How to remove Fast PDF Reader adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Fast PDF Reader?
Fast PDF Reader is a rogue browser extension that our researchers discovered while inspecting deceptive download webpages. This piece of software is promoted as a free file reader capable of opening PDF, DOC, XLS, and PPT formats. After analyzing Fast PDF Reader, we determined that it is adware.
Fast PDF Reader adware overview
Adware operates by displaying ads on visited websites and other interfaces. These advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software.
Note that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that although adware may be present, yet not run any advertisement campaigns (i.e., not display advertisements). This can be due to the browser/system or user geolocation being incompatible, users not visiting specific websites, or similar. However, regardless of whether Fast PDF Reader (or other advertising-supported software) delivers adverts or not - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, Fast PDF Reader has data tracking functionalities. Information of interest can include browsing-related data (e.g., visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, etc.), personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like Fast PDF Reader on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Fast PDF Reader |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Fast PDF Reader |
| Supposed Functionality | File reader |
| 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
Ultimate Ad Eraser, shade area, Ads Skipping, and reuse tab are just some examples of the adware-type browser extensions that we have recently analyzed. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "handy" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, the promised functions are usually nonoperational.
How did Fast PDF Reader install on my computer?
We acquired Fast PDF Reader from its "official" download webpage. We also found a deceptive page running a variant of the "Adobe Flash Player Update" scam that promotes Fast PDF Reader. Users typically enter such websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing - since fake and malicious content tends to look legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts appear harmless yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If your experience advertisements/redirects of this type, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Fast PDF Reader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Fast PDF Reader adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of the deceptive website promoting Fast PDF Reader 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 Fast PDF Reader?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Fast PDF Reader application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Fast PDF Reader ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Fast PDF Reader' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Fast PDF Reader extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Fast PDF Reader 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 "Fast PDF Reader", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Fast PDF Reader ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Fast PDF Reader 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 "Fast PDF Reader", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fast pdf reader, 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 "Fast PDF Reader".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by fast pdf reader 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 fast pdf reader, 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 endangers device integrity and user safety. It can decrease the browsing quality and system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. What is more, adware-delivered advertisements endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This software may also force-open webpages and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Fast PDF Reader adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been removed - file leftovers remain in the system. What is more, such components can continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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