FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Removal instructions for the Load Time adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Load Time
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is Load Time?

Our researchers discovered the Load Time browser extension while inspecting dubious websites. It is endorsed as a tool that allows users to identify and monitor website loading times. After analyzing Load Time, we determined that this extension is advertising-supported software (adware).

Load Time adware asking for permissions

Load Time adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. In most cases, software within this classification operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

It is pertinent to mention that specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if Load Time does not display advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat.

Adware-delivered adverts commonly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some of the ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Note that any genuine products/services encountered via these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Additionally, adware usually spies on users' browsing activity, and Load Time is not an exception. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, advertising-supported software like Load Time may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Load Time
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Load Time
Supposed Functionality Website load time monitoring
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.
▼ 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

We have examined thousands of adware samples; Browse NextWhats This ErrorSimple Video Downloader, and BeachBall Jump are merely some of our latest articles.

Software within this category seldom appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Adware can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities, which are usually nonoperational. Keep in mind that functional features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did Load Time install on my computer?

Load Time has an "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such legitimate-looking pages, extensions of this kind are endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily enter these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated using the bundling marketing tactic, which entails packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.

Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps or sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

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

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

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

Screenshots of the website used to promote Load Time adware:

Website promoting Load Time adware 1 Website promoting Load Time adware 2

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 Load Time 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 "Load Time" 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 load time, 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 load time 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 load time, 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 load time or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware-displayed ads commonly promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually gathers sensitive information.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening websites and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Load Time adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. After the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software 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 Load Time QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Load Time 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.