How to remove Encyclopedia Wanderer browser extension and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Encyclopedia Wanderer?
Encyclopedia Wanderer is a browser extension endorsed as a learning tool, which our researchers discovered while inspecting deceptive download webpages. After analyzing this extension, we learned that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
Encyclopedia Wanderer adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. However, its presence may remain unnoticed as it might not deliver ads due to unmet specifications (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, etc.). Regardless of whether Encyclopedia Wanderer (or other advertising-supported software) displays adverts or not, it endangers device and user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements primarily endorse unreliable/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of infiltrating software into systems upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate content encountered via these ads is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers/creators. This promotion is primarily undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Encyclopedia Wanderer spies on users' browsing activity. Advertising-supported software typically targets browsing data (e.g., visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, etc.), personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related information, etc. The collected data is monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Encyclopedia Wanderer on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Encyclopedia Wanderer |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Encyclopedia Wanderer |
| Supposed Functionality | Learning 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
Ad Block Ultra, Dark It Online, and Dark-View are just a few examples of the adware we have recently analyzed. This software seldom looks suspicious, it tends to appear legitimate and useful. It entices users into download/installation with promises of various handy functionalities, which are rarely operational.
How did Encyclopedia Wanderer install on my computer?
We discovered Encyclopedia Wanderer being promoted by a deceptive website, and our research also uncovered this extension being pushed through other scam pages and even an "official" download site.
Adware-endorsing websites are mainly accessed via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download 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 system.
Intrusive advertisements are used to spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and using only official/verified download channels. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - as fraudulent and malicious content tends to appear legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Encyclopedia Wanderer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Encyclopedia Wanderer adware's official website:
Screenshots of the deceptive websites used to promote Encyclopedia Wanderer 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 Encyclopedia Wanderer?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Encyclopedia Wanderer application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Encyclopedia Wanderer ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Encyclopedia Wanderer' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Encyclopedia Wanderer extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Encyclopedia Wanderer 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 "Encyclopedia Wanderer", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Encyclopedia Wanderer ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Encyclopedia Wanderer 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 "Encyclopedia Wanderer", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by encyclopedia wanderer, 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 "Encyclopedia Wanderer".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by encyclopedia wanderer 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 encyclopedia wanderer, 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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It also endangers user privacy, as it usually collects private data. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functionality is enabling the placement of ads on visited sites and/or different interfaces. Some types may also be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Encyclopedia Wanderer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - leftover files remain in the system. What is more, such remnants might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
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