Tampermonkey is a Google Chrome and other browser extension that helps users modify the functionality of the visited site
Tampermonkey is a userscript managing application that is usually downloaded intentionally for Chrome, MS Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera web browsers. The extension is widely popular, residing in more than 10 million users computers due to its useful functionality – it allows modification of certain visited website function modifications which would otherwise be unavailable.
Tampermonkey allows users to choose from more than 400,000 different JavaScript[1] scripts that each is used for different functions. For example, “Auto Close YouTube Ads” script allows the automatic closure of the ad as soon as the “Skip ad” option becomes available, while “Anti-Adblock Killer” prevents websites from blocking the feature. This is how Tampermonkey add-on can make the online experience of many users much more efficient – it provides many customization options.
However, like many browser extensions, Tampermonkey is not without the problems. First of all, while the application is itself safe, it might, potentially, load unsafe scripts from unknown sources. Loading outside scripts might be just as dangerous as downloading an executable from Torrent sites. Besides, some users complained about Tampermonkey removal and self-reinstallation problems.
| Name | Tampermonkey |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser extension |
| Developed by | Jan Biniok |
| Purpose | Allows users to load additional scripts that changes the functionality of various websites |
| Distribution | Official sources, third-party sites |
| Potential dangers | Downloading and installing malicious scripts for the app that could result in malware infection and unwanted browser behavior |
| Fix | If you experience any suspicious behavior like reinstallation of the app, scan the system using FortectIntego or another security software |
While Tampermonkey is a useful app with plenty of customization options, it might sometimes not be safe. However, it all depends on how users use it, as loading malicious scripts without realizing it is also a possibility. Malicious scripts can abuse the vulnerabilities of the web browsers, installed programs, or the operating system. For that reason, malware[2] installation might be performed automatically, without user consent.
Most of such JavaScripts are embedded on hacked or malicious websites. Unfortunately, scripts for Tampermonkey might be hosted on malicious sites that users might download intentionally, thinking it is legitimate. Therefore, the reckless behavior can indeed lead to malware.
Please pay attention to the description of what Tampermonkey app can do:
Add “Tampermonkey”?
It can:
Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
Display notifications
Modify data you copy and paste
Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
If you combine these permissions with a malicious script that you might have downloaded, the consequences might be devastating.
To make sure that your computer is safe, we recommend scanning it with anti-malware software like FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, especially if you noticed strange browser behavior – redirects, excessive ads, extensions installed without your consent, or overall slowness of the computer operation.
Another problem that prompted users to call the extension “Tampermonkey virus” is its reinstallation problems. Several users claimed that even after getting rid of the application, it gets reinstalled as soon as the browser is restarted.[3] Some also stated that after such installation, they were unable to remove Tampermonkey, as the option was missing entirely.
To get rid of Tampermonkey, you should check our guidelines below. In the worst-case scenario, the reinstallation of the browser might be required.
Potentially unwanted software come without users' knowledge
Automatic (re)installation of browser extensions might not necessarily be related to the extensions themselves, but rather with installed potentially unwanted programs[4] on the machine. In most of the cases, such unwanted apps like adware come bundled with freeware or shareware.
These free programs are usually hosted on third-party sites. While there is nothing illegal about offering several applications via the installer, some of these optional components might be ad-sponsored and even malicious. Therefore, it is especially important to make sure the installation process of new applications is performed as carefully as possible. Here are some experts' tips[5] on the matter:
- Before installing the app, check out its reviews online – they can often hint if the program is shady;
- Choose reliable sources for your downloads. While all third-party sites bundle software, they do perform security checks before offering them;
- During the installation process, decline all deals/offers;
- Check for fine print and pre-ticked boxes;
- When prompted, always opt for Advanced/Custom settings.
Terminate suspicious processes and uninstall Tampermonkey
In some cases, Tampermonkey removal might be hindered by another malicious application that is installed on your machine – that is when the suspicious reinstallation cycle might be observed by users. In such a case, it is vital to locate and terminate all the PUPs and malware that might be hiding on your machine.
You should first check the installed program list via the Programs and Features (Windows) or Applications (Mac) folders and uninstall everything suspicious. Then, make sure you reset each of the installed browsers – the action is mandatory to prevent altered settings from returning the unwanted activity of the PUP. Finally, you should scan your machine with anti-malware software to make sure your computer is secure.
In some cases, all these actions might be not enough to remove Tampermonkey. The underlying reason might be modified registry or other vital operating system parts. In such a case, experts recommend reinstalling the browser altogether and then performing a repeated security scan.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from 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 Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- 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 extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from 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 suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from 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.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
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