How to remove the "AdClean (works on Youtube)" adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is "AdClean (works on Youtube)"?
While investigating dubious websites, our research team discovered the "AdClean (works on Youtube)" browser extension. Promoted as an ad-blocker (advertisement-blocking tool), this software operates as adware.
In other words, instead of removing ads – this extension displays them. "AdClean (works on Youtube)" also collects sensitive user data.
"AdClean (works on Youtube)" adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited sites and/or other interfaces.
It must be mentioned that this software might not operate as intended if the browser/system is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if "AdClean (works on Youtube)" does not deliver advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Ads displayed by adware endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some of them can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers aiming to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed product's affiliate programs.
What is more, "AdClean (works on Youtube)" spies on users' browsing activity, and this behavior is standard for advertising-supported software.
Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This vulnerable information can be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like AdClean (works on Youtube) on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AdClean (works on Youtube) |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | AdClean (works on Youtube) |
| Supposed Functionality | Ad-blocking tool (adblocker) |
| 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
Up - Ad Blocker, Navigate Buddy, and Ace AdBlocker are a few examples of adware we have written about recently. While this software tends to appear legitimate and offer "handy" features – it rarely operates as indicated by its promotional material. However, even if a browser extension or app does work as promised – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did "AdClean (works on Youtube)" install on my computer?
"AdClean (works on Youtube)" has an "official" download webpage. In addition to such sites, adware is endorsed on scam pages. They are mainly accessed via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and adware.
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements.
Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive ads spread adware as well. 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 advise researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, scam-promoting, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AdClean (works on Youtube), we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote "AdClean (works on Youtube)" 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 AdClean (works on Youtube)?
- 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "AdClean (works on Youtube)" 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 adclean (works on youtube), 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 adclean (works on youtube) 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 adclean (works on youtube), 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 delivers ads that endorse content potentially capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can decrease browsing quality and system performance as well. Advertising-supported software is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Its primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., sites, products, services, software, tools, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove "AdClean (works on Youtube)" adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. After the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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