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PC Support Center Adware

Also Known As: Ads by PC Support Center
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is PC Support Center?

PC Support Center is a deceptive app identical to HotShoppy, CoolShopper, Myshopcoupon, and many others. By offering a feature to enhance system performance, PC Support Center attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. In fact, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) and adware.

There are three main reasons for these negative associations: 1) stealth installation without users' consent; 2) display of intrusive ads, and; 3) tracking of web browsing activity.

PC Support Center adware

This adware delivers coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar advertisements. To achieve this, PC Support Center employs tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, ads conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

Importantly, intrusive advertisements can lead to malicious websites and run scripts designed to download/install other PUAs or even high-risk malware. Therefore, clicking them is risky and can lead to computer infections. PC Support Center is also notorious for information tracking. This behavior is common among adware-type applications.

PC Support Center continually records data relating to browsing activity and it is likely to contain personal details. These are shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private information to generate revenue.

Therefore, having a data-tracking app installed on your computer might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly advise you to uninstall PC Support Center adware immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by PC Support Center
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.

All adware-type applications are very similar. Most offer "useful functionality" just to trick users to install, however, many unwanted apps serve one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers.

They provide no real value for regular users. Adware delivers intrusive ads and gathers sensitive information, thereby diminishing the browsing experience and posing a direct threat to your privacy and browsing safety.

How did PC Support Center install on my computer?

As mentioned above, PC Support Center typically infiltrates systems without permission, since developers proliferate it using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" and intrusive advertisements. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party applications with regular software/apps.

Developers hide "bundled" apps within various sections (usually "Custom" or "Advanced" settings) of the download or installation processes. Furthermore, many users often rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they click various ads without understanding the possible consequences. The behavior leads to inadvertent installation of unwanted apps such as PC Support Center.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. Caution is the key to computer safety. Therefore, pay attention when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software. Carefully analyze all steps of the download/installation processes and deselect third party applications that are already included.

Avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since these are often monetized using the "bundling" method. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. In addition, remember that intrusive ads usually seem legitimate, but redirect to dubious websites, such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on.

Most are delivered by adware-type apps. If you encounter them, remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PC Support Center, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

PC Support Center adware installer setup:

PC Support Center installer setup

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:
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Quick menu:

PC Support Center 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.

PC Support Center adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes PC Support Center ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove PC Support Center adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, PC Support Center 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 PC Support Center 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 PC Support Center ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by pc support center, 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 PC Support Center  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 PC Support Center ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by pc support center, 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 PC Support Center 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing PC Support Center ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

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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.

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