How to remove Wind Blocker adware and the ads it displays?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
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 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.
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. |
Adware in general
Facebook account hack 2021 #1 fb hack app, Domain Info, Steam 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:
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 Wind Blocker?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Wind Blocker application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Wind Blocker ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Wind Blocker' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Wind Blocker extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Wind Blocker 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 "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:
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 "Wind Blocker", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
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 (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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Wind Blocker".
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, 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 wind 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 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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