Remove ads displayed by Ad Guardian
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Ad Guardian?
Ad Guardian is advertised as a tool that blocks annoying advertisements whilst browsing the web, however, it is classified as adware, a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
Apps of this type display unwanted ads and record browsing data. Furthermore, most people download and install PUAs accidentally. We recommend that you uninstall Ad Guardian and any other PUAs installed on your browser or computer.
Ad Guardian adware overview
Typically, PUAs target browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. When installed, Ad Guardian feeds users with unwanted ads that conceal underlying content of visited web pages. Adware-type apps often display pop-up ads, coupons, banners, surveys, and others.
Clicking these causes redirects to dubious sites, which are often used to advertise potentially unwanted, untrustworthy applications. Additionally, some of these ads (if clicked) might execute scripts that trigger download and installation of dubious apps.
Note that most PUAs gather information relating to users' browsing activity such as IP addresses, geolocations, URLs of visited pages, entered search queries, and other similar details. Some PUAs also record sensitive details. The people responsible for these apps (developers) share all data with other parties who might be cyber criminals.
These people misuse private data to generate revenue. Therefore, having adware-type apps installed can lead to unwanted downloads, installations, or other problems relating to privacy, browsing safety, and so on.
| Name | Ad Guardian Ad Blocker |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Ad Guardian Ad Blocker |
| Supposed Functionality | This tool supposedly blocks advertisements displayed on visited websites |
| Detection Names (adguardian[.]net) | Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
Adware examples
Typically, people download and install adware inadvertently, however, if they do this intentionally, it is due to developers who promote these apps as useful, easy to use, and so on.
Few PUAs provide the features promised. On the contrary, they often cause problems and generate revenue for their developers (and/or other parties). Some examples of other adware-type apps are MyPrintableCoupons, MyBestPrice, and Reading Cursors.
How did Ad Guardian install on my computer?
The two common ways to download and install unwanted apps unintentionally are through intrusive ads (capable of executing specific scripts) or during download or installation of other software.
PUAs are commonly bundled into the set-ups of other software, however, information relating to this is not properly disclosed - PUAs are hidden in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar parts of the download/installation set-ups. If these settings remain unchecked and unchanged, PUAs can be downloaded and installed without the user's knowledge.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software from official/trustworthy websites and via direct links. You are advised to avoid third party software downloaders or installers, Peer-to-Peer networks, freeware download websites, and other similar software download channels. Each download and installation should be performed carefully.
Check all settings such as "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar parts. Avoid clicking intrusive ads, since they can open untrustworthy websites or trigger unwanted downloads/installations. If you notice that the browser opens dubious sites or displays unwanted ads, it is possible that an unwanted app is installed on it.
Remove all unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons and check if the problem persists. Additionally, uninstall unwanted programs from the operating system. If your computer is already infected with Ad Guardian, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Ad Guardian Ad Blocker extension:
Screenshot of Ad Guardian Ad Blocker asking for various permissions:
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 Ad Guardian?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Ad Guardian application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Ad Guardian adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove Ad Guardian ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by Ad Guardian' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove Ad Guardian extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Ad Guardian 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 "Ad Guardian" (or "Ad Guardian Ad Blocker"), select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes Ad Guardian ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Ad Guardian adware from 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 "Ad Guardian" (or "Ad Guardian Ad Blocker"), select this entry and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ad guardian ad blocker, 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 "Ad Guardian" (or "Ad Guardian Ad Blocker") select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ad guardian ad blocker, 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 "Ad Guardian Ad Blocker".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ad guardian ad blocker 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 ad guardian ad blocker, 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware displays advertisements that often promote harmful content, which can cause serious problems like system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and so on. The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it typically gathers sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.). The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Ad Guardian adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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