Google Lead Services (Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge) - Virus Removal Instructions
Google Lead Services Removal Guide
What is Google Lead Services?
Google Lead Services is a bogus online advertising platform which has nothing in common with Google
Google Lead Services, also known as GoogleLeadService.com, is fraudulent advertising platform which might look like the part of the legitimate Google advertising network.[1] However, this service is created by crooks who offer shady online advertising solutions.
At the bottom of GoogleLeadService.com page, you can find a disclaimer written in a fine print where it is stated that this advertising service is not related to the search giant:
We are not affiliated with or related to Google Lead Services™ in any way. The term “Google” is used as a synonym for “Search”
Let’s be honest; we rarely read what is written in the small letter at the end of the websites. Hence, the misleading name of the Google Lead Services can trick numerous people. However, this program offers shady advertising solutions.
If you are interested in how does google lead services work, we can shortly explain that this platform offers to display top and side banners, “Google Style Link with Description,” regular links or full page ads. Typically this commercial content is displayed with the help of adware[2] programs.
Google Lead Services adware programs are usually spread with the help of freeware or shareware. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) can affect any popular web browsers on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices.
After the infiltration, Google Lead Services virus immediately interferes victim’s browsing sessions by injecting banners and full-page ads or turning random texts into hyperlinks to promote various products and services. This activity complicates browsing the internet and might put users at risk.
Security experts from LosVirus.es[3] warn that Google Lead Services ads might be malicious, inform about non-existent computer viruses detected on your computer or promote bogus security or PC optimization software. Keep in mind that such shady services often exploited by cybercriminals.
Users who accidentally installed adware on their machines, often find google lead services removal complicated. This might happen due to the following reasons:
- adware may have altered system settings, for instance, Windows Registry;
- browser’s settings may have been modified too;
- the PUP installed third-party add-ons, extensions or helper objects to the affected web browser;
- other unwanted programs may have been installed on the computer or smartphone to protect adware.
Therefore, to get Google Lead Services blocked, you have to check and fix all these problems mentioned above. Of course, you can do it manually; however, it’s easier to use anti-malware tool to get rid of ad-supported application. For virus damage fix, use FortectIntego.
You can find more information on how to get rid of Google Lead Services from Windows, Android, Mac and iOS devices at the end of the article. Additionally, the virus is closely related to Google redirect virus, so you might find this malware's removal instructions helpful too.
Google Lead Services is a shady advertising platform that is not related to Google.
Adware programs can be spread on unauthorized freeware download sites or app stores
As you already know the reason why you see GoogleLeadServices.com ads is adware infection. This potentially unwanted program most likely got into the device when you installed a suspicious software package.
This kind of cyber threats usually spread bundled with freeware or shareware. Computer users who are not aware of secure software installation practices often cause themselves browsing-related problems. Meanwhile, adware might get into smartphone when users download apps from third-party stores.
However, infiltration of undesired apps can be stopped by following general security tips:
- Choose only legitimate download sources. Install programs only from official developer’s websites or app stores.
- For software installation choose Advanced/Custom settings instead of Quick/Recommended. Only Advanced setup reveals “additional downloads” which has to be opted out during the installation.
- Read app permissions before installing an application on your phone.
- Read user reviews about the program you are going to download.
- Negative feedback should stop you.
- Read EULA, Privacy Policy or other provided documents to make sure that you can trust the developers.
Google Lead Services uninstall guide
If you have been looking for the answer to the question “how do I disable Google Lead Services?” you came to the right place. In this section, we will explain how to get rid of annoying ads, stop redirects and remove adware from the device.
If you are looking for a way how to remove Google Lead Services from the computer, you can choose between two options – manual and automatic. You can find manual removal guide at the end of the article. However, we have to warn that this method might be tricky and complicated.
For this reason, we recommend choosing automatic Google Lead Service removal method. This method requires scanning the affected machine with updated anti-malware software. Keep in mind that this method works if you are dealing with a mobile version of the virus.
Remove GoogleLeadServices from iPhone and Android OS
However, if you are looking for the way to get rid of Google Lead Services iPhone version, you should try these methods:
- clear history and website data;
- uninstalling suspicious apps;
- restoring iPhone from backup;
- restoring smartphone as a new device;
- reset iPhone.
Additionally, you can check iPhone virus removal solutions. However, it is still highly recommended to scan the smartphone with updated security software.
If you have to remove Google Lead Services Android variant, you should follow Android virus removal instructions which suggest uninstalling malicious apps in Safe Mode or performing a factory reset. However, scan with anti-malware tool is the best way to fix infected smartphone or tablet.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Google Lead Services. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Eliminate Google Lead Services adware from Windows computer by following instructions below. After that, reset affected web browsers.
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- 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.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- 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.
Delete from macOS
Get rid of Google Lead Services ads and redirects by uninstalling suspicious application as explained below. Then reset the affected web browsers.
Remove items from Applications folder:
- 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.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
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.
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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
Uninstall questionable extensions and reset Google Chrome as shown below:
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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Google Lead Services registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting adware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
- ^ Mark Sweney and Alex Hern. Google ad controversy: what the row is all about. The Guardian. Latest US news, world news, sports, business, opinion, analysis and reviews.
- ^ Adware. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Los Virus. Los Virus. Spanish cyber security news.