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Removal instructions for the Zapp adware

Also Known As: Zapp virus
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Zapp?

The Zapp browser add-on was created by Simply Tech LLC and claims to enhance users' Internet browsing experience by enabling quick apps discovery. While this added functionality may seem legitimate, Internet users should be aware that this plugin is categorized as a potentially unwanted application or adware.

The add-on infiltrates browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox) using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' and generates intrusive ads ('Ads by Zapp').

Furthermore, this plugin is known to track users' Internet browsing activity by recording search history, browsing history, IP addresses, browser and operating system versions, and users' approximate geolocations.

The presence of Zapp add-on on your system can cause high-risk malware infections (when clicking third party ads generated by this add-on), and also lead to serious privacy issues or identity theft.

ads by zapp

This adware infection is often caused by deceptive free software 'download clients' offering installation of potentially unwanted programs together with the user's chosen free program. Today, most freeware download websites employ download clients to monetize their free services, thus, reckless free software downloading can lead to adware infections.

The Zapp plugin is not technically a virus or malware, however, clicking third party links and ads generated by it can result in security infections, and therefore, you are advised to remove this adware from your Internet browser/s.

The Zapp add-on is similar to other potentially unwanted programs, which install on Internet browsers without users' consent. Examples include Media WatchOkitSpace, and Right Coupon. These plug-ins claim to enhance users' Internet browsing experience by adding various features, however, they only diminish browser performance and generate unwanted ads.

To avoid installation of such adware, express caution when downloading and installing freeware. When downloading free programs, inspect each download step and opt-out of installation of any advertised browser plug-ins by clicking the 'decline' button.

When installing free software, choose the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation options, rather than 'Quick' or 'Typical' - this will reveal installation of any bundled adware. Users who have unwillingly installed the Zapp plugin and observe "Ads by Zapp" advertisements when surfing the Internet, should use this removal guide to eliminate Zapp adware from their Internet browser/s.

Zapp adware installer:

Zapp adware installer

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Quick menu:

Ads by Zapp 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.

uninstalling zapp via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Zapp", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program (which causes ads by Zapp), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove ads by zapp from Internet browsers:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing ads by zapp from Internet Explorer step 1

Click on the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer) select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "Zapp", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing ads by zapp from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the zapp virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing ads by zapp from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) select "Tools" and click on "Extensions". Locate: "Zapp", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing ads by zapp from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the zapp virus, 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 ads by zapp from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click on the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove "Zapp".

Removing ads by zapp from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with zapp virus 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 zapp virus, 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 zapp virus or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays ads promoting content that may cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware usually possesses data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove Zapp adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial 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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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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