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How to remove Chrome Tools adware and the ads it delivers

Also Known As: Ads by Chrome Tools
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is the Chrome Tools adware?

Chrome Tools is rogue software classified as adware. Following successful installation, it operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. I.e., Chrome Tools delivers various dubious and harmful ads.

Additionally, this adware has data tracking capabilities, which are used to collect browsing-related information. Due to the dubious methods used to proliferate Chrome Tools, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

Chrome Tools adware causing redirects (GIF)

Adware operates by enabling the placement of pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, full-page and other intrusive ads, typically on any visited website. Therefore, the ads do not originate from the actual pages - they are delivered by adware.

These advertisements significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed. Furthermore, when clicked they cause redirects and can even stealthily download/install software. To elaborate, intrusive ads redirect to various sale-based/promotional, rogue, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious websites. Some can even be triggered (when clicked) to execute scripts, designed to download/install software (e.g. PUAs) without users' permission. These unwanted applications can have other/additional capabilities, as well as running intrusive ad campaigns.

PUAs can also force-open bogus and malicious sites. Browser hijacker-type PUAs modify browser settings and restrict/deny access to them to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers are usually unable to provide search results, and so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other legitimate search engines.

Furthermore, Chrome Tools can track data. It can record browsing activity (visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, etc.) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). Adware developers monetize this vulnerable data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), likewise seeking to misuse the information for profit.

In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, you are strongly advised to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Chrome Tools
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Chrome Tools
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.

History Wipe CleanDamn Good Recipe PromosOneUpdater, and LiveStreamNewsToday Promos are some examples of other adware-type apps. They may seem legitimate and offer a wide variety of "useful" functionalities, however, the promised features are seldom operational.

This applies to most PUAs. The sole purpose of this unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers. Regular users receive no value and can instead experience serious problems.

PUAs deliver intrusive ad campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers and gather private data.

How did Chrome Tools install on my computer?

Browser hijackers, adware-type apps, and other types of PUAs are commonly distributed by integrating them into the download and/or installation set-ups of other programs, so that a proportion of users inadvertently download and install them together with their chosen software. This distribution method is known as "bundling".

Offers to download and install additionally-included apps usually appear in "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings of the set-ups (where they can usually be declined). Many users fail to check and change these settings, thereby granting permission for PUAs to be downloaded and installed by default.

In addition, unwanted downloads and installations are sometimes caused by clicking deceptive advertisements capable of executing certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.

Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.

Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.

Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.

Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.

If your computer is already infected with Chrome Tools, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of Chrome Tools adware asking for data-related permissions:

Chrome Tools adware asking for permissions

Screenshots of advertisements delivered by Chrome Tools adware:

Example of an advertisement provided by Chrome Tools adware 1 Example of an advertisement provided by Chrome Tools adware 2 Example of an advertisement provided by Chrome Tools adware 3 Example of an advertisement provided by Chrome Tools adware 4

Screenshot of the website used to promote Chrome Tools adware:

Website promoting Chrome Tools 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:

Chrome Tools 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.

Chrome Tools adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Chrome Tools adware from Internet browsers:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Chrome Tools 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 "Chrome Tools", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing Chrome Tools ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by chrome tools, 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 Chrome Tools  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 "Chrome Tools", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Chrome Tools ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by chrome tools, 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 Chrome Tools 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 "Chrome Tools".

Removing Chrome Tools ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Adware operates by enabling the placement of pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, full-page and other intrusive ads , typically on any visited website. Therefore, the ads do not originate from the pages - they are delivered by adware. These advertisements significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed. Furthermore, when clicked they cause redirects and can even stealthily download/install software. To elaborate, intrusive ads redirect to various sale-based/promotional, rogue, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious websites. Some of these ads can even be triggered (when clicked on) to execute scripts, designed to download/install software (e.g. PUAs) without users' permission. These unwanted applications can have other/additional capabilities, as well as running intrusive ad campaigns

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