How to remove LightSurf adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is LightSurf?
After testing the LightSurf, our team concluded that it is an advertising-supported app. It displays intrusive advertisements. Additionally, it can read and change data on visited websites. We discovered this site on a deceptive web page claiming that it might be required to add LightSurf to a web browser.
LightSurf in detail
LightSurf is promoted as an app that provides a dark mode for simple websites. However, its developers disclose the detail that LightSurf generates banners, pop-ups, coupons, and other ads. Clicking on those ads can open untrustworthy websites designed to extract personal information and money, distribute malware or other unwanted software, etc.
Also, ads displayed by adware may cause unwanted downloads and installations. In addition o showing ads, LightSurf can read browsing-related and possibly other information. Its developers might misuse gathered data for malicious purposes (e.g., they may sell it to third parties).
| Name | Ads by LightSurf |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware in general
Adware is often promoted as useful software that includes some features. In all cases, it displays annoying advertisements. Additionally, software of this type can promote fake search engines (by changing the settings of a web browser) and gather data. More adware examples are File Download Manager, DimMode, and Reduce-Light.
How did adware install on my computer?
We found at least two websites promoting LightSurf: one official and one deceptive. In both cases, this app gets added to an Internet browser after completing the steps provided on those pages. Also, adware can be installed via shady ads, fake installers, and software bundles.
In the last case, users install adware after they complete installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings provided in installers. Typically, adware is bundled with free software.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download all programs/applications and files from official pages and stores. Do not trust unofficial pages, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, etc. Check downloaders and installers for "Custom", "Advanced", and other settings, and deselect unwanted apps before downloading and installing software.
Also, do not click on advertisements displayed on shady pages or agree to receive notifications from such web pages. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Deceptive web page promoting LightSurf adware:
Another site promoting this 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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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 LightSurf?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
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 any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove LightSurf 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 "LightSurf" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by lightsurf, 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 plug-ins 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by lightsurf 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 lightsurf, 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?
In most cases, users who have adware installed on their computers (added to browsers) experience issues such as slow computer performance and diminished web browsing experience. Sometimes, they encounter problems related to online privacy.
What does adware do?
All adware-type applications generate unwanted advertisements. Additionally, they can be designed to hijack web browsers and gather information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most adware developers participate in affiliate programs to monetize adware by promoting various web pages, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LightSurf adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and eliminate all adware-type applications. Note that manual removal may not work since various file leftovers may remain in the system after the removal. Combo Cleaner removes unwanted apps without leaving any of their data in the system.
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