How to remove adware from the PC App Store

What is PC App Store adware?

The PC App Store is a legitimate program that allows software developers to distribute their applications and helps users access various software. However, despite it being a genuine tool, threat actors often exploit it to spread adware or even various types of malware, like trojans, ransomware, or spyware. These potentially malicious programs can bombard the users’ browsers with intrusive ads, redirect them to potentially malicious websites, steal sensitive data, or even install additional harmful software.

One way a cybercriminal can take advantage of the PC App Store is by using installation bundles. Even though the app has an official distribution page, it also uses bundled installations to reach more users. Unfortunately, threat actors can use this feature to sneak hidden and potentially malicious programs into these bundles, which users unknowingly install. What might seem like a legitimate app could actually be a browser hijacker in disguise.

Settings adware is an example of an unwanted application that could be hidden in an installation bundle. Adware can be harmful or not, depending on its purpose. Usually, it will cause many annoying and unwanted ads to be displayed, which often promote sketchy online games or adult content sites, and may lead you to websites that expose your computer to malicious infections.

Adware can also spread through scam websites and deceptive browser redirects. Even a simple mistake, like mistyping a web address, can take you to fake websites that download a compromised version of the PC App Store, filled with even more dangerous software. It’s always best to use only official and trusted sources for downloads, but even then, it’s important to stay cautious.

How to tell if you have adware on your PC

If you download something from the PC App Store and end up with adware on your computer, it will be pretty obvious. Your computer may start running slower, and you’ll notice various popup ads. Here are the main signs to look out for:

• A flood of unwanted ads. If you suddenly start noticing a lot of annoying ads on the app store platform, your browser environment, and other platforms, it’s likely due to adware.
• Unwanted and suspicious apps. If you find unfamiliar apps on your computer that you didn’t install, especially after downloading software bundles, it could be adware disguised as a legitimate application. Sometimes adware itself can cause unknown installations. For example, if you accidentally click on an ad that redirects you to a malicious website that then installs the application.
• Altered browser settings. Adware can bring along malware, like browser hijackers, which may alter your default browser settings to use an alternative search engine or a landing page that’s filled with more ads and potentially harmful content.
• Redirects. If your computer gets infected with adware, you will notice that you are being redirected to websites you had no intention of visiting.
• Slower computer performance. Adware uses a lot of your computer’s resources to show pop-up ads and send you to suspicious websites. This extra work can make your device run much slower.

How to delete adware from the PC App Store

You can remove adware from your device in two ways. The easiest method is to use a reliable antivirus program that will automatically scan your system for infected files and remove them. However, if you prefer to handle the removal process yourself, you can also eliminate the adware manually, without the need for third-party cybersecurity software. The choice is yours.

Run a full antivirus scan on your computer

The simplest and most effective way to remove adware from your device is by using a reputable antivirus program. Here’s how you can remove the adware automatically with an antivirus:

1. 1.Subscribe to a trustworthy PC antivirus. Choose a reliable antivirus program that fits your needs. Find a scanner that specializes in removing adware and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs). You can also look for other useful features, such as real-time scanning and web protection.
2. 2.Download and install it on your device. Go to the official website of your chosen antivirus and download the installation file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the program on your Windows device.
3. 3.Launch the app and perform a full scan. Open the antivirus application and go to the scanning options. Select a full system scan to ensure that all potential threats, including the adware from the PC App Store, are detected
4. 4.Follow the antivirus instructions to remove the infection. Once the scan is complete, the antivirus will provide a list of detected threats. Follow the steps to remove the adware and get rid of other malware infections if there are any.

Remove unwanted applications manually

If you know which application is causing the adware and prefer to manually remove it yourself instead of using an antivirus, you can definitely do so. Here’s how to do it on a computer that uses Microsoft Windows:

1. 1.Open task manager. Right-click on the Windows icon in the taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the context menu.
2. 2.Find the unwanted application. In the task manager, look for any unfamiliar applications, particularly those consuming a large amount of system resources. These applications might potentially be the adware.
3. 3.Open the file location. Right-click on the application in the list and choose "Open file location" to find where the application files are stored.
4. 4.End the task. Right-click on the process in the task manager again and select "End task" to stop it from running.
5. 5.Delete the file. In the file location window, delete the file from its root source to remove it from your system.
6. 6.Uninstall the application. Right-click on the Windows icon and go to "Uninstall a program" to open the list of installed applications. Find the unwanted application in the list, select it, and click "Uninstall." Confirm the uninstallation process by clicking "Uninstall" again.

However, if you’re using a Mac, this process looks different. Here’s how to get rid of adware on a Mac:

1. 1.Open the Activity Monitor. Click on the “Finder” icon in the dock, then go to “Applications” > “Utilities” > “Activity Monitor.”
2. 2.Find the unwanted application. In the Activity Monitor, look for suspicious applications or processes that are consuming a lot of system resources.
3. 3.Quit the process. Select the suspicious application, then click the “X” button (Stop) in the upper-left corner of the window. Confirm by clicking "Quit" or "Force quit" if the application does not close normally.
4. 4.Uninstall the application. Go to the “Applications” folder, find the unwanted application, drag it to the trash, and then empty the trash. You can also right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash.” If you’re asked for a username and password, enter the credentials for an administrator account on your Mac. It’s typically the same username and password you use to log in to your Mac.
5. 5.Remove leftover files. Some adware may leave behind additional files. To remove them, right-click on the “Finder” icon and select “Go to folder” from the pop-up menu. Type in “/Library” in the search bar and hit “Enter.” Locate the folder with the app’s name and move all the leftover app files you can find to the trash. Restart your Mac and empty the trash.

