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How to remove Wind Blocker adware and the ads it displays?

Also Known As: Ads by Wind Blocker
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Wind Blocker?

Wind Blocker is a rogue browser extension endorsed as an adblocker. It is supposedly capable of eliminating various advertisements on the Web. Instead, Wind Blocker operates as adware, i.e., it displays ads. Furthermore, due to the questionable methods used to distribute software products within this classification, they are also considered to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

Wind Blocker adware asking for data-related permissions

Wind Blocker adware in detail

Adware delivers pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, full-page, and other intrusive adverts. They severely diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety. Intrusive advertisements endorse a variety of sale-oriented, rogue, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, compromised, and even malicious websites. What is more, some of these ads can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.

Adware typically has data tracking abilities, and Wind Blocker is not an exception. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Wind Blocker
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Wind Blocker
Supposed Functionality Ad-blocking tool
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.
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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.

Adware in general

Facebook account hack 2021 #1 fb hack appDomain InfoSteam Sheriff, and Still Sherpa are some examples of adware. It appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities that seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

In fact, this applies to nearly all PUAs. The sole aim of these apps is to generate revenue at user expense. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advert campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect private data.

How did Wind Blocker install on my computer?

Select PUAs (e.g., Wind Blocker) have "official" promotional/download sites. These applications are also proliferated using the "bundling" marketing technique - packing regular programs with various additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Upon being clicked, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software and only download from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled and harmful content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all additions. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate, yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with Wind Blocker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the website used to promote Wind Blocker adware:

Wind Blocker adware promoting site

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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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:

Wind Blocker adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Wind Blocker adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Wind Blocker", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Wind Blocker ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Wind Blocker adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Wind Blocker  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Wind Blocker", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Wind Blocker ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by wind blocker, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Wind Blocker ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Wind Blocker".

Removing Wind Blocker ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by wind blocker removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by wind blocker, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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 ads by wind blocker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish the browsing experience and decrease system performance. Furthermore, adware that has data-tracking abilities (e.g., Wind Blocker) poses a threat to user privacy. What is more, adware-delivered adverts often promote malicious content that can lead to a variety of serious issues.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to display various ads on any visited website and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates profit through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, applications, services, and other content. The developers of this software can get commission from ad clicks, site visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Wind Blocker adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal may not be a perfect solution, as leftover files might remain hiding within the system. Hence, even if the software itself is eliminated, some of its remnants may remain present and continue running.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Wind Blocker QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Wind Blocker on your mobile device.
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