eFast Browser ads: what it is and how to remove it

eFast Browser, or simply eFast, is developed by ClaraLabs S.A. It is presented as "fast, stable, and easy to use" Chromium-based web browser that is an excellent alternative to Google Chrome browser.

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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Screenshot of eFast Browser: screenshot
eFast Browser as our 2017 report showed it.

EFast Browser ads: summary

Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
DistributionNot recorded in the old report
DamageNot recorded in the old report
NameEFast Browser
TypeAdware extension
SymptomsAn unknown program in Installed apps
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 4 more facts
Evidence6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
ProgramEFast Browser
First seen10 July 2017
Facts checked7 October 2026

Is eFast Browser ads dangerous?

From our report of Jul 2017 · not reviewed since

eFast Browser is a bogus copy of Google Chrome

eFast Browser, or simply eFast, is developed by ClaraLabs S.A. It is presented as "fast, stable, and easy to use" Chromium-based web browser that is an excellent alternative to Google Chrome browser. However, security experts warn that this program belongs to the group of potentially unwanted programs (PUP) and adware.

The main characteristics of this ad-supported program:

Authors of this product are already known for spreading Unico Browser, Tortuga Browser, and other software that are considered to be potentially unwanted and dangerous for people's privacy and PC's security. In most of the cases, the browser is installed on computers without being noticed in a software bundle.

From the first glimpse, eFast Browser virus does not differ from Google Chrome web browser. To be more specific, these two web browsers use the same color scheme, logos, and apply Google as a default homepage/search provider. However, these two services cannot be compared.

The research revealed that the content provided by this browser is potentially dangerous. It is supported by advertising, what means that one of its tasks is to generate sponsored advertisements while people are browsing the net. Consequently, when using this web browser for surfing the net, you may notice an excessive amount of "Ads by ," Ads," "Brought by ," and similarly.

Supporters of this fake browser are may be of questionable reputation due to attempts to spread malware or virus on random computers. Thus, it's highly NOT recommended to click on any of the eFast Browser ads. This browser can display misleading advertisements and expose you to the pages embedded with fake software updates, infected links, unwanted software installers, and so on.

What is more, developers claim that this web browser allows to "Browse the web more safely with malware and protection built-in Chromium." However, it's not true. It has been found that this browser may not conform to proper security updates.

In order to protect your computer from possible cyber threats, you need to remove eFast from the device. However, your PC is not the only one that needs to be taken care of.

This browser extension might also be used for analyzing people's web browsing habits. For that, it may be filled with tracking cookies, web beacons, and similar software used for collecting, storing, and transmitting to remote control servers information like:

Aggregated data is usually used for marketing purposes. However, it might also be sold or shared with third parties. Thus, if your privacy matters to you, you should run a full system scan with and perform the automatic eFast removal.

  • copies the design and interface of Google Chrome;
  • creates a bunch of shortcuts to popular websites on the desktop;
  • might alter search results;
  • delivers an excessive amount of online ads;
  • redirects to potentially dangerous websites;
  • might collect information about users.
  • PC's IP address;
  • location;
  • email address;
  • search queries;
  • pages viewed;
  • download/upload details;
  • and similar data.
Screenshot of eFast Browser: screenshot
eFast Browser in our 2017 report.
eFast Browser: efast virus
eFast Browser in our 2017 report.

From our report of Jul 2017 · not reviewed since

Chromium-based browser might travel in software packages

eFast is most likely to be spread by bundling.

In other words, it can hardly be found on the Internet as an individual tool. Usually, it travels bundled with other free programs, for instance, PDF converters, movie players, and other freeware or shareware.

To prevent this pest from unauthorized infiltration, we highly recommend you to check advanced or custom settings of each freeware and reject installation of "additional components." Keep in mind that eFast hijack might occur when you install software under quick or recommended mode.

What is more, you should also read the Privacy Policy and EULA before installing a new program. These documents might reveal about bundled software or suspicious data tracking techniques.

How to remove eFast Browser ads

How to remove the eFast Browser extension

Do the browser steps in every browser and profile on the PC, then check Windows for the program that installed the extension.

  1. Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add

    EFast Browser often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:

    • chrome://extensions
    • edge://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 menu with Extensions and Manage extensions highlighted
    Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension

  2. Step 2: Uninstall eFast Browser

    Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10. Sort the list by install date and find eFast Browser, 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

  3. Step 3: 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 Settings page with the Reset settings section open
    Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine

  4. Step 4: 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 Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

Instructions for each browser and system

The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.

Uninstall from Windows

Open Control Panel and have a look through the list of recently installed programs. If you find eFast and other suspicious programs, uninstall them immediately.

