Removing YouTube Ad Remover adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is YouTube Ad Remover?
YouTube Ad Remover is a rogue browser extension, which we have researched. On its "official" site, this extension is promoted as a tool capable of blocking advertisements on YouTube videos. However, we found that when installed on Google Chrome, YouTube Ad Remover promises only to auto-skip said ads.
Instead of operating as advertised, this browser extension displayed various adverts. Therefore, we classify YouTube Ad Remover as adware.
YouTube Ad Remover adware overview
Advertising-supported software may require certain specifications to be met (e.g., compatible system/browser specs, user geolocation, etc.) - to deliver advertisement campaigns (i.e., display ads). On our test system, YouTube Ad Remover delivered adverts, yet it might not on others. However, even if adware does not show advertisements - that does not mean that it is harmless.
Adware-displayed ads endorse untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. What is more, some intrusive adverts can download/install software stealthily - when clicked.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are not advertised in this manner by their developers. This promotion is likely undertaken by scammers abusing affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
YouTube Ad Remover also request access to users' browsing data. Adware usually collects sensitive information (e.g., browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc.) to share it with and/or sell it to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like YouTube Ad Remover on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by YouTube Ad Remover |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | YouTube Ad Remover |
Supposed Functionality | YouTube ad blocker/auto-skipper |
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 analyzed countless adware-type applications and browser extensions; Digital Info, Tone, and Adless Browsing are just a few examples. This software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these functions are seldom operational, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did YouTube Ad Remover install on my computer?
Our researchers acquired YouTube Ad Remover from its "official" promotional page, which they accessed through a deceptive download site that in turn was promoted by a spam browser notification.
In general, dubious promotional/download webpages can be accessed variously, e.g., via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by other sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (capable of force-opening browsers).
Software bundling (packing regular programs with various additions) is also used to spread adware. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Additionally, once clicked on, intrusive advertisements may infiltrate advertising-supported software into systems.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and only downloading from official/verified sources. Furthermore, download/installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content tends to look harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with YouTube Ad Remover, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of YouTube Ad Remover adware's "official" website:
Screenshot of the deceptive website used to promote YouTube Ad Remover 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 YouTube Ad Remover?
- STEP 1. Uninstall YouTube Ad Remover application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove YouTube Ad Remover ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by YouTube Ad Remover' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove YouTube Ad Remover extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
YouTube Ad Remover 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 "YouTube Ad Remover", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes YouTube Ad Remover ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove YouTube Ad Remover 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 "YouTube Ad Remover", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by youtube ad remover, 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 "YouTube Ad Remover".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by youtube ad remover 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 youtube ad remover, 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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically has data tracking functionalities. Adware-delivered adverts can be dubious/malicious and cause various issues.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, services, etc. The developers of this software may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove YouTube Ad Remover adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. On the other hand, manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, although the adware itself is (manually) removed - leftover files remain within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is strongly advised to remove adware immediately and thoroughly.
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