How to remove Windows Manager adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Windows Manager?
Windows Manager, also known as AdvancedWindowsManager, is an adware-type application. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., this app displays various undesirable and harmful ads).
In addition, adware usually has data tracking abilities, and Windows Manager likely has this functionality as well. Due to the questionable tactics used to distribute Windows Manager, it is classified as an unwanted application.
It is noteworthy that this piece of software has often been distributed bundled with other untrustworthy content. Therefore, by downloading/installing Windows Manager, users may also inadvertently allow additional adware, browser hijackers, and other unwanted apps into their devices.
In some cases, adware has been observed being proliferated together with malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.).
More about adware
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any visited website and/or different interfaces. This software delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive advertisements.
These adverts seriously diminish the browsing experience, as they overlay webpage content and slow down the browsing speed. Furthermore, intrusive ads pose a threat to device and user safety.
Once clicked on, the advertisements redirect to unreliable/malicious sites, and some can download/install unwanted software without user consent. Most adware-types have data tracking abilities.
Information of interest includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, etc. The collected data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices - can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
| Name | AdvancedWindowsManager |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Detection Names (Windows Manager) | DrWeb (Adware.OnlineGuard.9), Gridinsoft (PUP.Microleaves.sd!c), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (AdvancedWindowsManager) | DrWeb (Adware.OnlineGuard.9), Gridinsoft (PUP.Microleaves.sd!c), Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.OnlineIO), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (malicious installer) | Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Jaik.45703), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan.Multi.GenericML.xnet), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Glupteba!ml), 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. |
Advertising-supported software in general
Shopping Lovers, Video Ads Blocker, ePedia, YoutubeDownloader, and Pictures Lab are some examples of apps within the adware classification. They usually appear ordinary and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation and/or purchase with offers of various "useful" functionalities. However, the features are seldom operational.
The sole purpose of unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers; to users - it has no real value. Instead of delivering on any promises, it can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, force-open untrustworthy and malicious sites, hijack browsers, and collect sensitive and private information.
How did Windows Manager install on my computer?
Apps of this type often are downloaded/installed together with other software. "Bundling" is the name of this deceptive marketing tactic - pre-packing regular programs with unwanted or malicious additions.
Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive adverts are used to spread unwanted apps as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install these applications. Some apps of this kind have "official" download webpages.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software products before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources.
Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer dangerous and bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, and so on.
Intrusive ads appear legitimate and harmless; however, they redirect to various unreliable and dubious sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so forth). In case of encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it.
If your computer is already infected with Windows Manager, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
AdvancedWindowsManager adware displaying an empty Command Prompt (cmd) window upon being opened:
Windows Manager adware's processes in the Task Manager (Advanced Windows Manager):
Windows Manager adware's processes in the Task Manager (Windows Updater):
Appearance of Windows Manager installer setup:
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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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Windows Manager?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Windows Manager application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Windows Manager ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Windows Manager' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Windows Manager extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove Windows Manager adware from Internet Explorer.
Windows Manager 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 "Windows Manager", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Windows Manager ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Windows Manager adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, Windows Manager 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 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 advancedwindowsmanager, 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 plugins 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 advancedwindowsmanager 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 advancedwindowsmanager, 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.
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 advancedwindowsmanager, 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.
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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on advancedwindowsmanager or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can affect computer performance, invade privacy, diminish the web browsing experience, and cause other problems. It depends on the capabilities of a specific application.
What does adware do?
Typically, adware generates annoying advertisements. Additionally, it can be used to promote fake search engines and (or) collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of them participate in various affiliate programs and use adware to promote websites, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Windows Manager adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and remove adware. It is recommended to remove adware automatically since manual removal does not always work - files (or other components) belonging to adware remain in the system even after the removal.
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