How to Get Rid of Adware on Windows? [2024 Tech Guide]

Adware is a type of malware that injects unwanted ads into your device. The term is short for “advertising software.” 

It installs itself unnoticed and shows you unwanted ads. Hackers use adware to trick you into clicking on ads and infect your device. 

In 2019, statistics showed about 24 million detected adware from Windows. These numbers made users experience slower performance and stolen data from their devices. 

Read on to learn what is adware and how to get rid of it.

5 Methods to Remove Adware on Your Windows PC

In 2021, 15% of all detections from malware are adware—making it one of the most common malware threats. 

Adware falls under another type of malware that infects computers using ads. 

Sometimes, adware is harmless. It is on your computer to collect data to customize ads. This way, companies gain insights into your preferences for effective targeted marketing.

In contrast, malicious adware can direct you to infected websites. They operate on your device without consent, like using your data or battery and accessing your files.

Here are five methods on how to remove adware from Windows 10: 

Method #1: Clear Your Browser’s Data

Adware can be in your browser and cause you to see pop-up ads, which lure you to sketchy sites. Removing your browser data can also remove the adware. 

Here’s how to get rid of pop-up ads on computers:

Step 1: Open your browser on your computer. 

Step 2: Click on the “three dots” at the top right corner. 

Step 3: Search for “More tools” and click “Clear Browsing Data.“

Step 4: Set the time range to “All time.” 

Step 5: Choose the “Clear Data” at the bottom. 

Method #2: Delete Suspicious Apps

Suspicious applications can contain adware. If you notice that you have apps on your Windows computer, you should remove them immediately. 

You can do it by following these steps:

Step 1: Click the “Start” button. 

Step 2: Go to “Settings.” 

Step 3: Click “Apps” and choose “Apps and Features.“

Step 3: Look for apps you do not remember installing or using. 

Step 4: If you find one,select it andclick “Uninstall.”

Method #3: Update Your PC

System updates are more than just adding programs or features to make your Windows PC look more aesthetic. It is also a way to enhance security. 

Usually, system updates come with security features like protecting your computer from malware—including adware. 

To update your Windows PC, this is how you will do it:

Step 1: Click “Start.”

Step 2: Go to “Settings” and choose “Windows Update.”

Step 3: Click “Check for Updates.“

Method #4: Reset Your PC

If you still can not find the adware through browsers and apps, you can reset your PC. Before doing this, make sure you have a backup for your data. 

These are the steps to reset your Windows computer:

Step 1: Go to Settings > System. Click “Recovery.”

Step 2: Select Reset this PC.

Step 3: Choose Remove everything.

Method #5: Install an Antivirus App

Antivirus tools are proven to protect you from any malware. It can send an alert to warn you if you are going to malicious sites or downloading infected programs. It can also delete adware once you have it.

These are the steps to use antivirus on your device:

Step 1: Download a trusted antivirus software on your device.

Step 2: Choose the plan that fits your needs and budget.  

Step 3: Set up an account. 

Step 4: Run an adware scan on your computer.  Remove any detected threat.

Signs Your Windows PC is Infected With Adware

You need to protect your device through frequent monitoring. There are times when adware can be spyware—making it more dangerous. 

These are the telltale signs that your device is already infected with adware:

PC Starts to Work Slower

Adware can take up space from your computer’s storage. When this happens, it can make your device work slower than before. 

More Pop-Up Ads Appear

You will notice a sudden increase in pop-up ads on your device. Hackers do this to infect your computer even more once you click on those ads. 

Receiving Unwanted Messages

Adware can also send you random messages with suspicious links. There are also circumstances when they can send messages to your contacts. 

Disabled Security Protection

Many adware can not work while your security protection is on. What hackers usually do is turn off this tool. This way, they can install more adware on your computer. 

How Does Adware Get To Your Windows PC?

There are many ways adware can enter and infect your device. Below are some methods of how adware gets to your Windows PC.

Malicious Links

The APWG Reports exposed that an average of 450,000 unique phishing links were detected in the 4th quarter of 2022. This resulted in more than 1.3 million phishing attacks. 

Most of the time, malicious links contain different malware—including adware. You can get these links in random messages or websites once you click them.

Infected Email Attachments

One of the most common ways to get adware is through email attachments. According to Forbes, 94% of malware like adware, worms, and Trojans can be in emails. 

Users can get all sorts of malware on their devices by simply clicking on links and files in emails. These are usually sent by cyber attackers convincing you to open the attachments.

USB Drive

Expel reports showed that USB drives account for 9% of all malware incidents. 

Transferring files using infected USB drives can be why you have adware. These drives can also share the adware, especially if you do not have an antivirus.

Illegal Sites

With the rise of pirated websites, 215 billion people visited illegal links in 2022. 

This darker side of the Internet is where adware is more prevalent. They are usually on unsecured or pirated websites, waiting for their victims to click on them. 

Bundled with Other Programs

Some programs come with ads. These are often the unwanted software that comes together with the program you want to install. 

Final Thoughts

Adware can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue for Windows computers. However, there are several methods to get rid of it. 

Other than the techniques above, always be cautious when downloading software. Never get files from untrusted sources that might compromise your computer’s privacy. 

Regular system scans and reliable antivirus software can help prevent adware and other malware infections.

FAQs

By Maxym Chekalov

With a master's degree in telecommunications and over 15 years of working experience in telecommunications, networking, and online security, he deeply understands cybersecurity's value and importance. Max leverages his vast experience and knowledge to research the latest cyber threats, scams, malware, and viruses in-depth.