FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Removal instructions for the Adblock Web extension that operates as adware

Also Known As: Ads by Adblock Web
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Adblock Web?

Adblock Web is a rogue browser extension that we discovered while inspecting suspicious websites. It promises to block advertisements, but instead of blocking them - this extension displays ads. Hence, Adblock Web is classified as advertising-supported software (adware).

Adblock Web adware asking for permissions

Adblock Web adware overview

Adware can display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. The advertisements endorse various scams (e.g., phishing, tech support, update, giveaway, etc.), untrustworthy/harmful software (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, etc.), and even malware (e.g., ransomware, trojans, etc.).

Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can perform downloads/installations without user consent - upon being clicked. It must be mentioned that any legitimate content endorsed through these ads is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to fraudulently obtain commissions for the promotion.

Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, even if Adblock Web does not display advertisements - its presence threatens device/user safety.

What is more, this extension requests permission to display spam browser notifications and collect browsing-related information.

Adware typically gathers visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, software like Adblock Web can cause users to experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Adblock Web
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Adblock Web
Supposed Functionality Adblocker - ad-blocking tool
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

Simple Dark ThemeWebSurf GuardVideo Player Pro, and Tab Session are merely some examples of adware that we have inspected recently.

Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and harmless. It lures users into download/installation with promises of various features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational. Even if this software works as advertised - that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.

How did Adblock Web install on my computer?

We obtained Adblock Web from its "official" promotional page and discovered a deceptive site endorsing this browser extension. Users typically enter these webpages through redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Furthermore, advertising-supported software is proliferated via intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from suspect sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installation (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled into the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. It is essential to approach installation processes with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

We advise being cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look innocuous yet redirect to questionable/untrustworthy websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).

If you keep experiencing these adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Adblock Web, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of Adblock Web adware's "official" promotional website:

Website promoting Adblock Web adware

Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Adblock Web adware:

Deceptive website promoting Adblock Web 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:

Adblock Web 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.

Adblock Web adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Adblock Web adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove Adblock Web adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Adblock Web 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 "Adblock Web" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Adblock Web ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by adblock web, 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 Adblock Web 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 "Adblock Web" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing Adblock Web ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware displays ads promoting deceptive and malicious material that can cause severe issues, e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc. This software typically has data-tracking abilities - which makes this software a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It display advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open webpages and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate profit primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Adblock Web adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since after advertising-supported software is manually removed - file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

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 Adblock Web QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Adblock Web on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.