclick.net malware or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can disrupt users' browsing experience with constant pop-up ads, leading to slower device performance and potential privacy breaches through unauthorized data collection. Additionally, it exposes users to various online scams and malware threats, posing significant risks to their digital security.

What does adware do?

Adware is a form of unwanted software designed to flood users with unwanted ads, such as pop-ups or banners. However, adware can also stealthily gather user data, monitor online behavior, hijack browsers, and steer users toward dubious websites.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers primarily earn revenue by promoting various products, websites, or services, often through affiliate programs. These programs allow developers to earn commissions by driving traffic or facilitating sales through the promotion of specific products or services to users.

Will Combo Cleaner remove unwanted software?

Combo Cleaner will effectively scan your computer to remove unwanted applications. Manual removal may not fully eradicate all remnants, emphasizing the importance of using apps like Combo Cleaner for a thorough cleanup.

▼ 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.

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
Pubads.g.doubleclick.net malware QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Pubads.g.doubleclick.net malware 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.