How to remove the Link Locator adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Link Locator?
While inspecting suspicious websites, our researchers discovered the Link Locator browser extension. It is promoted as a tool capable of displaying all links associated with a website in its interface. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it operates as adware.
Link Locator adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to enable the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These ads primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware might need the browser/system to be compatible, specific websites to be visited, or other conditions to be suitable – in order to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Even if Link Locator does not display ads – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.
Furthermore, this browser extension spies on users' browsing activity. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following data: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like Link Locator on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Link Locator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Link Locator |
| Supposed Functionality | Displaying all the links associated with a website. |
| 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 inspected countless adware samples; Word Replace And Load, Snetchball, and Split Files are just a couple of our latest finds.
This software typically appears legitimate and offers various handy functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational. Note that whether an app or extension works as advertised is irrelevant, as it can still be harmful.
How did Link Locator install on my computer?
We obtained Link Locator from its "official" promotional webpage and found several deceptive sites endorsing this browser extension. Users typically enter such pages through redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Additionally, intrusive adverts are used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Link Locator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Link Locator adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshots of deceptive websites used to promote Link Locator 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 Link Locator?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue 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 applications, 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 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 "Link Locator" 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 link locator, 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by link locator 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 link locator, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by link locator or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware displays advertisements promoting dangerous content capable of causing severe issues, e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc. Adware is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on various interfaces. Advertising-supported software may also be capable of force-opening websites and collecting sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Link Locator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) may remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components can continue to run and cause issues. Hence, adware must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion