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How to eliminate One Click Refresh adware and the adverts it displays

Also Known As: Ads by One Click Refresh
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is One Click Refresh?

Our researchers discovered the One Click Refresh browser extension. It is presented as a tool that allows users to refresh all tabs with a single click. Our analysis of this extension revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).

One Click Refresh adware asking for permissions

One Click Refresh adware overview

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

These ads endorse various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements – is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if One Click Refresh does not display adverts – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.

It must be mentioned that One Click Refresh has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like One Click Refresh on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by One Click Refresh
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) One Click Refresh
Supposed Functionality Single-click browser tab refreshing 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).
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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Adware examples

We have analyzed countless adware samples; Image ViewerAnonymous Video Player, and Quick Close Tab are merely a few of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and harmless. It also offers various useful and advantageous features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Note that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did One Click Refresh install on my computer?

We acquired One Click Refresh from a scam website (fake Chrome browser update). In addition to such sites, adware can have "official" promotional webpages. Most users access these deceptive pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browsing notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, intrusive adverts are used to spread adware. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise exercising caution when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

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

Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote One Click Refresh adware:

Deceptive website promoting One Click Refresh 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:

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.

Adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing unwanted 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 "One Click Refresh" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by one click refresh, 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 unwanted 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by one click refresh 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 one click refresh, 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 one click refresh 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 displays advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware-types can force-open websites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove One Click Refresh adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed 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 One Click Refresh QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by One Click Refresh on your mobile device.
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