Removing Audio Finder adware-type browser extension and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Audio Finder?
During a routine inspection of suspicious websites, our researchers found one promoting the Audio Finder browser extension. It is presented as a tool capable of detecting the source of audio on any webpage and then making it available for download. However, our inspection of this extension revealed that it operates as adware instead.
Audio Finder adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These advertisements endorse various scams, unreliable/dangerous sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain commissions fraudulently.
Adware may not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, specific websites not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether Audio Finder displays ads – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, this browser extension has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, 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, the presence of advertising-supported software like Audio Finder on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Audio Finder |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Audio Finder |
| Supposed Functionality | Finding audio source on webpages and making it available for download |
| 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. |
Adware examples
Find My Song, Supreme Adblocker, and Files Download Enhancer are just a few examples of adware that we have analyzed recently.
This software typically appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, the functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Even if an app/extension works as advertised – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did Audio Finder install on my computer?
We acquired Audio Finder from its "official" promotional page, and we found a deceptive one endorsing this browser extension. Users typically access such webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Adware is also distributed by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. It is just as important to approach installation with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears ordinary/harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Audio Finder, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Audio Finder adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Audio Finder 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:
- What is Audio Finder?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Audio Finder application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Audio Finder ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Audio Finder' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Audio Finder extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Audio Finder adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "Audio Finder", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Audio Finder ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Audio Finder adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Audio Finder" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by audio finder, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Audio Finder" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by audio finder removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by audio finder, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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 audio finder 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 the browsing experience and system performance. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as this software typically has data-tracking functionalities. Furthermore, advertising-supported software displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, i.e., display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Audio Finder adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various files remain hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion