Audio Player Plus: what it is and how to remove it
Audio Player Plus is a shady browser extension that acts as adware, resulting in an overabundance of commercial content such as pop-ups, banners, and redirects. While marketed as a tool for listening to any audio format, it has no practical application.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Audio Player Plus: summary
| Distribution | Shady websites; deceptive ads, freeware installations |
|---|---|
| NAME | Audio Player Plus |
| TYPE | Browser hijacker; adware |
| SYMPTOMS | The extension starts generating intrusive advertisements and may change the main settings |
| DANGERS | The ads may lead to dangerous websites controlled by crooks who try to take advantage of less IT-savvy users |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 8 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Name | Audio Player Plus |
| Type | Search hijacker extension |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | Audio Player Plus |
| First seen | 21 April 2023 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Is Audio Player Plus dangerous? What it collects
From our report of Apr 2023 · not reviewed since
Audio Player Plus is a bogus browser extension that causes pop-up spam and redirects
Audio Player Plus is a shady browser extension that acts as adware, resulting in an overabundance of commercial content such as pop-ups, banners, and redirects.
While marketed as a tool for listening to any audio format, it has no practical application. These pop-ups may appear even when the browser is not open.
The primary goal of such apps is to generate revenue from pay-per-click advertising, and they may use rogue advertising networks that redirect users to malicious websites. Clicking on links in these ads can take users to pages that try to steal personal information or trick them into downloading potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or malware.
Ads for bogus antivirus software, software deals, adult websites, surveys, giveaways, and dubious dating platforms are common. If other people, particularly children, use the affected device, the bogus extension must be removed immediately.
From our report of Apr 2023 · not reviewed since
Freeware installations
Adware is frequently distributed via freeware platforms, which include additional programs in their installers without the user's knowledge.
Because most people skip the installation process, they may be unaware of the presence of these supplementary files. While purchasing software licenses can be expensive, keeping a system running smoothly can save money in the long run.
To determine how data will be used, choose the "Custom" or "Advanced" installation methods and thoroughly read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The most important step is to go through the file list and uncheck any unrelated applications by unchecking the corresponding boxes.
From our report of Apr 2023 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Audio Player Plus
- Remove the extension through browser settings
How Audio Player Plus got into your browser
From our report of Apr 2023 · not reviewed since
The PUP was discovered to have a "official" promotional website, which crooks use to tout its fictitious features and distribute it online.
The phony Audio Player Plus extension was also discovered on dubious download pages distributed by websites engaged in illegal activities. Despite Google's assurance that it will eliminate fake "Download" and "Play" buttons, these sites are riddled with misleading advertisements and hidden redirects.
Fraudulent "Downloader" sites frequently use social engineering techniques to their advantage, such as displaying messages requesting the installation of a browser extension in order to "continue to the website" or for security reasons. The installation of plugins or programs should never be required to access content on a legitimate website.
Applications that are listed on digital marketplaces are subjected to a rigorous review process. Nonetheless, research must be conducted by reading reviews, examining ratings, and determining the number of users.
How to remove Audio Player Plus
How to remove Audio Player Plus and get your search engine back
Remove the extension first.
The search settings only stay fixed once nothing on the PC can change them again.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
Audio Player Plus often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://extensions- Extensions and themes in Firefox
Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.
Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Put the search engine back
Audio Player Plus replaces the browser's default search engine, so searches pass through its own page first.
Chrome: Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, then Make default on Google, Bing or another engine you chose, and Delete on the entries you never added.
Edge has the same list under Manage search engines (search the Settings page for it), and Firefox under Settings > Search.
Look at On startup and the homepage settings too and remove any address you did not set. Nothing in this step differs between Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: check Search engine and On startup. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 3: Uninstall Audio Player Plus
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10.
Sort the list by install date and find Audio Player Plus, then choose Uninstall from the three-dot menu next to it (in Windows 10, click the entry and then Uninstall).
Remove anything else installed on the same day that you do not recognise, because such programs usually arrive together in one installer. If the uninstaller opens a browser page with an offer or a survey, close it: the program is removed either way.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 4: Reset the browser
Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
From our report of Apr 2023 · not reviewed since
Remove Audio Player Plus adware
Audio Player Plus adware is typically attached to your browser as an extension, leading to push notification spam, surveys, banners, redirects, and other commercial content.
It is advisable to access your browser settings and view the list of extensions. We suggest removing plugins individually to assess any alterations.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- 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.
- 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.
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
- 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.
- Click Safari > Preferences...
