How to uninstall Power Off adware and remove the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Power Off adware?
Power Off is a rogue application supposedly capable of managing program processes, e.g., launching, scheduling, restarting, shutting down, etc. Our researchers determined that this piece of software operates as advertising-supported software (adware) - by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.
Power Off adware overview
Adware displays various ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions (e.g., compatible device/browser specs, users visits to certain sites, etc.) - to deliver advert campaigns. Therefore, while Power Off did display advertisements on our test system, it might not on others. However, that does not mean that its presence on a device is harmless.
Adware-delivered adverts can diminish the browser experience and endanger device/user safety. They promote untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. What is more, some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software stealthily.
Most adware-type apps have data tracking abilities, and Power Off may have them as well. This software primarily targets browsing activity, personally identifiable details, account credentials, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information is monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Power Off on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Power Off |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Supposed Functionality | Process management |
| Detection Names (rogue installer) | Avast (Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Dropped:Trojan.GenericKDZ.81454), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Backdoor.Win32.Agent.myugrq), Malwarebytes (Malware.AI.3519753095), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (app) | MaxSecure (Trojan.Malware.300983.susgen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.TE.B!ml), SecureAge APEX (Malicious), SentinelOne (Static ML) (Static AI - Suspicious PE), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| 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
PDFEditor, DefenderBadUrl, Bio Diversity, and YouTube Ad Remover are a few examples of the many adware-type apps and browser extensions we have analyzed. This software looks legitimate and offers "handy" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did Power Off install on my computer?
Our researchers found Power Off's malicious installer on a "crack" website. However, adware is distributed using a wide variety of questionable techniques.
For example, software "bundling" - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious 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 adverts can download/install advertising-supported software without user consent.
Adware can also have "official" promotional/download webpages, which are typically accessed via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (capable of force-opening browsers).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. When downloading/installing, we advise reading terms, exploring 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 advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Power Off, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Power Off adware's installation folder:
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 Power Off?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Power Off application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Power Off ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Power Off' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Power Off extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Power Off 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 "powerOff version 1.5" (or something similar), select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Power Off ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Power Off adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, Power Off did not install its browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by power off, 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by power off 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 power off, 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. It usually has data tracking abilities, in which case this software is considered a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver advertisements and display them on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit mostly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, products, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Power Off adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate existing adware-type applications. On the other hand, manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. Since various file leftovers may remain in the system even after the adware itself is (manually) removed. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware immediately and thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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