Removing SpeedTestMe adware-type browser extension and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SpeedTestMe?
Discovered by our researchers while inspecting sites that use rogue advertising networks, SpeedTestMe is a browser extension endorsed as an Internet speed testing tool. It is supposedly capable of measuring webpage loading times, download speeds, etc. Having analyzed this extension, we can conclude that it operates as adware.
SpeedTestMe adware overview
After being installed onto our test system, the SpeedTestMe browser extension began running intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., displaying ads).
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to be met (e.g., compatible system/browser specs, visits to particular sites, etc.) - to deliver advert campaigns. However, even if SpeedTestMe (or other adware) does not display adverts - that does not mean that its presence on a device is harmless.
Adware-delivered advertisements typically promote untrustworthy/hazardous websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software without user consent.
It is improbable that any legitimate products encountered through these adverts are promoted in this manner by their developers. This advertising method is most commonly used by scammers abusing affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
What is more, SpeedTestMe spies on users' browsing activity. Adware usually targets the following information - browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information is monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like SpeedTestMe on devices - can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SpeedTestMe |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | SpeedTestMe |
| Supposed Functionality | Internet speed testing 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
Routes, PDFEditor, MapIt, TikTok Finder, and Adskip Love are just some examples of the adware-type apps and browser extensions we have analyzed. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, the functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did SpeedTestMe install on my computer?
We obtained SpeedTestMe from its "official" promotional webpage, which we discovered by being redirected to it by a site using rogue advertising networks. Adware-promoting websites are usually accessed inadvertently, e.g., via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by rogue webpages, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Software bundling - packing regular program installers with various additions - is also used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Download from dubious sources (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.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We also recommend exercising caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content typically looks legitimate. For example, intrusive ads appear harmless - however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SpeedTestMe, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote SpeedTestMe 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 SpeedTestMe?
- STEP 1. Uninstall SpeedTestMe application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove SpeedTestMe ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by SpeedTestMe' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove SpeedTestMe extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
SpeedTestMe 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 "SpeedTestMe", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes SpeedTestMe ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove SpeedTestMe adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove SpeedTestMe adware using Combo Cleaner:
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 "SpeedTestMe", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by speedtestme, 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 "SpeedTestMe".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by speedtestme 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 speedtestme, 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 speedtestme or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software is also considered a privacy threat since it usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause various problems.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it enables the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open dubious webpages and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is generated through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, apps, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SpeedTestMe adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, despite the software itself being eliminated - file leftovers remain hidden in the system. What is more, these remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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