Removal instructions for youtube_ad_remover adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is youtube_ad_remover?
While inspecting dubious download pages, our research team discovered the youtube_ad_remover browser extension. Based on its name, we can presume that this extension promises to eliminate advertisements displayed on YouTube videos.
After analyzing the youtube_ad_remover browser extension, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
Youtube_ad_remover adware overview
It is important to mention that adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, whether this software delivers ads may depend on the browser/system or user geolocation compatibility, visits to specific websites, or similar. However, adware (youtube_ad_remover included) endangers device/user safety regardless of whether it displays ads.
Adware-delivered adverts primarily promote unreliable/harmful sites and apps, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to download/install software stealthily.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. This promotion is usually undertaken by the scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
What is more, youtube_ad_remover spies on users' browsing activity. Advertising-supported software typically gathers browsing-related data, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and other vulnerable information. The collected data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like youtube_ad_remover on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by youtube_ad_remover |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | youtube_ad_remover |
Supposed Functionality | Advertisement removal from YouTube |
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; Toon Explorer, Scroll to Top, and max dark are a couple examples of those we have inspected recently. Advertising-supported software typically appears harmless and offers "useful" functionalities. However, the promised features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did youtube_ad_remover install on my computer?
We acquired youtube_ad_remover from a suspicious download webpage. Users usually access such sites inadvertently; most enter them via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated using the bundling marketing technique - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P 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 adverts can make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official/verified sources.
Installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads look harmless, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with youtube_ad_remover, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote youtube_ad_remover 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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Quick menu:
- What is youtube_ad_remover?
- STEP 1. Uninstall youtube_ad_remover application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove youtube_ad_remover ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by youtube_ad_remover' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove youtube_ad_remover extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Youtube_ad_remover 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 "youtube_ad_remover", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes youtube_ad_remover ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove youtube_ad_remover adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Youtube_ad_remover 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 "youtube_ad_remover", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by youtube_ad_remover, 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 "youtube_ad_remover".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by youtube_ad_remover 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 youtube_ad_remover, 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 may diminish browsing quality and system performance. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat - since this software tends to have data tracking functionalities. Additionally, adware-displayed advertisements often promote untrustworthy/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to enable the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers mainly profit via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, applications, products, services, and so on. They may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove youtube_ad_remover adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be effective. In some cases, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - leftover files remain hidden in the system. Additionally, these remnants may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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