Ads by SpeedGuard

SpeedGuard removal instructions

What is SpeedGuard?

The SpeedGuard application supposedly allows users to test their Internet connection speeds - "SpeedGuard lets you measure your internet speed anytime you wish. Whenever you feel you browsing speed is low, simple click SpeedGuard icon to get your current speed measured against major servers around the globe." This functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, be aware that SpeedGuard is categorized as adware and a potentially unwanted program (PUP), since it installs on computers without users' permission, infiltrates Internet browsers, displays intrusive online advertisements, and monitors Internet browsing activity.

SpeedGuard displays intrusive online advertisements such as coupons, price comparison, pop-up, in-text, among others. To achieve this, SpeedGuard employs a virtual layer that allows placement of third party graphical content on any visited website. Some ads occasionally open in new browser tabs/windows. These ads diminish the Internet browsing experience by concealing underlying content, and might also redirect users to infectious websites. Accidental clicks by users in this situation can lead to high-risk computer infections. Furthermore, this application collects various software and hardware information. According to its Privacy Policy, SpeedGuard does not collect any private information related to users' identities, however, research shows that these claims are false - information such as search queries entered into search engines, websites visited, pages viewed, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses (to determine geographic locations), general details about the computer, etc. is gathered and, clearly, may contain personally identifiable details. This information is stored on a remote server, later shared with third parties, and can be misused to generate revenue. Therefore, having an information-tracking app installed on your system can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We highly recommend that you uninstall SpeedGuard adware.

SpeedGuard Privacy Policy regarding information sharing:

Only authorized employees and authorized third-party service providers are permitted to access personal information, and they may do so only for permitted business functions.

Adware-type applications such as SpeedGuard often have very similar characteristics to hundreds of other bogus applications also claiming to offer various useful features. Examples include Best Price Ninja, Deal Barium, Surf Speed Monitor, and SlickSignet. These false claims are merely attempts to trick users to install. After infiltration, applications such as SpeedGuard display advertisements and collect personally identifiable data to generate revenue for the developers - these apps provide no real value for the user.

How did SpeedGuard install on my computer?

The developers of SpeedGuard employ a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' to install this adware on systems without users' consent. Bundling is stealth installation of third party apps together with regular software, and since many users do not pay enough attention when downloading/installing software, it is very effective. Users often rush the download and installation procedures by skipping most of the steps. Often they are unaware that by doing this, they expose the system to risk of infection, since bogus apps such as SpeedGuard are likely to be concealed within the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' section. The developers are only concerned with the amount of revenue generated (which is dependent on the number of distributed apps), and thus, do not properly disclose installation of rogue software.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The key to computer safety is caution. Pay close attention when downloading and installing software. Never rush the download procedure - closely analyze each step and ensure that no third party software is included. Furthermore, downloaded applications should be installed with the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' options - this will reveal any bundled software listed for installation and allow you to opt-out.

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 SpeedGuard?
• STEP 1. Uninstall SpeedGuard application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove SpeedGuard adware from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove SpeedGuard ads from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by SpeedGuard' from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove SpeedGuard extension from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

SpeedGuard 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 "SpeedGuard", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes SpeedGuard ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove SpeedGuard adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, SpeedGuard did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was 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 add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the speedguard adware, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Click the Reset button.

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click on "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the speedguard adware, 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". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with speedguard adware 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 speedguard adware, 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on speedguard adware or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

▼ Show Discussion