SimplyWatch Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SimplyWatch?
SimplyWatch is a rogue application that claims to be a leading media player. On initial inspection, SimplyWatch may seem legitimate and useful, however, it typically infiltrates systems without permission.
Furthermore, this app continually generates various intrusive advertisements and gathers sensitive information. For these reasons, SimplyWatch is classed as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware.
Following infiltration, SimplyWatch delivers coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar intrusive ads. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the ads often conceal visited website content, significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience.
Furthermore, they might redirect to infectious websites and/or run scripts that stealthily download and install malware/PUPs - even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Be aware also of information tracking. SimplyWatch gathers various data that might be classed as confidential.
Developers of potentially unwanted programs sell the data to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing users' private details. This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. For these reasons, you are strongly advised to eliminate SimplyWatch adware from your system immediately.
| Name | Ads by SimplyWatch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| 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), fake flash player installers. |
| 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. |
SimplyWatch shares similarities with Quiclean, ProxyGate, SearchMyFile, and dozens of other adware-type PUPs. Note that all offer different functionality. Despite this, their behavior is identical. In fact, SimplyWatch and other adware is designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
Claims to provide valuable functionality are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. Potentially unwanted programs deliver no real value for regular users. Apps such as SimplyWatch pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did SimplyWatch install on my computer?
Potentially unwanted programs infiltrate systems without permission. Developers promote SimplyWatch using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party software together with regular [mostly free] programs).
They are aware that many users rush download and installation processes, and skip steps. Therefore, they hide "bundled" apps (such as SimplyWatch) within the "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of these procedures. By skipping steps, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention during the download/installation processes and when browsing the Internet. Select "Advanced/Custom" settings, closely observe each window of the download/installation dialogs, and cancel all additionally-included programs.
You are strongly advised to download your applications from official sources only and, if possible, using a direct download link. Third party downloaders/installers are monetized using the "bundling" method (they promote dubious software). These tools should never be used.
Be aware also that intrusive ads look legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to dubious websites (surveys, gambling, adult dating, pornography, ). If you encounter such redirects, immediately eliminate all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins.
Screenshot of potentially unwanted program SimplyWatch:
Screenshots of SimplyWatch installer that promotes other dubious apps:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is SimplyWatch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall SimplyWatch application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove SimplyWatch adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove SimplyWatch ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by SimplyWatch' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove SimplyWatch extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
SimplyWatch 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 "SimplyWatch", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes SimplyWatch ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove SimplyWatch adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, SimplyWatch 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 simplywatch, 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 "More 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 simplywatch, 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 simplywatch 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 simplywatch, 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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Outstanding!
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