Removal instructions for TornTV adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is TornTV?
TornTV is free software that enables users to watch TV via their computers. This program alone is not technically a virus or malware – however, its developers use deceptive methods to monetize their product.
Free software is often bundled with various browser plug-ins, which can display ads, modify users' Internet browser settings, or cause random redirects.
Most free software developers bundle their programs with one toolbar or plug-in, but we found TornTV bundled with several – the Babylon toolbar and Yontoo adware. These additionally-installed extensions generate redirects and deliver unwanted ads. Furthermore, these browser add-ons diminish the browsing performance.
Adware overview
As mentioned in the introduction, TornTV can install additional browser extensions – likely adware. Advertising-supported software operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces.
These ads can promote scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It must be mentioned that adware may need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether TornTV displays adverts (or the extensions it installs) – the presence of such software endangers device/user safety.
What is more, software within this category usually has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted software (like adware) on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | TornTV Virus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| 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 countless adware samples; MegaGuard, Three Seconds AdBlock Lite, and Navigate Buddy are merely a couple of our latest articles.
Advertising-supported software usually appears genuine and offers useful features. However, these functionalities are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did TornTV install on my computer?
Commonly, TornTV software is downloaded from its homepage; however, it may also be bundled with other free software. Installation of additional unwanted browser add-ons is implemented for monetization purposes.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing, as fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless.
Should you keep encountering suspicious ads or rogue redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TornTV, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this 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 TornTV?
- STEP 1. Uninstall TornTV 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.
TornTV 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 "TornTV", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes TornTV 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, TornTV installed browser plug-ins. 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 torntv virus, 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 torntv virus 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 and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
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 top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the torntv virus, 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:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
The presence of adware on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software can display ads that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Adware usually possesses data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, force-opening sites, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by endorsing content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TornTV adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware is manually removed – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware and other unwanted software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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