How to eliminate One Click Refresh adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is One Click Refresh?
Our researchers discovered the One Click Refresh browser extension. It is presented as a tool that allows users to refresh all tabs with a single click. Our analysis of this extension revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
One Click Refresh adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These ads endorse various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements – is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if One Click Refresh does not display adverts – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
It must be mentioned that One Click Refresh has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like One Click Refresh on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by One Click Refresh |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | One Click Refresh |
| Supposed Functionality | Single-click browser tab refreshing 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
We have analyzed countless adware samples; Image Viewer, Anonymous Video Player, and Quick Close Tab are merely a few of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and harmless. It also offers various useful and advantageous features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Note that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did One Click Refresh install on my computer?
We acquired One Click Refresh from a scam website (fake Chrome browser update). In addition to such sites, adware can have "official" promotional webpages. Most users access these deceptive pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browsing notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, intrusive adverts are used to spread adware. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise exercising caution when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with One Click Refresh, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote One Click Refresh 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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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 One Click Refresh?
- 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 "One Click Refresh" 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 one click refresh, 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 one click refresh 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 one click refresh, 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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware-types can force-open websites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove One Click Refresh adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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