Removing Toon Explorer adware-type browser extension and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Toon Explorer?
Toon Explorer is a browser extension promising easy access to cartoon-related online content. We discovered this piece of software while inspecting deceptive download websites. After analyzing Toon Explorer, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
Toon Explorer adware overview
Adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. To elaborate, this software might not display adverts if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to specific websites are not made, or similar. Regardless of whether Toon Explorer (or other adware) delivers ads - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements can severely diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpages and slowing down the browsing speed.
What is more, they primarily endorse untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can even stealthily download/install software upon being clicked.
Any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Toon Explorer spies on users' browsing activity. Data tracking functionalities are standard for advertising-supported software. Information of interest can include: browsing data, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of adware like Toon Explorer on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Toon Explorer |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Toon Explorer |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy access to cartoon-related content |
| 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
Max Dark, Dark It Online, and Encyclopedia Wanderer are just a few examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software tends to appear legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functionalities rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did Toon Explorer install on my computer?
We obtained Toon Explorer from a deceptive download page, and we found that this extension has an "official" promotional site. Websites of this kind are usually accessed inadvertently; most users enter them vis redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, or adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread using the bundling method - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious 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.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be approached with care - that includes reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We must emphasize the importance of being vigilant when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content typically looks innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear harmless yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such ads and/or redirects, check the device and remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Toon Explorer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Toon Explorer adware's official promotional website:
Screenshot of the deceptive website used to promote Toon Explorer 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 Toon Explorer?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Toon Explorer application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Toon Explorer ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Toon Explorer' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Toon Explorer extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Toon Explorer 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 "Toon Explorer", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Toon Explorer ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Toon Explorer 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 "Toon Explorer", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by toon explorer, 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 "Toon Explorer".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by toon explorer 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 toon explorer, 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 is also considered a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts mainly endorse deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily by promoting websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Toon Explorer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the software itself has been removed - file leftovers stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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