Removing the fake "Ads Blocker Pro" extension that operates as adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Ads Blocker Pro?
Our research team discovered the Ads Blocker Pro browser extension while investigating rogue webpages. This extension is promoted as an adblocker – a tool that removes advertisements. However, our analysis revealed that Ads Blocker Pro operates as adware. Hence, instead of blocking adverts – it displays them.
Ads Blocker Pro adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission – upon being clicked.
Note that while legitimate products or services can be encountered through these advertisements, they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by their developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if Ads Blocker Pro does not display ads – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, this browser extension collects private data. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of adware like Ads Blocker Pro on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Ads Blocker Pro |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Ads Blocker Pro |
| Supposed Functionality | Adblocker; ad-blocking 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). |
| 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
Tabs Organizer for Chrome, Download pro, Price Tracking Pro, and Communique are merely some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Ads Blocker Pro install on my computer?
We acquired Ads Blocker Pro from its "official" promotional webpage, and we discovered a deceptive site endorsing it. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements distribute adware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise exercising caution while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Ads Blocker Pro, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Ads Blocker Pro adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Ads Blocker Pro 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 Ads Blocker Pro?
- 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 Ads Blocker Pro 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 "Ads Blocker Pro" 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 ads blocker pro, 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 ads blocker pro 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 ads blocker pro, 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 ads that promote deceptive/dangerous content capable of causing serious issues (including system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open websites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Ads Blocker Pro adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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