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Removal of Reading Cursors adware-type application

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

What is Reading Cursors?

Reading Cursors is a tool (an application) that supposedly changes the mouse cursor into one of many available 'Reading Cursors'. In fact, this application is categorized as adware (advertising-supported software) that displays unwanted ads with the "Ads X" mark above users' Google search results.

Furthermore, Reading Cursors are potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) that usually record browsing data.

Reading Cursors adware

Typically, adware-type apps serve coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and other intrusive ads. In many cases, these redirect people to dubious, potentially malicious web pages or run scripts that download/install other unwanted apps. Reading Cursors serve ads that are marked with Ads X mark (as in the screenshot below).

Furthermore, many PUAs of this type collect IP addresses, entered search queries, URLs of visited websites, geolocations, and other browsing information. In some cases, these apps record personal, sensitive details. Developers share the information with other parties who misuse it to generate revenue.

Note, these third parties might include cyber criminals. To avoid unwanted downloads/installations and intrusive ads, uninstall Reading Cursors and other installed adware immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Ads X
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Reading Cursors
Supposed Functionality This app supposedly allows people to use their cursors as 'reading rulers'
Related Domains reading-cursors[.]com
Symptoms Seeing advertisements in Google search results that are marked with Ads X mark. 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.

There are many adware-type apps on the internet. Some other examples include See Scenic Elf, Clicker, and PowerGamesNetwork. Most PUAs deliver no real value for regular users (even if they are advertised as 'useful' apps). Typically, they generate revenue for their developers by displaying advertisements and gathering data.

How did Reading Cursors install on my computer?

Generally, people download and install adware-type and other PUAs inadvertently through deceptive ads or 'bundling'. If clicked, some ads execute scripts that cause unwanted downloads and installations. In other cases, PUAs are downloaded/installed with other software, when they are bundled into download/installation set-ups.

Information about the inclusion of additionally-included apps is not properly disclosed and hidden in settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar parts. PUAs are often downloaded and installed when users leave available settings unchanged.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Avoid using third party downloaders/installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (eMule, torrent clients etc.), unofficial pages and other channels of this kind to download/install software. Use official pages and direct links. Furthermore, check and change setup options such as "Advanced"/Custom" and other sections.

Deselect offers to download or install unwanted software (applications) and only then complete the setup. Do not trust intrusive ads, since they tend to cause redirects to potentially malicious websites. They open web pages relating to gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on.

If you experience unwanted redirects or ads, check for unwanted/unknown plug-ins, add-ons, and extensions installed on your browser and remove them immediately.

The same applies to programs of this type installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with Reading Cursors, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Reading Cursors on Google Web Store:

reading cursors google web store

Ads displayed by Reading Cursors (marked with the Ads X mark):

reading cursors marked with ads x

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:

Reading Cursors 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.

Reading Cursors adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Reading Cursors adware from Internet browsers:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Reading Cursors 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 "Reading Cursors", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing Reading Cursors ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by ads x, 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 Reading Cursors  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 "Reading Cursors", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Reading Cursors ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by ads x, 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 Reading Cursors 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 "Reading Cursors".

Removing Reading Cursors ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by ads x 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 ads x, 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 ads x 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.

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