PopBlock+ (Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
PopBlock+ Removal Guide
What is PopBlock+?
PopBlock+ is a fake ad-blocker that inserts intrusive ads into your web browsing routine
PBlock+, otherwise known as PopBlock+, is advertised as a Google Chrome add-on that is capable of stopping popups and other ads showing up on the web browser. However, instead of providing useful functionality, it fails to deliver what it promised and instead redirects users to potentially dangerous websites that include scan and phishing content. As a result, users might be tricked into paying fake tech support fees or install malicious programs on their computers.
The so-called PopBlock+ virus belongs to the adware (a type of a potentially unwanted program) category. These apps typically spread using deceptive methods and change the settings of the web browser in order to deliver popups, banners, deals, offers, and other commercial content to users. In the background, these apps usually collect data about user online activity to serve targeted ads and benefit financially even more.
| Name | PopBlock+, PBlock+ |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware, potentially unwanted program |
| Alleged functionality | Blocks popups and other ads on all websites |
| Distribution | The extension can be downloaded from its official website or through software bundle packages acquired from third-party sources |
| Symptoms | An extension installed on the web browser; redirects bring to suspicious websites, such as tech support scam or malicious program download sites; intrusive ads show up at any time during web browsing sessions |
| Dangers | Redirects to malicious websites can result in unwanted site notifications, personal information disclosure to unknown parties, financial losses, installation of other potentially unwanted programs or malware |
| Elimination | To get rid of unwanted apps manually, you can follow our removal guide below. If the unwanted ads and other disruptive behavior does not stop, you should scan your computer with security software and delete all threats automatically |
| Further steps | Malware or adware can significantly diminish the performance of your computer or cause serious stability issues due to system file damage. Use FortectIntego to remediate your device and ensure that the virus damage is fixed |
Ad-blocking extensions are extremely valuable to users from many standpoints – they prevent intrusive ads from showing up on all visited websites, improving the web browsing experience in the process. Besides, these browser additions are excellent tools in protecting users from JavaScript malware that could be installed automatically if the browser suffers from software vulnerabilities.[1]
However, not all ad-blockers are trustworthy. Previously, we saw Nano adblocker going rogue due to an unsuccessful sales deal; we also observed Adblocker For YouTube suddenly engaging in unexpected browser redirects to potentially malicious websites. Finally, fake versions of reputable apps such as AdBlock Plus were observed in the wild.[2] Unfortunately, PopBlock+ is yet another software you should never trust.
While PBlock+ has an official website popblockplus[.]com, it does not seem that the extension can be installed through it. Instead, users are presented with the following deceptive message:
popblockplus[.]com says
You are protected. All suspicious Pop-Ups will be blocked.
PopBlock+ successfully activated. You may close this window.
Nonetheless, most users see the app installed on their systems after installing freeware programs downloaded from third-party websites. This happens due to software bundling, a well-known technique used to distribute adware and other PUPs. Since people install the extension unintentionally, they might not even know where the ads are coming from and that the only way to stop them is by performing a PopBlock+ removal.
There are more reasons besides ads and redirects for you to remove PopBlock+ from your browser – it is data tracking. Adware programs typically employ web beacons, JavaScript, cookies, and other tracking technologies to spy on users' online behavior (typically, the collected details include technical device information, IP address, ISP, visited websites, clicked links, etc.).
Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the more likely you are to encounter malicious websites. Luckily, you can uninstall PopBlock+ without too much effort – all you have to do is access the settings section of your web browser. After you delete the extension, experts[3] also recommend performing system scans with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner to ensure that no malware is present and then perform further checks with FortectIntego for best results.
Pick reliable programs for ad-blocking and prevent stealthy installation of adware
As previously mentioned, ad-blockers can be extremely useful for users, although it is important to note that they also have downfalls. For example, by not allowing ads, you deny the ability for website creators to monetize, and that might be the only income of the content creators. Besides, some sites might completely break due to the inability to load certain scripts that these apps stop.
Nonetheless, the security research community advises users to employ ad-blocking applications for security reasons. However, it is important to choose the one that does the job well and does not engage in malicious ads or redirects. There are plenty of good options available, so we recommend reading some user reviews when deciding which extension suits you the best.
It is also advisable to avoid hasty installations of freeware programs, especially when downloaded from less-known websites. Distributors often compile several programs into a single bundle, resulting in unintentional infiltration of PUPs. To avoid them, always choose Advanced/Custom options instead of Recommended/Quick ones to stay in control of the installation process. Also, watch out for misplaced buttons, fine print text, and pre-ticked checkboxes.
Delete PopBlock+ via your browser settings
It should not be too difficult for you to remove PopBlock+ virus – all you have to do is access your web browser settings, just like you do with other extensions. If you are using a different browser such as Mozilla Firefox or MS Edge, you can check the instructions below on how to eliminate add-ons from them below.
As soon as PBlock+ removal is complete, you will no longer see the unwanted ads, redirects, and other disturbances during your browsing sessions. However, if the unwanted activity does not stop, it might indicate that another potentially unwanted application is installed on your system. You can either delete such apps manually or employ powerful anti-virus software that is capable of detecting PUPs. Besides, anti-malware is overall important for your online safety and computer security, so make sure there is one running at all times.
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 PopBlock+. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
If you want to uninstall programs from Windows systems, please proceed with the following steps:
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
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)
If a system scan with security software showed some infections, we recommend resetting Mozilla Firefox to delete all the PUP leftovers:
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
To delete PopBlock+ extension from Chrome, access browser's settings panel:
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 PopBlock+ 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
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 Private Internet Access 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 Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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- ^ Vulnerability (computing). Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Anthony Spadafora. Fake ad blocker extensions used in ad fraud scheme. TechRadar. The source for tech buying advice.
- ^ Lesvirus. Lesvirus. Cybersecurity news and malware insights.