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How to remove PDFEditor adware

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

What kind of software is PDFEditor?

We have discovered the PDFEditor application while checking the samples submitted to VirusTotal. Our team has tested PDFEditor and found that it has the qualities of adware - it is an advertising-supported application. Although, it is promoted as a PDF editor - a tool that allows users to edit PDF documents.

PDFEditor adware

PDFEditor adware in detail

Typically, adware-type apps feed users with annoying advertisements such as pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc. The problem with clicking on ads generated by adware is that they can open untrustworthy websites, for example, download pages for questionable apps, various scams, phishing sites.

Since PDFEditor is adware, ads appearing from this app should not be clicked. In some cases, adware can generate ads designed to run certain scripts and download or install unwanted software.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by PDFEditor
Threat Type Push notifications ads, Unwanted ads, Pop-up ads
Detection Names (Installer) Avast (Win32:UnwantedSig [PUP]), AVG (Win32:UnwantedSig [PUP]), Gridinsoft (Adware.Shortcuts.dd!c), K7AntiVirus ( Adware ( 005894f61 )), McAfee (Artemis!7C04D9C803E4), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (Application) Gridinsoft (Adware.Win64.Shortcuts.dd!s1), Zillya (Adware.Alien.Win32.23), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
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.

Unwanted applications in general

We have tested plenty of advertising-supported apps and noticed that some of them can gather information. In some cases, they can access sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords. A couple examples of other adware-type apps that we have discovered are DefenderBadUrl, Ad 'n Popup-Blocker, YouTube Ad Remover.

How did adware install on my computer?

Lots of advertising-supported apps are distributed using deceptive websites (for example, websites offering to update the supposedly outdated software). Also, they are distributed using downloaders and installers for other programs, shady advertisements.

Adware gets downloaded and installed alongside other software when users download or install that software without deselecting unwanted apps. Usually, optional downloads and installations can be deselected using "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings available in downloaders and installers.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download applications from official websites (the sample applies to files). Do not click on advertisements and fake "Download" buttons displayed on shady web pages. Deselect unwanted apps before downloading and installing software. Do not agree to receive notifications from untrustworthy pages.

If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Download page for PDFEditor:

pdfeditor adware download page

The installer for PDFEditor:

pdfeditor adware 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.

PDFEditor adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "PDFEditor" and other unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted application, 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 unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing PDFEditor adware 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 PDFEditor adware from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by pdfeditor, 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 PDFEditor adware 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 PDFEditor adware from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

After testing a great deal of adware-type applications, we noticed that the most common problems with having them installed are decreased computer performance and diminished Internet browsing experience.

What does adware do?

Adware generates advertisements. Additionally, it can be used to promote fake search engines and collect information about users.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

In most cases, adware is monetized through affiliate programs. It is used to promote various websites, services, products, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove PDFEditor adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all detected adware. It will not leave any files belonging to adware in the system, which is often is a problem while trying to get rid of adware manually.

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