Pop-up ads, extra toolbars, and programs you never installed showing up on your computer are signs that something unwanted has sneaked in. This kind of software is often called adware or a browser hijacker. It is annoying, but you can remove it yourself.
What Is Adware?
Adware is software that shows you advertisements you did not ask for. It often installs itself when you download something else — a free game, a PDF tool, or a video player — and it hides in the “express install” options. Browser hijackers are similar; they change your homepage or search engine to one you did not choose.
Signs You May Have It
- Pop-up ads appearing even when you are not browsing the web
- Your home page changed to something unfamiliar
- Your web searches are being redirected to a different search engine
- A new toolbar appeared in your browser that you did not add
- Your browser is noticeably slower than usual
How to Remove It
Step 1: Uninstall unfamiliar programs. On Windows, go to Settings, then Apps. Look through the list for anything you do not recognise, especially things installed recently. Click and uninstall anything suspicious.
Step 2: Reset your browser. In Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner, then Settings, then scroll to the bottom and click Reset settings. This removes any unwanted extensions and restores your home page and search engine to their defaults. Other browsers have a similar option.
Step 3: Run a free scan. Malwarebytes is a well-known, free tool for scanning and removing adware. Download it from malwarebytes.com, run a scan, and let it remove anything it finds.
How to Avoid It in the Future
- When installing free software, always choose the Custom or Advanced install option and uncheck any optional add-ons.
- Download programs from official websites only, not third-party download sites.
- Be cautious about clicking “Download” buttons on web pages — some are fake ads, not real download buttons.
Once removed, adware rarely comes back if you are careful about what you install.