How to remove the Auto Skip Ads adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Auto Skip Ads?
Auto Skip Ads is the name of a browser extension that our researchers found while inspecting questionable software-promoting sites. This piece of software promises a feature that blocks/skips advertisements on YouTube. However, our analysis revealed that this extension operates as adware instead. Auto Skip Ads displays adverts and collects browsing-related data.
Auto Skip Ads adware overview
Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Auto Skip Ads (or other adware) displays ads - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Auto Skip Ads has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically targets visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered data is monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like Auto Skip Ads on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Auto Skip Ads |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Auto Skip Ads |
| Supposed Functionality | Advertisement blocking/skipping 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 countless adware samples; Cinemate, Ads Skipping Over, Quick Files Download, Secure Color Search - are merely some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also endangers device integrity and user privacy.
How did Auto Skip Ads install on my computer?
We acquired Auto Skip Ads from its "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such sites, adware is promoted through scam pages. Most users access them via redirects caused by websites 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 through intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (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 and verified channels. Furthermore, when installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
We also recommend exercising caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate - however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/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 Auto Skip Ads, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of Auto Skip Ads adware's "official" promotional website:
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 Auto Skip Ads?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Auto Skip Ads application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Auto Skip Ads ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Auto Skip Ads' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Auto Skip Ads extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Auto Skip Ads 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 "Auto Skip Ads", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Auto Skip Ads ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Auto Skip Ads adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Auto Skip Ads 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 "Auto Skip Ads" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by auto skip ads, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Auto Skip Ads" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by auto skip ads 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 auto skip ads, 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 this software usually has data tracking abilities. Adware-delivered ads endorse hazardous content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open websites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates most of its revenue through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Auto Skip Ads adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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