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How to remove the "reuse tab" adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by reuse tab
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of browser extension is reuse tab?

Our research team found the reuse tab browser extension while inspecting suspicious download webpages. We installed this piece of software onto our test machine, and based on its description in Chrome - we can surmise that this extension promises to save visited URLs for easy access in the future. After analyzing reuse tab's behavior, we determined that it operates as adware.

reuse tab adware asking for permissions

Reuse tab adware overview

Adware displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software upon being clicked.

Note that any legitimate content encountered via these advertisements is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the genuine product's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It has to be emphasized that while, in some instances, advertising-supported software does not display ads (e.g., due to incompatible browser/system, user geolocation, etc.) - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety nonetheless.

Furthermore, reuse tab has data tracking functionalities. Adware usually collects browsing-related data, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like reuse tab on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

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

Adware examples

We have analyzed countless adware samples; Ultimate Ad Erasershade areaWeather, and Video Ad Remover are just some of our latest finds. This software typically appears harmless and offers "useful" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonfunctional.

How did reuse tab install on my computer?

We acquired reuse tab from a deceptive download page. Most users enter sites of this kind via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).

Adware is also proliferated using "bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installations must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

We advise being vigilant when browsing - as fraudulent and malicious content usually looks legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements appear innocuous, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this type, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with reuse tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshots of the websites used to promote reuse tab adware:

Website promoting reuse tab adware 1 Website promoting reuse tab adware 2 Website promoting reuse tab adware 3

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:

Reuse tab 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.

reuse tab adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes reuse tab ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove reuse tab adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing reuse tab  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 "reuse tab", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing reuse tab ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by reuse tab, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing reuse tab 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 "reuse tab".

Removing reuse tab ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish browsing experience and system performance. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking abilities. What is more, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of various ads on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate most of their profit via affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove reuse tab adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various file leftovers may remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, such remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated 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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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
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