How to remove PopBlock+ adware and the advertisements it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is PopBlock+?
PopBlock+ (also known as PBlock+) is rogue software classified as adware. It is endorsed as a tool capable of blocking pop-ups displayed by websites, however, following successful installation, PopBlock+ runs intrusive advertisement campaigns. I.e., it delivers various dubious and harmful ads.
Additionally, this adware has data tracking capabilities, which are used to monitor users' browsing capabilities. Due to the dubious methods used to proliferate PopBlock+, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
Adware operates by enabling the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page and other intrusive advertisements, typically, on any visited website. These ads significantly diminish the browsing experience, since they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed.
As well as being a nuisance, intrusive advertisements also pose a significant threat to device and user safety. Once the ads are clicked, they can redirect to sale-oriented/promotional, rogue, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious sites.
Furthermore, some intrusive ads can be triggered (when clicked) to execute scripts designed to download/install software without users' permission. PUAs are a prime example of software infiltrated into systems in this manner. These unwanted applications can have varied capabilities in different combinations.
Some types of PUAs can force-open dubious and malicious web pages. Other types called browser hijackers make modifications to browser settings and restrict/deny access to them to promote fake search engines. Furthermore, most PUAs have data tracking capabilities, and PopBlock+ is no exception to this.
It can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, paged viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The collected data is likely to contain personally identifiable information.
PUA developers monetize this information by sharing it with and/or selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). 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 integrity and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
| Name | Ads by PopBlock+ |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus. |
| Browser Extension(s) | PopBlock+ |
| Supposed Functionality | Removal of pop-ups displayed by websites. |
| 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. |
The Rocket Arcade, OneUpdater, Media Converter Pro Promos and PotPlayer are some examples of other software within the adware classification. It may seem legitimate and offers a broad range of "useful" functionality, however, despite how good the promised features may sound, they are rarely operational. In fact, this information is true of most PUAs.
The only purpose of these unwanted apps is to generate revenue for the developers. Regular users receive no real value and can instead experience serious problems. PUAs run intrusive advertisement campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers and collect private data.
How did PopBlock+ install on my computer?
Some PUAs (including PopBlock+) have "official" promotional web pages from which they can be downloaded. These applications are also distributed via the download/installation set-ups of other software. This deceptive marketing method of packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions is termed "bundling". By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.), many users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive ads proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation and/or purchase. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders are untrusted, as they commonly offer deceptive and/or bundled content.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and other additions. Intrusive advertisements may seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you encounter ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect your devices and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PopBlock+, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
PopBlock+ adware asking for various permissions:
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:
- What is PopBlock+?
- STEP 1. Uninstall PopBlock+ application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove PopBlock+ adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove PopBlock+ ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by PopBlock+' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove PopBlock+ extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
PopBlock+ adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "PopBlock+", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes PopBlock+ ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove PopBlock+ adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "PopBlock+", select this entry and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by popblock+, 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "PopBlock+", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by popblock+, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "PopBlock+".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by popblock+ removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by popblock+, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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.
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Outstanding!
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