How to remove AdBlocker Professional adware

AdBlocker Professional is a potentially unwanted browser extension that delivers ads during your browsing sessions

AdBlocker Professional might seem like a useful extension that can block intrusive ads while you are browsing the internet on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or another web browser. However, this deceptive software not only fails to block ads, but instead its own ones, earning revenue for its authors.

AdBlocker Professional often infiltrates systems using misleading tactics, such as false advertisements or bundled installations that bypass user notice. Its arrival can go undetected, masking its true purpose while gradually embedding itself into the browser environment.

This seemingly harmless extension hides a disruptive agenda, undermining user trust with deceptive behavior. Recognizing its nature is the first step toward addressing the risks it poses to privacy and online experience. In the following sections, we will explore how this software operates, the challenges it creates, and, most crucially, outline the methods necessary for its thorough removal.

How and why are users looking for ad-blockers, and how they end up with adware

The internet is full of ads, and many users have started using ad blockers to make browsing more bearable and private. But now, Google has made some changes that have affected some of the ad-blocking extensions.

The transition to Manifest V3, a new extension specification, has led to the phasing out of widely used tools like uBlock Origin. Users have reported that Chrome automatically disables these extensions, stating they are “no longer supported.” 

In response, developers have introduced alternatives such as uBlock Origin Lite, designed to comply with Manifest V3. However, these versions may offer reduced filtering capabilities due to the new restrictions. Consequently, users are seeking other solutions, which has opened the door for less reputable extensions like AdBlocker Professional to gain traction.

Unfortunately, some developers exploit this demand by creating extensions that serve their interests rather than the users'. These malicious extensions may engage in data tracking or inject additional advertisements to generate revenue. They often spread through software bundles or deceptive methods, though users might also download them intentionally, unaware of their true nature.

Ways to remove AdBlocker Professional adware properly

AdBlocker Professional operates primarily as a browser extension, embedding itself within your browser's extensions much like an invasive plant taking root. To regain control, identifying and removing this unwelcome software from its concealed location is a crucial first step. While the process may differ slightly depending on the browser you use, detailed instructions for removal on various modern browsers will follow.

Still, addressing a single extension like AdBlocker Professional often doesn’t resolve the broader issue. Malicious applications or hidden threats may persist, silently compromising your system. For this reason, it’s vital to perform a comprehensive system scan using trusted security tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These tools can thoroughly inspect your system, detect lingering threats, and ensure complete removal of any harmful programs.

Moreover, with the rising prevalence of advanced cyber threats like ransomware or trojans, robust anti-malware solutions serve as essential safeguards. They not only assist in cleaning up your system but also enhance its defenses, providing a crucial layer of protection against future attacks. Removing AdBlocker Professional is merely the beginning—ensuring your system remains secure afterward is equally important.

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.

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 the unwanted plugin and click Remove.

MS Edge

• Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
• Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

Safari

• Click Safari > Preferences…
• In the new window, pick Extensions.
• Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.

Clearing browser trackers, such as cookies, is an essential step in addressing privacy risks posed by AdBlocker Professional. These trackers can monitor your online activity, potentially compromising your personal data and privacy.

To manually remove cookies, navigate to your browser's settings, locate the section for privacy or data management, and choose the option to clear cookies or browsing history. The exact procedure can differ depending on the browser you are using. Detailed step-by-step instructions for various browsers will be outlined in the following sections.

Although manual clearing is possible, it can be a tedious process and might not always catch all residual traces. For a more streamlined and thorough solution, using an automatic tool is recommended. Tools like FortectIntego are specifically designed to eliminate cookies and other browsing data efficiently, ensuring your system is fully cleaned and your privacy is better protected.

Google Chrome

• Click on Menu and pick Settings.
• Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
• Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
• Click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click Menu and pick Options.
• Go to Privacy & Security section.
• Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
• Click on Clear Data…
• Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.

MS Edge

• Click on Menu and go to Settings.
• Select Privacy and services.
• Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
• Under Time range, pick All time.
• Select Clear now.

Safari

• Click Safari > Clear History…
• From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
• Confirm with Clear History.