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows
Remove from Google Chrome

These instructions will help you to delete eFast from the Google Chrome entirely. Please follow them carefully and do not leave any adware-related entries installed.

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2
Remove from Microsoft Edge

After the hijack, you should take care of Microsoft Edge by following these guidelines:

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

First of all, uninstall eFast Browser extension, as well as other add-ons that may have been installed without your knowledge as well. Secondly, reset Mozilla Firefox in order to get rid of tracking cookies.

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2
Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari
Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer

Follow the instructions to get rid of the adware-related components from Internet Explorer.

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.

While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important - recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.

Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

From our report of Jul 2017 · not reviewed since

Elimination options for eFast virus

To remove eFast Browser from the computer, you have two choices.

The first method suggests locating adware-related entries manually. The second method offers to dedicate this task for security software.

If you decide to get rid of the adware manually, you need to check the system for suspicious components. In order to do that, you should follow the steps below and uninstall all unknown entries from the Control Panel and web browsers.

However, if manual eFast removal seems complicated, you should hesitate and opt for the second elimination option. This method asks to install security software and scan the system with the help of it.

Questions about eFast Browser ads

Is eFast Browser a virus?

Most programs that appear the way eFast Browser 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.

EFast Browser will not uninstall. What can I do?

First restart the PC and try again, because the program may have been running and locked its own files. If the uninstaller is missing or fails, start Windows in Safe Mode, where most third-party programs do not start, and remove eFast Browser from Installed apps there.

If it still refuses, delete its startup entry and its scheduled task, restart, and try once more. A program that actively prevents removal is behaving like malware, so finish with a Microsoft Defender offline scan. Avoid third-party uninstallers offered on search ads; several of them are unwanted programs themselves.

My scan found nothing, but the ads continue. Why?

Because the source may not be a file a scanner looks for. Browser notifications are a permission stored in the browser, and many adware extensions are not flagged because they come from an official store.

Some ad-supported programs are only reported if you enable detection of potentially unwanted apps. So a clean scan does not mean the job is done. Check each browser's notification permissions and extension list by hand, and turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security before scanning again.

Can an adware pop-up infect my PC just by appearing?

No. A pop-up, a notification or a new tab is only a web page or a message. It cannot run programs on Windows by itself, provided the browser and Windows are up to date. Infection needs a step from you:

  • running a downloaded file
  • installing an extension
  • giving a stranger remote access

That is why scam pages work so hard to make you click. Close such pages with the tab's X or by closing the browser, not with buttons inside the page, which may start a download.

Did eFast Browser collect my data?

Adware typically collects what it needs to choose ads:

  • the sites you visit
  • search terms
  • approximate location
  • browser and system details

Extensions with permission to read and change data on all websites can technically see everything on those pages, including forms. That is a privacy problem rather than proof of theft.

If you typed card details or passwords while it was active, changing the most important passwords is a reasonable precaution. Clearing cookies after removal ends the tracking sessions it may have started.

I let a "support technician" from an ad connect to my PC. What should I do?

Act quickly but calmly. Disconnect the PC from the internet first, so the connection ends. Uninstall the remote access tool they asked you to install and check Installed apps for anything else added during the call.

Run a Microsoft Defender full scan and offline scan. From another device, change your e-mail and banking passwords and sign out of all sessions.

If you paid by card, bank transfer or gift card, contact your bank or the card issuer immediately, and report the scam to the police. Do not answer if they call back.

Why is my browser so slow since the ads started?

Each page now does extra work. An adware extension reads the page, decides where to put ads, loads them from ad servers and reports your visit, and that happens on every tab. Ad-supported programs add their own background activity.

Removing the extension or program usually makes the browser fast again at once. If it stays slow, open the browser's own task manager with Shift+Esc in Chrome or Edge and look for extensions using a lot of memory or processor time.

Do I need to reset my browser after removing eFast Browser?

A reset is a good last step, because it undoes settings that the program changed. A reset restores the home page, new tab page and default search engine, and turns off extensions.

It does not delete your bookmarks or saved passwords in the main browsers. Add back only the extensions you trust, one at a time.

Will Fortect remove eFast Browser?

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 eFast Browser, 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

  1. How-To Geek: Why You Shouldn't Use (Most) Alternative Browsers Based on Google Chrome (read October 7, 2026)
  2. Zelster: Malvertising: Some Examples of Malicious Ad Campaigns (read October 7, 2026)
  3. LesVirus: LesVirus (read October 7, 2026)
  4. Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 7, 2026)
  5. FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)

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