DustApps Ads

What is DustApps?

DustApps is a deceptive application claiming to improve users' Internet search experience by delivering the most relevant results - "DustApp software adds helpful content and tools to enrich the results of your internet searches." 

This feature might trick some users into believing that DustApps is a legitimate and useful app, however, be aware that this application generates intrusive online advertisements and tracks Internet browsing activity. Thus, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted adware-type program (PUP) that infiltrates systems without users’ permission.

DustApps adware continually monitors Internet browsing activity and gathers various software/hardware information.

The types of collected data include Internet Protocol (IP) addresses (to determine geographic location), Internet service provider (ISP), operating system and browser type, website URLs visited, pages viewed, default search engine, search queries, type of anti-virus software, and other browsing-related information.

Many users believe that this data is insignificant, however, it might contain personally identifiable details that are shared with third parties who can misuse it to generate revenue. This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Furthermore, DustApps generates third party advertisements that do not originate from the users' visited websites.

This app employs a 'virtual layer' to generate pop-up, banner, and other similar advertisements. These conceal visited website content and significantly diminish the Internet browsing experience. In addition, some redirect to various bogus sites containing infectious content - clicking them is risky and could lead to further adware or malware infections.

If you are concerned with your privacy and Internet browsing safety, uninstall DustApps adware immediately.

This PUP is not the only application that falsely claims to enhance users' Internet browsing experience. As with DustApps, Print PDF Pro, DownloaderPlus, Rocket Media Player, and PushOK also offer various 'useful' features, however, none provide the functionality promised.

Adware-type applications are designed to generate revenue for the developers - rather than enabling the promised functions, they deliver intrusive online advertisements and collect personally identifiable information.

How did DustApps install on my computer?

The developers employ a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs with regular software/apps) as one of the main methods to distribute DustApps adware.

Research shows that many users do not express enough caution when downloading and installing software - they rush these processes and skip most/all steps. For this reason, developers intentionally conceal PUPs within the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings. Users who skip this section often inadvertently install rogue applications and expose their systems to risk of infection.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

You can prevent installation of adware-type applications by closely analyzing each step of the software download and installation processes. These must be performed with the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings, since it is important to opt-out of all third party applications. Note that bundled software is mostly bogus, and thus, should never be installed.

Deceptive free software installers used in DustApps adware distribution:

DustApps adware installer set-up:

DustApps adware generating intrusive pop-up ads:

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

DustApps 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 "DustApps version 1.0.0.1", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove DustApps adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, DustApps 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 dustapps 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 "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 dustapps 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 dustapps 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 dustapps 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 dustapps adware or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

▼ Show Discussion