Removing Skip Ads adware-type browser extension and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Skip Ads?
Skip Ads is a rogue browser extension. Based on its name, it is evidently promoted as an adblock-type software. However, following its installation onto our test machine, Skip Ads began running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Therefore, this piece of software is categorized as adware.
Skip Ads adware overview
We have observed Skip Ads displaying various advertisements. It is noteworthy that adware often requires certain conditions to be met (e.g., matching system/browser specs, preferred geolocations, users visiting specific websites, etc.) - to deliver ads. However, even if this software does not work as intended on a device - that does not mean that it is harmless.
Generally, adware can display pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page, and other intrusive advertisements. They are used to endorse a wide variety of harmful content, e.g., pop-up scams, untrustworthy and dangerous websites/software, and even malware.
We have also noticed such adverts being used to promote genuine content. However, reputable developers do not advertise their products in this manner; it is usually done by scammers using affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions. What is more, when clicked, some intrusive ads can infiltrate software into systems.
When installing Skip Ads, our researchers noted that it asked permission to monitor browsing activity. Adware typically uses data tracking abilities to collect users' browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and other sensitive information. The gathered data can be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of adware on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Skip Ads |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Skip Ads |
| Supposed Functionality | Adblock-type functions |
| 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
AlphaSpeedBooster, Pureweb, and BackLinks Monitor are merely a few examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software usually looks innocuous and promises "useful" functionalities. However, the functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Skip Ads install on my computer?
We obtained Skip Ads from its "official" download page, which we found via deceptive browser notifications. However, adware developers use various techniques to spread their products.
Promotional/download webpages are also pushed through intrusive ads, sites that use rogue advertising networks, or they can be force-opened by installed software with such capabilities.
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs as well. Download from dubious channels and rushed installation processes increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Additionally, select intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations - upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. Download/Installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, our researchers advise reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing. Intrusive ads appear legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected. If your computer is already infected with Skip Ads, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Skip Ads 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 Skip Ads?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Skip Ads application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Skip Ads ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Skip Ads' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Skip Ads extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Skip Ads 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 "Skip Ads", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Skip Ads ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Skip Ads 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 "Skip Ads", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by skip ads, 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 "Skip Ads".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by skip ads 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 skip ads, 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 typically diminishes the browsing experience and/or system performance. This software also endangers user privacy if it has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-displayed ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display various adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware can generate revenue by promoting websites, products, services, and so on. The developers can earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Skip Ads adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal might not be sufficient to eliminate adware in its entirety. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) deleted - various file leftovers remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, such remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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