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Removal instructions for the "Ad Blocker Elite" adware-type extension

Also Known As: Ads by "Ad Blocker Elite"
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is Ad Blocker Elite?

Ad Blocker Elite is an adware that pretends to be an ad-blocker. However, instead of removing online advertisements, this software displays them. Furthermore, the Ad Blocker Elite browser extension spies on users' browsing activity.

Ad Blocker Elite adware

Ad Blocker Elite adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, the software achieves this by displaying ads on visited websites or other interfaces.

However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to function as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Regardless of whether Ad Blocker Elite delivers advertisements – it remains a threat to device safety and user privacy.

Adverts displayed by adware commonly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.

Note that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Ad Blocker Elite also has data-tracking functionalities, which are standard for advertising-supported software. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like Ad Blocker Elite on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by "Ad Blocker Elite"
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Ad Blocker Elite
Supposed Functionality Ad-blocking
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

Adblock Castle - ad-free browserAd Squasher adware, and No More 404 are just a couple of our newest articles on adware. Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and offers various useful features. However, it rarely operates as promised; typically, its functionalities serve the purpose of bait that tricks users into downloading/installing.

Remember that even if a browser extension or an application works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.

How did Ad Blocker Elite install on my computer?

We acquired Ad Blocker Elite from its "official" promotional webpage, which our researchers discovered during a routine investigation of suspicious websites.

Innocent-looking download pages and scam sites are often used to endorse advertising-supported software. Most users access them via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Additionally, this software can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. When installing, we recommend studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).

We also advise vigilance when browsing, as the Internet is rife with well-disguised fraudulent and malicious content. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, scam-promoting, gambling, etc.).

Should you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Ad Blocker Elite, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the permissions asked by Ad Blocker Elite adware:

Ad Blocker Elite asking for various permissions

Screenshot of the website used to promote Ad Blocker Elite adware:

Website promoting Ad Blocker Elite 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 Ad Blocker Elite 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 "Ad Blocker Elite" 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 "ad blocker elite", 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 "ad blocker elite" 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 "ad blocker elite", 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 "ad blocker elite" 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 delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Additionally, advertising-supporters software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This goal is achieved through nefarious means, such as displaying undesirable/harmful ads on various interfaces, generating redirects to deceptive/malicious sites, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Ad Blocker Elite adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate 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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Removal Instructions in other languages
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 Ad Blocker Elite QR code
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