Removal instructions for the Video Player Plus adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Video Player Plus?
While checking out suspicious sites, we discovered one promoting the Video Player Plus browser extension. It is presented as a tool that enables users to easily download videos in multiple formats. However, after inspecting Video Player Plus – we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware).
Video Player Plus adware overview
Adware runs intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, it displays advertisements on visited sites and/or different interfaces. The delivered adverts endorse various scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can even perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services can be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by the actual developers/creators. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing affiliate programs of genuine content in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may not operate as designed if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, particular websites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether Video Player Plus displays advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
What is more, this rogue extension collects private data. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of adware on a device can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Video Player Plus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Video Player Plus |
| Supposed Functionality | Tool for easy download of videos in multiple formats. |
| 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 thousands of adware-type apps and browser extensions; Link Locator, Word Replace And Load, Split Files, Snetchball, and Library Games are just some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and innocuous. It entices users into download/installation with a wide variety of "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Even if adware operates as advertised, that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did Video Player Plus install on my computer?
We obtained the Video Player Plus browser extension from its "official" download webpage, and we found deceptive sites promoting it. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of them are able to execute scripts designed to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, when installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, and so forth.
It is essential to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts can look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Video Player Plus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Video Player Plus adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Video Player Plus 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 Video Player Plus?
- 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 Video Player Plus 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 "Video Player Plus" 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 video player plus, 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 video player plus 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 video player plus, 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 displays advertisements endorsing deceptive and malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, the software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually collects vulnerable information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by promoting websites, apps, products, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Video Player Plus adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various files remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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