It's important to understand that you can't directly remove adware from a website itself. Adware typically infects your computer or device, and it then displays unwanted ads while you browse. Thus, to stop adware you must remove it from your own system. Here’s how to remove adware impacting your web browsing:
Steps to Remove Adware:
-
Uninstall the Adware Program:
- Open the Start Menu ⊞.
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Select Apps & Features.
- Carefully look through the list of installed applications and identify any that are suspicious or that you don't remember installing.
- Select the adware program and click on Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the program completely.
-
Reset Your Web Browser Settings:
- Adware often changes your browser's default settings.
- Open your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
- Go to your browser's settings menu. (Typically found in the upper-right corner as three dots or horizontal lines).
- Look for the option to reset or restore settings. It may be under options like "Advanced" or "Privacy and security".
- Confirm that you want to reset your browser's settings to their original state.
- This will remove any alterations made by the adware, such as changes to your homepage, default search engine, or installed extensions.
-
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies:
- Adware may store residual files in your browser cache and cookies.
- In your web browser's settings, find the option to clear browsing data or history.
- Select the options to clear your cache and cookies.
- Choose a timeframe; for a comprehensive clean, select "all time."
- Click the button to clear the data. This ensures that no lingering adware files impact your browsing experience.
Why These Steps Work:
| Step | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Uninstall the Adware Program | The root of the issue is usually a program installed on your device. Removing this software will stop the adware from functioning. |
| Reset Your Web Browser Settings | Adware often alters browser settings to redirect you to unwanted websites or display excessive ads. Resetting restores the browser to a clean state, undoing these changes. |
| Clear Browser Cache and Cookies | By eliminating temporary internet files and cookies, you're getting rid of any lingering data from the adware that might cause issues even after the main program has been removed. |
Following these steps is crucial to effectively remove adware from your web browsing experience and regain a clean online environment. Remember that adware is not limited to websites but often comes from downloaded programs. Always be careful while installing software and download from trusted websites only.
