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How to remove the Pick Your Language adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Pick Your Language
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is Pick Your Language?

While investigating untrustworthy websites, our research team discovered the Pick Your Language browser extension. It is promoted as an easy-access tool to a dictionary, thesaurus, and translator. However, after analyzing this extension, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware).

Pick Your Language adware asking for permissions

Pick Your Language adware overview

Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These ads endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Specific conditions may be required for adware to run intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, and so on. However, regardless of whether Pick Your Language displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.

Additionally, Pick Your Language has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like Pick Your Language on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Pick Your Language
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Pick Your Language
Supposed Functionality Easy access to dictionary, thesaurus, and translator tools.
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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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

We have investigated thousands of adware samples; Browse KeeperSubtitlesNX Gone, and Ad Free Web are merely some of our latest finds.

Advertising-supported software is usually presented as legitimate and useful. However, it seldom operates as promised, and in most cases – its features are nonfunctional. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did Pick Your Language install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

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

Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Pick Your Language adware:

Deceptive website promoting Pick Your Language 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 Pick Your Language adware using Combo Cleaner:

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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Pick Your Language" 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 pick your language, 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 pick your language 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 pick your language, 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 pick your language or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware may decrease the browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted/deceptive advertisements. The ads can be displayed on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of causing redirects and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Pick Your Language adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount 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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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 Pick Your Language QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Pick Your Language on your mobile device.
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