ImpaqSpeed Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ImpaqSpeed?
ImpaqSpeed is presented as a great tool to test Internet performance. This functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, ImpaqSpeed is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware. The main reasons for these negative associations are installation without users' consent, display of intrusive advertisements, and tracking of sensitive data.
As with most adware, ImpaqSpeed generates various intrusive advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any visited websites. Therefore, coupons, banners, pop-ups, and other delivered ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the web browsing experience.
In addition, these ads might redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Clicking then can lead to various computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking.
This potentially unwanted program gathers information (e.g., IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) that typically includes personal details.
Furthermore, ImpaqSpeed's developers sell this information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private data to generate revenue. Therefore, having a data-tracking app such as ImpaqSpeed installed can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to eliminate this PUP immediately.
| Name | ImpaqSpeed potentially unwanted program |
| 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. |
ImpaqSpeed is identical to dozens of other adware-type PUPs such as FAssistant, Weather For Chrome, and especially Relieve Stress Paint. These applications offer different functionality, but these claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.
The only purpose of all PUPs is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than enabling the functions promised, PUPs such as ImpaqSpeed gather sensitive information and deliver intrusive advertisements, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did ImpaqSpeed install on my computer?
ImpaqSpeed has an official download/promotion website, however, it often infiltrates systems without consent, since developers proliferate this PUP using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of PUPs together with regular programs.
Developers do not disclose these installations properly - they hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. In some cases, PUPs are concealed. Therefore, these programs often seem to appear from nowhere.
Many users are likely to click advertisements and skip download/installation steps, thus exposing their systems to risk of various infections and compromising 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 when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, and thus most seem legitimate.
Once clicked, however, they redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you encounter these redirects, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. In addition, carefully analyze each download/installation step and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.
We recommend that you avoid using third party download/installation tools, since they are monetized by promoting PUPs. Your programs should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.
Screenshot of ImpaqSpeed adware:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is ImpaqSpeed?
- STEP 1. Uninstall ImpaqSpeed application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove ImpaqSpeed adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove ImpaqSpeed ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by ImpaqSpeed' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove ImpaqSpeed extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
ImpaqSpeed 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 "ImpaqSpeed", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes ImpaqSpeed ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove ImpaqSpeed adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, ImpaqSpeed 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 impaqspeed potentially unwanted program, 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 and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the impaqspeed potentially unwanted program, 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 impaqspeed potentially unwanted program 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 impaqspeed potentially unwanted program, 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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