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Removal instructions for Healthy adware and the adverts it displays

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

What is Healthy adware?

Healthy is a rogue application, which our analysis revealed to be advertising-supported software (adware). Apps within this classification operate by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., by displaying ads.

Healthy adware installation folder

Healthy adware overview

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other ads) on visited sites and/or different interfaces.

It is noteworthy that this software may require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Healthy displays adverts - its presence endangers device/user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages and apps, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.

It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products encountered through these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, Healthy likely has data tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like Healthy on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Healthy
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Detection Names (iso) Combo Cleaner (Application.AdSearch), ESET-NOD32 (LNK/Agent.PL), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Script.AdSearch.), Symantec (Trojan.Gen.MBT), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (app) Combo Cleaner (Application.AdSearch), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Script.AdSea), Sophos (AdSearch (PUA)), Webroot (W32.Virus.Script.Adsearch), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Rogue Process Name HealthySoftware Copyright © 2022 (process name may vary)
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.
▼ 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

StrengthHealthiness, and Energy are a couple examples of adware practically identical to Healthy; while colors scaleVideo PlayerMake It Dark - are our latest finds in software within this classification.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "useful" and "advantageous" functions. However, these functionalities rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did Healthy install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary software. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is pushed through scam pages. Most users access such websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is advised to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

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

Screenshot of Healthy adware's installer contents:

Healthy adware installer contents

Screenshot Healthy adware's process on Windows Task Manager ("HealthySoftware Copyright © 2022" process name):

Healthy adware process on Task Manager (HealthySoftware Copyright © 2022 - process name)

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:

Healthy 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.

Healthy adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Healthy adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Healthy did not install its browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Healthy 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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Healthy ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by healthy, 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 Healthy 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing Healthy ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It typically has data tracking abilities, which make this software a privacy threat. Adware-delivered advertisements can be dangerous and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware operates by displaying ads on visited webpages and other interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate profit mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Healthy adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is crucial to remove advertising-supported software 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 Healthy QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Healthy on your mobile device.
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