Removal instructions for Leading adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Leading?
We discovered Leading adware while investigating an installation setup obtained from a deceptive webpage. This piece of software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Leading may also have other harmful capabilities.
Leading adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. The ads can be displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It must be mentioned that adware might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, specific websites not visited, etc.). However, even if Leading does not display adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered ads primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user permission. Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Leading likely collects sensitive information. Advertising-supported software usually gathers browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like Leading on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Leading |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Detection Names (rogue installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (app) |
Gridinsoft (no cloud) (Trojan.Win64.Gen.cl), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Rogue Process Name | nwjs (process name may vary) |
| 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 investigated thousands of adware-type applications; Pdf download manage, Fast Incognito Mode, Video Download Assist, and Picture Downloader are merely some examples of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. It also offers a wide variety of functionalities, which are rarely operational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Leading install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. In fact, we obtained an installer containing Leading from a deceptive webpage.
Most users access such pages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Furthermore, adware is spread by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary applications, extensions, features, etc.
We advise being cautious while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look legitimate/innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Leading, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the deceptive website used to promote an installer containing Leading adware:
Screenshot of Leading adware's process on Windows Task Manager ("nwjs" process name):
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 Leading?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Leading application 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.
Leading 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 "Leading", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Leading ads), 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:
At time of research, Leading did not install browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it may be bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by leading, 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 plug-ins 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by leading 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 leading, 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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can result in decreased browsing experience and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, adware may be capable of generating redirects and collecting vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Leading adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the leftovers may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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