Remove unwanted browser extensions and reset the browser’s settings

If your computer has caught adware, your browser is likely filled with malicious ads, too. Removing extensions and resetting your browser’s settings to default can undo unwanted changes and remove the adware’s effect. Below are a few simple step-by-step guides on how to reset the default settings on different browser types.

Google Chrome

Here’s what the process of resetting Chrome browser settings and removing the unwanted extensions looks like:

1. 1.Open Google Chrome on your computer.
2. 2.In the top-right corner of the browser, click the three horizontal dots and choose “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
3. 3.On the left side, find and click "Reset settings."
4. 4.Click on “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
5. 5.In the confirmation pop-up, click "Reset settings" to finalize the process.

When you reset your browser settings, it will remove all cookies and extensions, return the startup page, new tab page, and pinned tabs to their defaults. However, your bookmarks, browsing history, and saved passwords will remain intact.

Firefox

Here’s how to reset Mozilla Firefox settings and remove unwanted extensions:

1. 1.Launch Firefox on your computer.
2. 2.Click the hamburger menu icon (three horizontal lines) located in the upper right corner.
3. 3.From the dropdown, choose "Help."
4. 4.Next, click "More troubleshooting information" to open the troubleshooting screen.
5. 5.On the right side of the screen, click the “Refresh Firefox” button. A pop-up will appear.
6. 6.Confirm by clicking “Refresh Firefox” in the pop-up.
7. 7.Return to the Firefox menu and go to “Add-ons” > “Extensions.”
8. 8.Select the malicious toolbar and click “Remove.”
9. 9.Finally, select “Restart now” to complete the process.

Microsoft Edge

If you want to reset the default Microsoft Edge browser settings and remove unwanted extensions, simply follow these steps:

1. 1.Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
2. 2.In the upper right corner, click on the three dots.
3. 3.From the dropdown, select "Settings" to open the settings page.
4. 4.In the left-hand menu, choose "Reset settings."
5. 5.Click on "Restore settings to their default values." A pop-up will appear.
6. 6.Click "Reset" in the pop-up to confirm.

Resetting Microsoft Edge to the default settings will also clear your extensions.

Safari

Safari doesn’t have a one-click reset option, so resetting the browser requires a few extra steps. You’ll need to clear your browsing history, cookies, and cache individually, and also remove the extensions. Here’s how to reset Safari:

1. 1.Open Safari on your computer.
2. 2.At the top of your screen, in the menu bar, click "Safari," located next to the Apple logo.
3. 3.Select "Settings" (or "Preferences") from the dropdown. A settings window will appear.
4. 4.Go to the “Privacy” tab > “Manage website data.” A new window will pop up.
5. 5.In this window, click "Remove all."
6. 6.Select “Remove now” > “Done” to close the tab.
7. 7.Click on “Safari” again in the top menu bar > “Clear history.”
8. 8.In the drop-down menu, choose “All history” > “Clear history.”
9. 9.Reopen Safari settings and go to the "Extensions" tab.
10. 10.Disable all extensions you don’t recognize by selecting them and clicking "Uninstall."
11. 11.Restart Safari and your browser should be reset.

How can you protect yourself from adware?

Keeping good cybersecurity practices is necessary for protecting your computer and browsing from hackers. Here are some security tips that will help you prevent adware and malware from compromising your device and operating system:

• Use good anti-malware software. Invest in trustworthy anti-malware software solutions, like NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro ™. It scans files as you download them and removes any malicious ones. It also blocks malicious websites for safer browsing and uses AI-powered tools to detect phishing attempts.
• Keep your operating software updated. It’s important to regularly update your software to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. Keeping your operating system and applications up to date helps protect against vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adware and other threats.
• Be careful when downloading and installing new software. Always download software from trusted sources and be cautious of software bundles that may include unwanted adware. Check for reviews and verify the legitimacy of the software before installation.
• Use an ad blocker. It can help remove intrusive ads and block web trackers. Doing so not only prevents annoying ads but also adds an extra layer of protection against malicious websites.
• Beware of phishing attempts. Stay alert when interacting online, especially with emails, messages, and websites that ask for sensitive information. Scammers often disguise themselves as legitimate sources, so always double-check before clicking any links or sharing sensitive details.
• Back up your data. Regularly back up your important files to a secure location. Doing so ensures you can recover your data in case of an infection or system failure caused by adware or malware.
• Don’t use pirated software. Avoid downloading and using pirated software, because it often comes bundled with adware or other malicious programs. Using legitimate software reduces the risk of compromising your system’s security.
• Practice safe browsing habits. Be mindful of the websites you visit and avoid clicking on suspicious links or potentially malicious ads. Stick to reputable websites and be cautious when entering personal and sensitive information online to reduce the risk of encountering adware or other online threats.