How to remove the Pick Your Language adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Pick Your Language?
While investigating untrustworthy websites, our research team discovered the Pick Your Language browser extension. It is promoted as an easy-access tool to a dictionary, thesaurus, and translator. However, after analyzing this extension, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware).
Pick Your Language adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These ads endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be required for adware to run intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, and so on. However, regardless of whether Pick Your Language displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Additionally, Pick Your Language has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, 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 Pick Your Language on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Pick Your Language |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Pick Your Language |
Supposed Functionality | Easy access to dictionary, thesaurus, and translator tools. |
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 samples; Browse Keeper, Subtitles, NX Gone, and Ad Free Web are merely some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software is usually presented as legitimate and useful. However, it seldom operates as promised, and in most cases – its features are nonfunctional. 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 Pick Your Language install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed via scam websites. Most users access such webpages through redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (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 Pick Your Language, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Pick Your Language 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 Pick Your Language?
- 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 Pick Your Language adware using Combo Cleaner:
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 "Pick Your Language" 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 pick your language, 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 pick your language 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 pick your language, 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 may decrease the browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted/deceptive advertisements. The ads can be displayed on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of causing redirects and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Pick Your Language adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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