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How to uninstall RelevantKnowledge adware

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

What is RelevantKnowledge?

RelevantKnowledge is advertised as a tool that people can use to express their opinions about various products and services by participating in online research, however, this app is classified as adware and serves advertisements.

Commonly, users download and install adware inadvertently and, therefore, apps of this type are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

RelevantKnowledge pop-up redirects

RelevantKnowledge adware overview

Usually, programs such as RelevantKnowledge serve surveys, banners, pop-ups, coupons and other types of advertisements. This particular app displays surveys on various shopping websites, however, it could also serve other ads.

Note that, if clicked, ads served by adware can open dubious web pages or even download and install unwanted software by executing certain scripts. Additionally, adware can record data relating to users' browsing habits. For example, IP addresses, addresses of visited websites, geolocations, entered search queries and other details of this kind.

RelevantKnowledge is likely to collect data such as products purchased from online shops as well. Furthermore, some adware can gather personal, sensitive information. The data is misused to generate revenue by selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or in other ways.

In any case, remove programs such as RelevantKnowledge from your computers and browsers.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by RelevantKnowledge
Threat Type Adware
Detection Names (PCMate Free Privacy Cleaner installer)
Avast (Win32:PUP-gen [PUP]), BitDefender (Application.RelevantKnowledge.CN), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/FusionCore.AX Potentially Unwanted), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Relevant.cmb), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal).
Detection Names (RelevantKnowledge)
Avast (Win32:AdwareSig [Adw]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Johnnie.234945), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Adware.RK.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Relevant.r), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal).
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, potentially unwanted applications (adware).
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.

Adware examples

RelevantKnowledge is related to another program called PremierOpinion. Examples of other software that is classified as adware are WikiNow, DreamTrip and Shop Together. Generally, programs of this type are designed only to generate revenue for the developers by serving ads and collecting data. They are useless to regular users and can cause serious issues.

How did adware install on my computer?

RelevantKnowledge is promoted in the installer for PCMate Free Privacy Cleaner. This distribution method for PUAs such as RelevantKnowledge is called "bundling". In such cases, developers include potentially unwanted apps into the download/installation set-ups as 'additional offers'.

Typically, such offers can be declined (via "Custom", "Advanced" settings or by unticking checkboxes that are available in the set-ups), however, many users fail to check or change these settings, thereby downloading and installing PUAs inadvertently with their regular programs.

In some cases, users download and install PUAs through deceptive advertisements that execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind. Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software.

Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations. Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser.

The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Screenshots of deceptive installers used to promote RelevantKnowledge adware:

deceptive installer bundling relevantknowledge RelevantKnowledge adware-promoting installer

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.

RelevantKnowledge 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 RelevantKnowledge 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:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing RelevantKnowledge  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 RelevantKnowledge ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by relevantknowledge, 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 RelevantKnowledge 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 RelevantKnowledge ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing RelevantKnowledge 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 RelevantKnowledge ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by relevantknowledge, 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

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 relevantknowledge or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

RelevantKnowledge Adware

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays ads that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some types are capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove RelevantKnowledge adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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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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Removal Instructions in other languages
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 RelevantKnowledge QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by RelevantKnowledge on your mobile device.
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