How to remove PDFEditor adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is PDFEditor?
We have discovered the PDFEditor application while checking the samples submitted to VirusTotal. Our team has tested PDFEditor and found that it has the qualities of adware - it is an advertising-supported application. Although, it is promoted as a PDF editor - a tool that allows users to edit PDF documents.
PDFEditor adware in detail
Typically, adware-type apps feed users with annoying advertisements such as pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc. The problem with clicking on ads generated by adware is that they can open untrustworthy websites, for example, download pages for questionable apps, various scams, phishing sites.
Since PDFEditor is adware, ads appearing from this app should not be clicked. In some cases, adware can generate ads designed to run certain scripts and download or install unwanted software.
| Name | Ads by PDFEditor |
| Threat Type | Push notifications ads, Unwanted ads, Pop-up ads |
| Detection Names (Installer) | Avast (Win32:UnwantedSig [PUP]), AVG (Win32:UnwantedSig [PUP]), Gridinsoft (Adware.Shortcuts.dd!c), K7AntiVirus ( Adware ( 005894f61 )), McAfee (Artemis!7C04D9C803E4), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Application) | Gridinsoft (Adware.Win64.Shortcuts.dd!s1), Zillya (Adware.Alien.Win32.23), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Unwanted applications in general
We have tested plenty of advertising-supported apps and noticed that some of them can gather information. In some cases, they can access sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords. A couple examples of other adware-type apps that we have discovered are DefenderBadUrl, Ad 'n Popup-Blocker, YouTube Ad Remover.
How did adware install on my computer?
Lots of advertising-supported apps are distributed using deceptive websites (for example, websites offering to update the supposedly outdated software). Also, they are distributed using downloaders and installers for other programs, shady advertisements.
Adware gets downloaded and installed alongside other software when users download or install that software without deselecting unwanted apps. Usually, optional downloads and installations can be deselected using "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings available in downloaders and installers.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from official websites (the sample applies to files). Do not click on advertisements and fake "Download" buttons displayed on shady web pages. Deselect unwanted apps before downloading and installing software. Do not agree to receive notifications from untrustworthy pages.
If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Download page for PDFEditor:
The installer for PDFEditor:
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 PDFEditor?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
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 "PDFEditor" and other unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by pdfeditor, 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 plug-ins 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by pdfeditor 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 pdfeditor, 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:
If you have additional information on ads by pdfeditor or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
After testing a great deal of adware-type applications, we noticed that the most common problems with having them installed are decreased computer performance and diminished Internet browsing experience.
What does adware do?
Adware generates advertisements. Additionally, it can be used to promote fake search engines and collect information about users.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
In most cases, adware is monetized through affiliate programs. It is used to promote various websites, services, products, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PDFEditor adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all detected adware. It will not leave any files belonging to adware in the system, which is often is a problem while trying to get rid of adware manually.
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