Removing HopStrem adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is HopStrem?
While making a routine inspection of rogue websites, our researchers discovered a deceptive webpage promoting the HopStrem browser extension. It promises to improve users' browsing experience by removing pop-ups and other ads. After installing HopStrem onto our test machine, we determined that this piece of software operates as adware.
HopStrem adware overview
Adware may require certain conditions to be met to work (i.e., display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces). For example, software of this kind may need the device/browser specs to be compatible with it or for users to visit specific sites (as the adware injects ads only into those pages).
Therefore, while HopStrem delivered ads during testing, it might not behave the same on other systems. Regardless, the presence of adware on devices endangers system/user safety.
The adverts displayed by adware typically endorse various scams, untrustworthy and harmful software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software stealthily.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products encountered through these advertisements are unlikely to be advertised in this manner by their developers. Instead, this promotion technique is primarily employed by scammers using affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
What is more, HopStrem requests permission to monitor users' browsing information. Adware usually has data tracking abilities and uses them to collect sensitive information (e.g., browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, etc.) with the goal of selling it to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like HopStrem on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by HopStrem |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | HopStrem |
| Supposed Functionality | Adblocking 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 examples
We have researched thousands of adware samples; Tone, Esperanto Dictionary, Video Explorer, and InstaQuick are just a few of them. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "advantageous" features, which rarely work. Therefore, not only is it useless, but adware also endangers device/user safety.
How did HopStrem install on my computer?
We have downloaded HopStrem from a deceptive website, which we found while researching untrustworthy sites. However, we have noted several pages promoting HopStrem, including an "official" download webpage. Such websites can be accessed through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by others using rogue advertising networks, deceptive browser notifications, intrusive advertisements, or installed adware capable of force-opening pages.
Adware can infiltrate systems variously. Once clicked on, intrusive adverts can download/install software without user permission. "Bundling" - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious channels and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified channels. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - commonly offer bundled software/media. We also advise treating installation processes with care, e.g., reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing since dubious/malicious content tends to look legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts appear innocuous yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such advertisements/redirects, inspect your system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HopStrem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of HopStrem adware's "official" promotional websites:
Appearance of the deceptive website used to promote HopStrem adware (GIF):
Screenshots of this deceptive site's pages:
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 HopStrem?
- STEP 1. Uninstall HopStrem application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove HopStrem ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by HopStrem' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove HopStrem extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
HopStrem 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 "HopStrem", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes HopStrem ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove HopStrem 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 "HopStrem", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by hopstrem, 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 "HopStrem".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by hopstrem 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 hopstrem, 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.
Post a comment:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can negatively affect browsing quality and system performance. This software (e.g., HopStrem) typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
The primary sources of revenue for adware are affiliate programs through which it obtains commissions by promoting websites, software, products, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HopStrem adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is worth mentioning that manual removal is not always a perfect solution. Since even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various file leftovers might remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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