Page Links Loader extension can cause unwanted pop-up ads, redirects, or browser settings
Page Links Loader is advertised as a tool for quickly accessing all links on a web page, but it also displays ads. These ads, which are symptoms of adware,[1] can lead to dangerous websites such as technical support scam pages, phishing sites, and sites offering potentially unwanted apps.[2]
The app attaches itself as a browser extension, which gives it permission to collect and use personal information from users, which may be sold or used for marketing. This is why it is not recommended to use or keep Page Links Loader on your device. You can keep reading our guide to learn how to remove it.
| NAME | Page Links Loader |
| TYPE | Adware |
| SYMPTOMS | Annoying pop-ups and other types of advertisements start appearing on the screen |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | Links embedded in the ads might lead to dangerous websites |
| ELIMINATION | Eliminate the extension through your browser settings; scanning the machine with anti-malware tools is recommended |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to get rid of any remaining damage and optimize the machine |
Distribution methods
Page Links Loader was found on a suspicious website, where visitors were instructed to click “ACCEPT AND CONTINUE” to download the browser extension. Page Links Loader is added to a web browser after following the provided steps. Once installed, the app is able to display ads on the web pages visited by the user.
Another common tactic used to trick users into installing adware is by bundling it with other software. This additional software can often be found by choosing the “Advanced,” “Custom,” or similar settings during the installation process. If users do not change these settings, they may inadvertently install adware and other unwanted apps. This can cause the user's device to slow down, display unwanted pop-ups, or even infect the device with malware.
Additionally, ads on sketchy websites and notifications from these sites can also result in unwanted downloads and installations of adware. This can be especially dangerous for users who may not be aware of the risks associated with these types of apps. Because of these risks, users should be cautious when downloading or installing any apps or browser extensions from untrusted sources.
Social engineering tactics
Social engineering is a tactic used by cybercriminals to trick people into giving away personal information, installing malware, or performing other actions that benefit the attacker. Online, social engineering can take many forms, including phishing emails, fake software update prompts, and malicious ads.
One popular form of social engineering online is the use of fake software update prompts. These prompts may appear to be from legitimate software companies and may instruct the user to download and install an update to fix a security vulnerability. However, the update is actually malware in disguise. Once installed, it can give the attacker access to the user's personal information, login credentials, and other sensitive data.
Remove Page Links Loader adware
Page Links Loader adware can be removed by going to the browser settings and looking at the extension list. We recommend removing plugins one by one to see if you notice any changes.
Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Protect your privacy
Almost all websites and web applications nowadays require you to accept cookies[3] by throwing a big prompt in your face obstructing the view. Frustrated, many just click “Accept” because they want to proceed as quickly as possible. Because you experienced pop-up spam without knowing, there is a big chance you were browsing through questionable sites that could still be tracking your browsing activity.
Cookies can store data such as the websites you visit, links you click on, things you type in the search, and what you purchase online. It can alter be sold to advertising networks or other third parties. We recommend using a repair tool like FortectIntego, which can automatically clear your browsers from cookies and cache, clear up space, fix corrupted files, system errors and optimize the performance of the device.
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
If you completed all the previous steps but you still experience unwanted symptoms, you should check your system for other PUAs. We suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes.
Manual removal of potentially unwanted programs can sometimes result in the renewal of the infection as users often fail to eliminate all the related files and entries. Besides, crooks often disguise them as “handy” tools so it can be difficult to identify them. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Mac:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
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