MessengerPlus ads: what it is and how to remove it
MessengerPlus is a potentially unwanted application that can be downloaded either intentionally or along with other programs from third-party websites. In other cases, users might also be tricked into downloading the app via fake or scam websites that deliberately mislead users into doing so.
Facts checked October 6, 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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MessengerPlus ads: summary
| Distribution | In most cases, users download and install rogue apps unintentionally – software bundle packages, fake Flash Player updates, deceptive ads, etc. In some cases, users install adware without knowing about potential dangers that it represents post-installation |
|---|---|
| Damage | Installation of other potentially unwanted applications, information disclosure to unknown parties, financial losses, etc. |
| Name | MessengerPlus |
| Type | Adware, potentially unwanted program |
| Family | Messenger virus |
| Symptoms | Intrusive advertisements show up on all visited websites Unknown browser extensions/programs installed on the system Search results are filled with sponsored links Random redirects lead to suspicious websites Browser operates slower and fail to load some pages entirely |
| 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
| System fix | Some adware and malware can initiate changes that could be damaging to Windows, and the OS will not operate the same, even after malicious software is removed. If you suffer from |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Domains | dieviren.de |
| Ads shown as | Redirects through ad pages |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 27 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Is MessengerPlus ads dangerous?
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
MessengerPlus is an alleged communications app that feeds users ads
MessengerPlus is a potentially unwanted application that can be downloaded either intentionally or along with other programs from third-party websites.
In other cases, users might also be tricked into downloading the app via fake or scam websites that deliberately mislead users into doing so.
Allegedly, MessengerPlus is a desktop version of the popular Messenger application that can be otherwise accessed via the Facebook social network site.
While many might find such functionality useful, it is important to note that the app is actually a potentially unwanted program - adware, which injects pop-ups, in-text links, banners, offers, deals, and other ads into Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another web browser. Besides, MessengerPlus can also harvest and share information about users' web browsing activities for marketing purposes.
In most cases, adware is developed in order to make revenue from advertisements that can come in various forms, such as interstitial, pop-ups, auto-play videos, and other intrusive forms. These ads do not originate from the websites that users land on but rather are injected as a new layer by a potentially unwanted program installed on the machine - MessengerPlus in this case.
In the meantime, users believe that they have downloaded a simple app that could help them use a useful communications app via the desktop, not realizing that ads are coming from it. In some cases, however, users might notice markings like "Ads by MessengerPlus" or "MessengerPlus Ads" on various pop-ups and windows, although this might not always be the case.
As a result, users will not be aware that they need to remove MessengerPlus in order to stop the intrusive behavior. What makes matters worse is that advertised content can often mislead users into installing additional PUPs on their system, resulting in more ads and redirects. In the interconnected ad-networks, developers of such programs gain financial benefits for each shown/clicked ad, all while users' web browsing experience gets ruined.
However, MessengerPlus ads are not the only issue users should be worried about. For example, redirects (once the ads are clicked, or upon entering a random website) might lead to scam, phishing, or malicious website that could execute scripts in the background, launching automatic downloads of malware.
This scenario can always be prevented with fully patched software that is installed on the computer, as security updates fix vulnerabilities that programs might have. These are used by hackers to infiltrate machines and install such threats like ransomware, Trojans, crypto-malware, spyware, keyloggers, and others. This way, the MessengerPlus virus can cause much more serious damage than initially anticipated.
Another reason for MessengerPlus removal is information tracking. Most adware apps monetize not only on delivered ads but also by harvesting and sharing/selling the information they collect about users that have the app installed on their systems. For that, tracking technologies like cookies, web beacons, and others are used. The most commonly tracked data includes:
This information can later be used by MessengerPlus developers to deliver more attractive ads to users - this technique is called targeted advertising. However, as new regulations are being released, websites and other parties need to inform users about what data is being gathered about them, and how to opt-out of this practice. Unfortunately, not all programs and websites are compliant and still collect information without permission.
For a broader check, we also advise performing a full system scan with anti-malware software. If something was found, you should also reset the web browsers as explained below and then repair the system damage that was done with or similar apps.
