How to get rid of Rainbow Blocker adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Rainbow Blocker?
During a routine inspection of deceptive download pages, our research team discovered the Rainbow Blocker browser extension. This piece of software claims to be an adblocker (online advertisement remover); instead, it operates as adware. After analyzing Rainbow Blocker, we learned that it displays ads and collects private data.
Rainbow Blocker adware overview
While Rainbow Blocker ran intrusive advertisement campaigns when installed onto our test machine, it might not on other systems. This is due to adware requiring certain conditions to be met (e.g., compatible browser/device or user geolocation, visits to particular webpages, etc.) - to display adverts. However, regardless of whether Rainbow Blocker (or other adware) delivers ads or not - its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
The advertisements displayed by advertising-supported software promote various unreliable/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to make stealthy downloads/installations.
Any legitimate products encountered through these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. This endorsement is usually undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Rainbow Blocker has data tracking abilities. Adware typically targets browsing data, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. The gathered data is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of Rainbow Blocker or similar software on a device - can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Rainbow Blocker |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Rainbow Blocker |
| Supposed Functionality | Adblocking (advertisement removing) |
| 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 thousands of adware samples; Pro Dark, AdzShield, and Get Icons are a couple of our latest finds. This software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" features (e.g., adblocking, website dark mode enablement, quick access to specific online content, file format conversion, etc.). Regardless of how good the promised functionalities may sound, they are rarely operational.
How did Rainbow Blocker install on my computer?
We obtained Rainbow Blocker from a dubious download page, and we discovered several more promoting this browser extension.
Adware often has "official" sites, which are seldom accessed intentionally. Most users enter them via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Downloads from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can download/install unwanted software (adware included) without user permission - upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software products and performing all downloads from official/verified channels. When installing - we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is exercising caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to look harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear innocuous, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such ads and/or redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Rainbow Blocker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of websites used to promote Rainbow Blocker 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 Rainbow Blocker?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Rainbow Blocker application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Rainbow Blocker ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Rainbow Blocker' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Rainbow Blocker extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Rainbow Blocker 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 "Rainbow Blocker", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Rainbow Blocker ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Rainbow Blocker adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Rainbow Blocker 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 "Rainbow Blocker", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by rainbow blocker, 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 "Rainbow Blocker".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by rainbow blocker 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 rainbow blocker, 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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat - since advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities. What is more, adware-displayed advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it enables the placement of ads on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also force-open pages and gather vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is generated through affiliate programs in the form of commissions received for the promotion of various websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Rainbow Blocker adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay hidden in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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