Unwanted pop-ups, suspicious redirects, and a hijacked homepage are telltale signs that adware has infected your Google Chrome browser. This intrusive software not only disrupts your browsing experience but can also pose security risks. Let’s explore five proven methods to eliminate adware and restore Chrome to its clean, efficient state.
Method 1: Remove Suspicious Extensions
Chrome extensions can be a common vector for adware. Here’s how to identify and remove problematic ones:
Step 1: Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome and select “More tools” > “Extensions”.
Step 2: Review the list of installed extensions. Look for unfamiliar ones or those you don’t remember installing.
Step 3: For any suspicious extensions, click the “Remove” button.
Step 4: Confirm the removal when prompted.
After removing suspicious extensions, restart Chrome to ensure the changes take effect.
Method 2: Reset Chrome Settings
Resetting Chrome can undo many changes made by adware:
Step 1: Open Chrome’s settings by clicking the three-dot menu and selecting “Settings”.
Step 2: Scroll down and click on “Advanced” to reveal more options.
Step 3: Under the “Reset and clean up” section, click “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
Step 4: In the confirmation dialog, click “Reset settings”.
This process will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable extensions and clear temporary data, but won’t affect bookmarks, history, or saved passwords.
Method 3: Use Chrome’s Built-in Cleanup Tool
Chrome has a built-in tool to find and remove harmful software:
Step 1: In Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up.
Step 2: Click on “Clean up computer”.
Step 3: Click “Find” and wait for Chrome to scan your computer.
Step 4: If harmful software is found, click “Remove” to delete it.
This tool is particularly effective at finding software that causes:
- Unwanted Chrome settings changes
- Unwanted ads
- Pop-up ads
- Redirects to unwanted sites
Method 4: Utilize Third-Party Adware Removal Tools
For persistent adware, specialized removal tools can be highly effective:
AdwCleaner
AdwCleaner, now owned by Malwarebytes, is a powerful tool for removing adware:
Step 1: Download AdwCleaner from the official Malwarebytes website.
Step 2: Run the tool and click “Scan Now”.
Step 3: After the scan completes, review the results and click “Clean & Repair”.
Step 4: Restart your computer when prompted.
Malwarebytes Free
Malwarebytes offers a more comprehensive scan:
Step 1: Download and install Malwarebytes Free.
Step 2: Launch the program and click “Scan”.
Step 3: If threats are detected, click “Quarantine”.
Step 4: Restart your computer to complete the removal process.
Method 5: Reinstall Chrome
If all else fails, a clean reinstall of Chrome can eradicate persistent adware:
Step 1: Uninstall Chrome through your operating system’s program removal tool.
Step 2: Download the latest version of Chrome from Google’s official website.
Step 3: Install the fresh copy of Chrome.
Step 4: Set up Chrome without signing in to your Google account initially, to prevent syncing potentially compromised settings.
Step 5: If the adware is gone, you can then sign in to restore your bookmarks and other data.
Adware can be persistent, but these methods should help you reclaim your browser. After removing adware, it’s crucial to practice safe browsing habits to prevent future infections. Be cautious when installing extensions, avoid clicking on suspicious ads, and keep your browser and operating system updated. Regular scans with reputable antivirus software can also help catch potential threats early.