- IP address and ISP
- Geolocation
- Search queries
- Websites visited
- Ads clicked
- Visit duration
- Technical data
- Unique identifiers, and much more.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Browser safe without adware on your computer
The best way to protect yourself from unneeded risks is to avoid potentially unwanted applications in the first place.
However, since most of these have a relatively shady background, they are often distributed in deceptive ways, making users install PUPs unintentionally. The installation is almost always performed by the user - this is one of the main differences between adware and malware.
Despite this, adware is one of the most widely distributed unwanted software in the world, and security researchers recently spotted a huge rise in adware developed for macOS, which even surpassed Windows machines.
Most commonly, adware gains access to users' systems when they install it themselves, without realizing it. The very popular technique is used for that - software bundling.
Many users are still seeking to download new apps from third-party websites (even though there are millions of programs available on the official sources), and such site owners and freeware developers often combine several apps into a single package. In such an installation wizard, the optional app is often deliberately hidden from sight, so users do not know it included in the first place.
In other cases, users might download PUPs and other unwanted software through sources like torrent sites, or by clicking on a fake download button on an unreliable site. To avoid these issues, it is important to be aware and never rush the installation process. Here are some tips from industry experts from dieviren.de:
- If possible, install apps from official sources;
- Before the installation of an unknown app, read its reviews online;
- Make sure that ToS and Privacy Policy are provided;
- Always opt for Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones;
- Remove all the markers from pre-ticked boxes;
- Watch out for other tricks: misleading offers, misplaced buttons, etc.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
dieviren.de
How to remove MessengerPlus ads
How to remove the MessengerPlus extension
Do the browser steps in every browser and profile on the PC, then check Windows for the program that installed the extension.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
In Chrome open
chrome://extensions, in Edgeedge://extensions, and in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially search, new tab, coupon, PDF, weather or video downloader add-ons. Check every browser and every profile, because each keeps its own list.
If an extension has no Remove button or comes back, a browser policy holds it (see "Managed by your organization" in the procedure below). The pages are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install
MessengerPlus rarely comes alone: it is usually installed by, or together with, a free program. In Windows 11 open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and sort by install date.
Uninstall every entry from the day the trouble began that you did not install on purpose, for example a download manager, a converter or a browser you never chose.
Keep drivers and entries from Microsoft, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or your PC's maker unless you are sure.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
A reset removes what the steps above could miss:
- changed start pages
- site permissions
- hidden settings
In Chrome open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults; in Edge Settings > Reset settings; in Firefox Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.
Tip: Bookmarks and saved passwords stay, while extensions are turned off and the search engine and start page return to the defaults.
Reset every browser on the PC, including Edge, which Windows 11 and Windows 10 always have.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of MessengerPlus that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.
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
To uninstall MessengerPlus from a Windows machine, follow these steps:
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.
Remove from Google Chrome
In case you are still seeing ads and differing from browser redirects after PUP removal, reset Google Chrome as explained 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 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.
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.
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)
To reset Firefox, perform the following actions:
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.
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.
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.
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 May 2020 · not reviewed since
Get rid of MessengerPlus for good
If you discovered an unwanted application on your system seemingly out of nothing, you should not hesitate to remove MessengerPlus.
If left installed, the app would feed you intrusive advertisements and, in some cases, even accidental clicks might lead you to dangerous places on the internet. As a result, you might disclose your personal information to cybercriminals or install other unsafe apps, or even malware.
For MessengerPlus removal, you can use the manual guide provided below - simply access the installed application list and uninstall it. However, in some cases, the entry might be simply missing, or the process might return errors. In such a case, we instead recommend using reputable anti-malware software that can detect and eliminate adware from your computer automatically.
If you keep seeing ads after you get rid of the MessengerPlus virus, you should also reset all the installed browsers get rid of cookies and other pre-set settings that might be directing you to sponsored content.
Questions about MessengerPlus ads
Why does my browser keep going to dieviren.de?
Something is sending it there. On one site only, that site's ads are the cause and leaving the site ends it.
