How to remove AlphaSpeedBooster adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is AlphaSpeedBooster?
AlphaSpeedBooster is an adware-type browser extension. It is endorsed as a tool supposedly capable of reducing webpage loading times. Due to the dubious methods used to distribute software products of this type, they are also categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
AlphaSpeedBooster adware overview
AlphaSpeedBooster enables the placement of third-party graphical content on visited websites. Adware can display pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive advertisements. They endorse various unreliable and malicious sites. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - upon being clicked.
What is more, AlphaSpeedBooster can track data. Adware usually has such abilities and employs them to gather users' browsing information, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AlphaSpeedBooster |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | AlphaSpeedBooster |
| Supposed Functionality | Tool to speed up webpage loading time. |
| 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
SmartTravel, SafeTravel, and BackLinks Monitor are a few examples of adware. This software appears harmless and promises "handy" features, which rarely work. In fact, functionality and user safety are irrelevant for most PUAs, as their only goal is to generate revenue for the developers. Instead of delivering on promises, unwanted apps can run intrusive advert campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and gather private information.
How did AlphaSpeedBooster install on my computer?
PUAs are spread using the "bundling" marketing tactic - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Using dubious download channels and rushing through installation processes increases the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Some PUAs also have "official" promotional/download pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is highly recommended to research software and only download from official/verified channels. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all additions. Intrusive advertisements look legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins - immediately removed. If your computer is already infected with AlphaSpeedBooster, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this 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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Quick menu:
- What is AlphaSpeedBooster?
- STEP 1. Uninstall AlphaSpeedBooster application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove AlphaSpeedBooster ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by AlphaSpeedBooster' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove AlphaSpeedBooster extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
AlphaSpeedBooster 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 "AlphaSpeedBooster", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes AlphaSpeedBooster ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove AlphaSpeedBooster 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 "AlphaSpeedBooster", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by alphaspeedbooster, 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 "AlphaSpeedBooster".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by alphaspeedbooster 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 alphaspeedbooster, 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. This software (e.g., AlphaSpeedBooster) typically has data tracking abilities that make it a threat to user privacy. What is more, adware-displayed ads can be dubious/malicious and cause other serious problems.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers mainly profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, products, services, etc. Commission may be earned from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AlphaSpeedBooster adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating all detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware is removed - file leftovers remain hiding in the system. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware immediately and thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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