How to remove Web Ad Block browser extension and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Web Ad Block?
Web Ad Block is a browser extension that our research team discovered while inspecting dubious download webpages. This piece of software promises to block advertisements on the YouTube video-hosting platform.
However, our analysis revealed that instead of removing ads, this extension displays them (i.e., operates as adware). Additionally, Web Ad Block spies on browsing activity.
Web Ad Block adware overview
Adware displays advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These ads promote various questionable and harmful sites, e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, fake virus alerts, bogus outdated software warnings, phishing, and so on.
The delivered adverts can also push websites that endorse adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, and even trojans, ransomware, etc. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered through adware are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by their developers. Instead, this promotion is primarily undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that advertising-supported software might not deliver adverts due to certain factors (e.g., incompatible browser/system, particular websites are not visited, etc.). However, whether Web Ad Block displays ads is irrelevant - since its presence endangers device/user safety regardless.
Web Ad Block has data tracking abilities, which are common for adware. Targeted data can include: browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials (passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Web Ad Block on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Web Ad Block |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Web Ad Block |
| Supposed Functionality | Advertisement blocking on 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; Fit Video Display, Downloading Files, Moviety - are merely a few of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers various "advantageous" features. However, these functionalities are rarely operational.
How did Web Ad Block install on my computer?
We acquired Web Ad Block from its "official" promotional page. In addition to such webpages, adware is pushed through scam websites. Most users enter these pages through redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official and verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additional apps, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look ordinary/innocuous yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you experience ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Web Ad Block, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Web Ad Block 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 Web Ad Block?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Web Ad Block application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Web Ad Block ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Web Ad Block' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Web Ad Block extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Web Ad Block 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 "Web Ad Block", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Web Ad Block ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Web Ad Block adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Web Ad Block 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 "Web Ad Block", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by web ad block, 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 "Web Ad Block".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by web ad block 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 web ad block, 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 to be a privacy threat, as advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, it displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content, which can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers primarily profit by promoting various websites, products, services, and similar through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Web Ad Block adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - file remnants can stay hidden within the system. What is more, such components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is essential to remove adware thoroughly.
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