On many different sites, the usual causes are an extension you installed with something else, a site you once allowed to send notifications, or an ad-supported program in Windows that changes how the browser behaves. dieviren.de itself is only a stop on the way: it records the visit and forwards you to whatever advertiser pays most.
Check the extensions page, then the list of sites allowed to send notifications, then Installed apps sorted by date. Removing the cause stops the redirects; blocking the domain alone usually does not, because the network moves to a new one.
Is it safe that my browser was redirected to dieviren.de?
Landing on dieviren.de does not infect the PC by itself. A browser does not run programs from a page without your action. The danger is in the pages that come next:
- some ask you to allow notifications
- some show fake virus warnings
- some offer downloads
- ask for card details
If you only saw those pages and closed them, nothing more is needed than removing whatever caused the redirect. If you allowed notifications, remove that permission.
If you downloaded a file, delete it unopened, or uninstall it if you ran it. If you typed a password or card number on one of the pages, change the password and call your bank.
Why does MessengerPlus show me ads?
Because that is its whole purpose. MessengerPlus is an adware extension, and its operators are paid for every ad it displays and every click it gets. In this case the ads take the form of redirects through ad pages.
They are chosen by ad networks that accept almost any advertiser, which is why so many look like warnings or prizes. The ads are not a sign that your PC is broken or infected with something worse; they are a sign that something on it, or in the browser, has permission to advertise. Removing that permission or program stops them.
Do I have to clean every browser?
Yes, if you use more than one. We saw MessengerPlus in Chrome, Edge and Firefox, and each browser keeps its own extensions, notification permissions and settings. Chrome and Edge share the same extension format, so one installer can add the same adware to both, while Firefox has its own add-ons.
Check every browser on the PC, including ones you rarely open. If you sync a browser with an account, clean it while signed in, so that the removal reaches your other computers rather than the adware returning from them.
How do I know the ads come from MessengerPlus?
Look for redirects to dieviren.de. That is the trace MessengerPlus leaves, and it shows up as redirects through ad pages. Ads that appear on every site, including ones that never carried ads before, point to something on your PC or in the browser rather than to the sites themselves.
A quick test is a private window, where extensions are off by default: if the ads disappear there, an extension is responsible. If they appear even with the browser closed, the source is a notification permission or a program in Windows.
Can adware slow down my PC?
Yes. Adware runs in the background, loads ad scripts, opens extra tabs and contacts its servers, all of which use processor time, memory and bandwidth. Ad-heavy extensions also slow down every page, because they inspect and change it before you see it.
The effect is strongest on older PCs and when several adware programs arrived together. After removal, restart the PC and check Task Manager for anything still using a lot of resources that you do not recognise. Speed usually returns to normal once the ads stop.
An ad showed a phone number and I called it. What now?
The number belongs to scammers, not to Microsoft or an antivirus company. If you only talked, hang up and do not call back. If you let them connect to the PC, disconnect it from the internet, uninstall the remote access program they used, such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ScreenConnect or UltraViewer, and run a full and offline scan.
If you paid or gave bank details, call your bank at once on the number printed on your card. Change any passwords you typed while they were connected, and report the call.
Why didn't my antivirus catch MessengerPlus?
Many security products do not block adware or notification sites by default, because users often agreed to them, even through a misleading prompt. Notification spam installs nothing at all, so there is no file to detect.
In Windows 11 you can make Microsoft Defender block potentially unwanted apps: open Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings and turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking. If notifications caused the pop-ups, no scanner will report them; the fix is in the browser's site settings.
Does adware steal passwords?
Ordinary adware is built to show ads, not to steal logins, and most of it never touches saved passwords. The line is blurry, though. Extensions that can read every page could capture what you type, and adware ads sometimes lead to phishing pages that ask for passwords directly.
If you entered credentials on a page reached through an ad, change that password from a clean device and turn on two-step verification. Otherwise, removing adware extension and clearing cookies is usually enough.
Will Fortect remove MessengerPlus?
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 MessengerPlus, 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: Vulnerability (computing) (read October 6, 2026)
- Dieviren: Dieviren (read October 6, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)