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
From our report of Apr 2023 · not reviewed since
Protect your privacy
Websites, web-based applications, and programs can use cookies to track your online activity, storing information such as your IP address, geolocation, visited websites, clicked links, and online purchases.
This raises serious concerns about user privacy and security, as this information could be sold to advertising networks or other third parties.
To stop the tracking process, use a maintenance tool like , which can automatically clear your browser, deleting cookies and cache. This powerful software can also repair a wide range of system errors, corrupted files, and registry issues, which is especially useful after a virus infection.
From our report of Apr 2023 · not reviewed since
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
If the unwanted symptoms persist despite the completion of all previous steps, it is recommended that you inspect your system for any additional PUAs.
Manual removal of potentially unwanted programs may result in the infection reappearing because users may overlook related files and entries. Furthermore, perpetrators may disguise these programs as "useful" tools, making identification more difficult. If you prefer manual removal, we have instructions for both Windows and Mac computers.
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
Questions about Audio Player Plus
Is Audio Player Plus a virus?
Most programs that appear the way Audio Player Plus did are not viruses in the strict sense. They are potentially unwanted programs:
- real software that arrives bundled with other downloads and then shows offers
- changes browser settings
- starts with Windows
Some are harmless, some are annoying and a few carry adware. What makes it worth removing is that you did not choose it.
Uninstall it from Installed apps and check the startup list and the browsers for anything added the same day. If it refuses to uninstall or returns after a restart, treat it as more serious and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan.
Audio Player Plus came back after I uninstalled it. Why?
Something else is reinstalling it. Common causes are a second program from the same publisher, a scheduled task that downloads it again, or a browser extension that keeps prompting for it. Sort Installed apps by install date and uninstall each entry from the same day that you did not choose.
Then open Task Scheduler and look in the Task Scheduler Library for tasks with updater-style names that you do not recognise. Check Startup apps in Task Manager too. If Audio Player Plus still returns, start Windows in Safe Mode, uninstall it there and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan, which looks for loaders that ordinary scans can miss.
Will resetting the browser remove Audio Player Plus?
A reset disables extensions, restores the default search engine, start page and new tab, and clears temporary data and cookies. It keeps bookmarks, history and saved passwords. For many hijackers that is enough.
It does not remove a program installed in Windows, policies in the registry, changes to the hosts file or DNS, or edited shortcuts, so Audio Player Plus can come back after a reset if one of those remains. Do the reset after removing the program and policies, not instead of it.
Should I just switch to another browser?
It may not help. Installers that add hijackers usually target every browser on the PC, and system-level changes such as the hosts file, DNS or proxy affect all browsers at once. A new browser also leaves the hijacker's program and extension in place, collecting data in the old one.
Remove Audio Player Plus properly first. After that, use whichever browser you prefer; Chrome, Edge and Firefox all let you set and protect your own search engine. Import your bookmarks only after the old browser is clean.
I changed the search engine, but it switched back. Why?
The hijacker is still installed, and it rewrites the setting whenever the browser starts or the extension updates. Changing the setting is the last step, not the first. Find what controls it: the search settings page usually names the extension, and a greyed-out field means a policy.
Remove that source, restart the browser, then pick your search engine and delete the hijacker's entry from the list of saved search engines so it cannot be chosen by accident. Check again after a day, when extensions have had a chance to update.
How did Audio Player Plus get on my computer?
Our report lists the distribution as shady websites; deceptive ads, freeware installations. Software of this kind often comes bundled with free programs, fake updates or downloads from unofficial sites.
It can also arrive through a browser extension or a notification you allowed on a spam page. Think back to what you installed or allowed just before the first ad or redirect appeared.
Will my antivirus detect Audio Player Plus?
Not always, because our check found no Microsoft Defender detection name for it. Our check found no Microsoft Defender detection name for it, so a scan may not name it. Update the security program first, then run a full scan instead of a quick one.
Also scan with a second on-demand scanner, because one program can miss what another finds. A clean scan does not prove the signs are gone, so check the browser extensions and installed programs by hand too.
How do I stop the pop-ups and redirects from Audio Player Plus?
Remove the program or extension that causes them, then block notifications and reset the browser. Signs our report lists: The extension starts generating intrusive advertisements and may change the main settings.
In Chrome open Settings, Privacy and security, Site settings, Notifications, and remove the site you do not know. Check the extensions list and the installed programs list for anything you did not add. Restart the browser and test a few sites to see whether the ads are gone.
Will Fortect remove Audio Player Plus?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Audio Player Plus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Adware (read October 7, 2026)
- Helpnetsecurity: How does a rogue ad network function? (read October 7, 2026)
- Webroot: What is Social Engineering? (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)