LoadLeader Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is LoadLeader?
LoadLeader is a deceptive application that supposedly allows users to download various files. Initially, this app may seem legitimate and useful, however, LoadLeader is distributed using the "bundling" method.
Furthermore, it displays intrusive online advertisements and collects various data relating to users' web browsing activity. For these reasons, LoadLeader is categorized as adware and a potentially unwanted program (PUP).
Following infiltration, LoadLeader employs a 'virtual layer' to generate pop-up, banner, coupon, and other similar advertisements. The virtual layer is a tool that enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, these ads often conceal underlying content of visited websites, significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience.
Furthermore, some lead to malicious websites and even accidental clicks can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. Another downside of LoadLeader is information tracking. This PUP continually records Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other similar information relating to web browsing activity.
Note that this collected data might contain personal details that developers of LoadLeader share with third parties (who often attempt to generate revenue by misusing personal information). Thus, the presence of an information-tracking app on your system can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you uninstall LoadLeader adware immediately.
Be aware that all adware-type applications are virtually identical. By claiming to provide 'useful functionality', applications such as LoadLeader often trick users to install. Research shows, however, that adware is designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
All promises to provide so-called 'useful features' are false. In fact, adware provides no significant value for regular users. These PUPs collect personally identifiable information (which is later sold to third parties) and continually deliver intrusive online advertisements (using the "Pay Per Click" advertising model).
How did LoadLeader install on my computer?
LoadLeader has an official download website, however, developers also promote this application by employing a deceptive software marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party apps with regular (usually free) software. Users often rush the download/installation processes and skip most/all steps.
Aware of this, developers conceal bundled programs within the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Therefore, rushing and skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs - exposing the system to risk of further infections and compromising users' privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
There are two simple steps you should take to prevent this situation. Firstly, never rush when downloading and installing software. Use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and closely analyze these procedures. Secondly, decline all offers to install additional programs and cancel those already included.
LoadLeader adware installer set-up:
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Quick menu:
- What is LoadLeader?
- STEP 1. Uninstall LoadLeader application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove LoadLeader adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove LoadLeader ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by LoadLeader' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove LoadLeader ads from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
LoadLeader adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "LoadLeader", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes LoadLeader ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove LoadLeader adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, LoadLeader did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by loadleader, 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by loadleader, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by loadleader removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by loadleader, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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.
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