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How to remove the "Universal Ad Blocker" adware-type browser extension

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

What kind of software is Universal Ad Blocker?

While browsing dubious sites, our research team discovered a page promoting the Universal Ad Blocker browser extension. As the name implies, this software is endorsed as a tool that defends against online advertisements and trackers. Upon examination, we determined that Universal Ad Blocker operates as adware. Instead of eliminating ads, this extension displays them. It also collects sensitive browsing data.

Universal Ad Blocker adware

Universal Ad Blocker adware overview

Typically, advertising-supported software (adware) feeds users with undesirable and possibly dangerous advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.) can be displayed on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces.

These ads can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Remember that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not operate as designed if the browser/system is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if Universal Ad Blocker does not deliver ads – the extension remains a threat to device/user safety.

Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this is true of Universal Ad Blocker. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, advertising-supported software is associated with system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Universal Ad Blocker
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Universal Ad Blocker
Supposed Functionality Blocking ads and trackers (ad-blocker)
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 written about countless adware-type extensions and apps; AdsExhaustNo More 404Adblock Castle - ad-free browser, and MegaGuard are just some examples.

Advertising-supported software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software functions exactly as detailed by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did Universal Ad Blocker install on my computer?

We obtained Universal Ad Blocker from its "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such legitimate-looking pages, adware is endorsed on scam websites.

Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive adverts, sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software. These pre-packed setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources.

The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is further increased by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

Should you keep encountering ads/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 Universal Ad Blocker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the permissions asked by Universal Ad Blocker adware:

Universal Ad Blocker asking for various permissions

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

Website promoting Universal Ad Blocker 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 Universal Ad Blocker 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 "Universal Ad Blocker" 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 universal ad blocker, 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 universal ad blocker 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 universal ad blocker, 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 universal ad blocker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware-delivered adverts endorse content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The software's presence on a system can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually collects sensitive information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove Universal Ad Blocker adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated 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 Universal Ad Blocker QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Universal Ad Blocker on your mobile device.
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