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How to remove Fast PDF Reader adware and the advertisements it displays

Also Known As: Ads by Fast PDF Reader
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Fast PDF Reader?

Fast PDF Reader is a rogue browser extension that our researchers discovered while inspecting deceptive download webpages. This piece of software is promoted as a free file reader capable of opening PDF, DOC, XLS, and PPT formats. After analyzing Fast PDF Reader, we determined that it is adware.

Fast PDF Reader adware asking for permissions

Fast PDF Reader adware overview

Adware operates by displaying ads on visited websites and other interfaces. These advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software.

Note that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It has to be mentioned that although adware may be present, yet not run any advertisement campaigns (i.e., not display advertisements). This can be due to the browser/system or user geolocation being incompatible, users not visiting specific websites, or similar. However, regardless of whether Fast PDF Reader (or other advertising-supported software) delivers adverts or not - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

Furthermore, Fast PDF Reader has data tracking functionalities. Information of interest can include browsing-related data (e.g., visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, etc.), personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like Fast PDF Reader on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Fast PDF Reader
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Fast PDF Reader
Supposed Functionality File reader
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

Ultimate Ad Erasershade area, Ads Skipping, and reuse tab are just some examples of the adware-type browser extensions that we have recently analyzed. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "handy" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, the promised functions are usually nonoperational.

How did Fast PDF Reader install on my computer?

We acquired Fast PDF Reader from its "official" download webpage. We also found a deceptive page running a variant of the "Adobe Flash Player Update" scam that promotes Fast PDF Reader. Users typically enter such websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

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

Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing - since fake and malicious content tends to look legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts appear harmless yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If your experience advertisements/redirects of this type, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Fast PDF Reader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of Fast PDF Reader adware's "official" promotional website:

Fast PDF Reader adware official download site

Screenshot of the deceptive website promoting Fast PDF Reader adware:

Deceptive website promoting Fast PDF Reader 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:

Fast PDF Reader 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.

Fast PDF Reader adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Fast PDF Reader", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove Fast PDF Reader adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Fast PDF Reader  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 "Fast PDF Reader", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Fast PDF Reader ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fast pdf reader, 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 Fast PDF Reader 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 "Fast PDF Reader".

Removing Fast PDF Reader ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware endangers device integrity and user safety. It can decrease the browsing quality and system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. What is more, adware-delivered advertisements endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to enable the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This software may also force-open webpages and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Fast PDF Reader adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been removed - file leftovers remain in the system. What is more, such components can continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is paramount 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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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 Fast PDF Reader QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Fast PDF Reader on your mobile device.
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