Xtex Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Xtex?
Xtex is presented as an application that offers useful tools and features, however, it is also known as an adware-type app and a potentially unwanted application (PUA). This type of app is often installed unintentionally, delivers intrusive ads, and collects information.
Once installed, Xtex delivers intrusive ads such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc. As a rule, these are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site and conceal underlying content. Intrusive ads are annoying and, this case, might lead to untrustworthy websites (potentially malicious websites).
Furthermore, some run scripts that download and install potentially unwanted applications and malware. Do not click them, since this could result in high-risk computer infections. Xtex also collects data that often includes IP addresses, search queries, keystrokes, visited websites, geo-locations, etc.
It is very likely that some of the gathered data will also include personal or sensitive information that is shared with third parties (potentially cyber criminals). This is how PUAs developers generate revenue.
By sharing the collected data, Xtex developers cause various privacy issues and even and identity theft. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you uninstall this adware immediately.
| Name | Ads by Xtex |
| 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. |
There are many adware applications similar to Xtex on the Internet (for example PQwick, Media Player 1004, and Screen Recorder) that share an identical goal - to generate revenue by collecting and sharing data, and delivering various intrusive ads. Users are often tricked into downloading them when developers promote these apps by offering "useful" tools or features.
In fact, few apps such as Xtex deliver the functionality promised or provide any real value for regular users. It is more likely that adware-type apps of this kind will cause privacy, browsing safety, and other issues.
How did Xtex install on my computer?
Some potentially unwanted applications can be downloaded from their official websites, however, research shows that Xtex is usually installed when developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications together with free third party software.
Installation of PUAs are not properly disclosed - software developers hide these bundled applications in "Custom", "Advanced" settings (or other similar options) of the installation processes. In some cases, PUAs are installed via intrusive advertisements.
Most users install potentially unwanted applications such as Xtex when they skip installation steps without checking the settings/options, or they click intrusive and untrustworthy ads.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To avoid installation of PUAs such as Xtex, download software from official and trustworthy sources (websites) and use direct links. Avoid using torrents (or other third party software downloaders), since they often are monetized by promoting potentially unwanted applications.
Do not skip the installation steps and check all available settings such as "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings of the installation process. Deselect additional (potentially unwanted) offers and only then finish the installation.
If clicking an advertisement caused an unwanted redirect to pornography, adult dating, gambling or another untrustworthy website, close it and eliminate (uninstall) all unwanted programs from your computer or extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins from your web browser.
Bear in mind that not all ads displayed on the Internet are legitimate. Cyber criminals invest time and money into intrusive/untrustworthy ad design. They often seem legitimate and tempting to click. If your computer is already infected with Xtex, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of deceptive free software installer distributing Xtex:
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is Xtex?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Xtex application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Xtex adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove Xtex ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by Xtex' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove Xtex extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Xtex 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 "Xtex", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes Xtex ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Xtex adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, Xtex 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 xtex, 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 ads by xtex, 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by xtex 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 xtex, 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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