How to remove the Tabs Organizer adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Tabs Organizer?
During a routine inspection of suspicious websites, our researchers discovered a page promoting the Tabs Organizer browser extension, wherein it is endorsed as an adblocker. Although, in the extension's description, this software is presented as a browser tab, bookmark, and history navigation optimization tool. However, our analysis revealed that Tabs Organizer operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
Tabs Organizer adware overview
Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts push online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is highly unlikely to be promoted by its developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that adware might not deliver adverts if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if Tabs Organizer does not run intrusive ad campaigns – its presence endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, this rogue browser extension spies on users' browsing activity. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, bookmarks, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like Tabs Organizer on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Tabs Organizer |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Tabs Organizer |
Supposed Functionality | Adblocker and/or browser tab, bookmark, and history navigation optimization tool. |
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; Notification Manager, Website Screen Protection, Web Image Downloader, Word Counter Widget, Link Locator – are merely some of our newest finds.
This software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of various "handy" features that are rarely functional. Even if adware operates as promised – that does not mean that it is legitimate or safe.
How did Tabs Organizer install on my computer?
We acquired Tabs Organizer from a dubious software-endorsing webpage. Adware can have legitimate-looking promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites.
Most users access such webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware is proliferated by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before download/installation and/or purchase. It is just as important to download only from official and verified channels. Additionally, installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears ordinary/innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Tabs Organizer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Tabs Organizer 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 Tabs Organizer?
- 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 Tabs Organizer 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 "Tabs Organizer" 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 tabs organizer, 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 tabs organizer 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 tabs organizer, 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?
The presence of adware on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, this software usually collects vulnerable data – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy. Adware displays ads that endorse deceptive and malicious content capable of causing system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display adverts on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types can cause redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Tabs Organizer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftover files can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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