Removal instructions for the Load Time adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Load Time?
Our researchers discovered the Load Time browser extension while inspecting dubious websites. It is endorsed as a tool that allows users to identify and monitor website loading times. After analyzing Load Time, we determined that this extension is advertising-supported software (adware).
Load Time adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. In most cases, software within this classification operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It is pertinent to mention that specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if Load Time does not display advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered adverts commonly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some of the ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine products/services encountered via these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, adware usually spies on users' browsing activity, and Load Time is not an exception. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, advertising-supported software like Load Time may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Load Time |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Load Time |
Supposed Functionality | Website load time monitoring |
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 examined thousands of adware samples; Browse Next, Whats This Error, Simple Video Downloader, and BeachBall Jump are merely some of our latest articles.
Software within this category seldom appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Adware can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities, which are usually nonoperational. Keep in mind that functional features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did Load Time install on my computer?
Load Time has an "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such legitimate-looking pages, extensions of this kind are endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily enter these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated using the bundling marketing tactic, which entails packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps or sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, features, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Load Time, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the website used to promote Load Time 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 Load Time?
- 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 Load Time 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 "Load Time" 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 load time, 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 load time 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 load time, 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-displayed ads commonly promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually gathers sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening websites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Load Time adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. After the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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