How to remove Research Alts adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Research Alts?
Research Alts is the name of a rogue browser extension that our researchers found while inspecting dubious download websites. It is endorsed as a tool capable of providing additional search results when a site is down (unavailable) - specifically within the realm of interest for students and researchers. Our analysis of Research Alts revealed that it operates as adware.
Research Alts adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The delivered adverts endorse untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.) to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. However, regardless of whether Research Alts (or other adware) displays adverts - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, Research Alts has data tracking abilities. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, financial/banking data, etc. The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of Research Alts or similar software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Research Alts |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Research Alts |
| Supposed Functionality | Providing additional search results when a website is down. |
| 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; Renew Search, Settings, Files Download Now, and Down Assist are just some examples of our latest finds. This software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational.
How did Research Alts install on my computer?
We obtained Research Alts from its "official" download webpage. Additionally, such software is promoted through scam sites. Most users enter both types of websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Furthermore, when installing, it is crucial to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
If you experience ads and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Research Alts, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Research Alts 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 Research Alts?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Research Alts application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Research Alts ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Research Alts' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Research Alts extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Research Alts 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 "Research Alts", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Research Alts ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Research Alts adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Research Alts 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 "Research Alts", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by research alts, 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 "Research Alts".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by research alts 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 research alts, 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 experience and system performance. It usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, advertising-supported software display ads that can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types are capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their revenue via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Research Alts adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all the adware-type apps detected. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after advertising-supported software is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. Furthermore, this leftover content can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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