System-protects.com ads: what it is and how to remove it
System-protects.com is a deceptive page created by crooks to fool people into subscribing to push notifications. It uses social engineering techniques to make people press the "Allow" button.
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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System-protects.com ads: summary
| Distribution | Shady websites; deceptive ads; freeware installations |
|---|---|
| NAME | System-protects.com |
| TYPE | Push notification spam; adware |
| SYMPTOMS | Various pop-ups start appearing on the screen unexpectedly even when the browser is closed |
| DANGERS | Links embedded in the pop-ups can lead to dangerous websites since crooks may use rogue advertising networks |
| 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 11 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Name | System-protects.com |
| Type | Push-notification spam site |
| Symptoms | Notification spam from a website |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Domains | system-protects.com |
| Ads shown as | Desktop notifications |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| Installed on the PC | Nothing; a browser notification permission only |
| First seen | 28 July 2022 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Is System-protects.com ads dangerous?
From our report of Jul 2022 · not reviewed since
System-protects.com can cause pop-up spam by tricking users into clicking "Allow"
System-protects.com is a deceptive page created by crooks to fool people into subscribing to push notifications.
It uses social engineering techniques to make people press the "Allow" button. The site tries to convince users that their browser is blocking access to a video and they only need to click one button to play it.
Instead, users start getting spammed with annoying pop-ups that might appear even when the browser is closed. Crooks may use rogue advertising networks that place ads leading to dangerous websites. People can end up on scam pages that try to lure out personal information, or make them install PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), and even malware.
How System-protects.com ads got into your browser
From our report of Jul 2022 · not reviewed since
Pages, like System-protects.com rarely appear in the search results.
Usually, they hide on other shady sites that are full of deceptive ads and sneaky redirects. In most cases, these are pages that are unregulated, for example, illegal streaming sites. They are full of fake "Download" and "Play" buttons, that can redirect people to shady pages.
They can redirect people to these spam pages. It is best to only visit websites that you know and trust. Do not click on random links, and ads even if they seem to be promoting legitimate products and services.
Use official streaming services, like Netflix or Hulu. They require only a small monthly subscription fee and users are able to watch as much content as they want.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
system-protects.com
How to remove System-protects.com ads
How to stop System-protects.com notifications
Do this in every browser you use, and in every profile inside it: each keeps its own list of sites allowed to send notifications.
Nothing has to be uninstalled for the notifications themselves.
Which browser shows the ads?
Step 1: Remove system-protects.com from Chrome's notification list
Chrome keeps a list of every site you once allowed to send notifications, and
system-protects.comis on it. Pastechrome://settings/content/notificationsinto the address bar, find system-protects.com under Allowed to send notifications, open the three-dot menu next to it and pick Remove.Then click Add next to Not allowed to send notifications and type system-protects.com, so the site cannot ask a second time. Repeat it in every Chrome profile you use on Windows 11 or Windows 10, since each profile has its own list.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications. Full procedure with screenshots: Stop website notifications and pop-ups
Step 1: Remove system-protects.com from Edge's notification list
Open Settings and more (the three dots) > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions > Notifications. Remove
system-protects.comfrom the Allowed list, then click Add site next to Not allowed to send notifications and enter it there.Edge is built into both Windows 11 and Windows 10, so check it even if you normally use another browser. If the notifications came with the Edge logo, this is the browser that holds the permission.
Edge on Windows 11: Site permissions > All permissions > Notifications. Full procedure with screenshots: Stop website notifications and pop-ups
Step 1: Remove system-protects.com from Firefox's notification permissions
Open the menu (three lines) > Settings and click Permissions and data in the left list, then Notifications. Select
system-protects.com, click Remove Website and confirm with Save Changes.In versions older than Firefox 152 the same list sits under Privacy & Security, behind a Settings button next to Notifications. Firefox shows these notifications only while it is running, on Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Firefox on Windows 11: the Notification Permissions window. Full procedure with screenshots: Stop website notifications and pop-ups
Then, whichever browser you use
Step 2: Scan the PC if you downloaded anything from the ads
If you only saw the notifications and clicked nothing, you can stop before this step. If a notification led you to download or run something, delete that file, then scan Windows.
In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan, then choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and Scan now. The offline scan restarts the PC and takes about 15 minutes on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
More removal instructions
For programs installed on the PC and older browsers. Open the one you need.
How to protect your privacy?
Almost every website you visit uses cookies to track your online behavior.
Cookies are small data files that can store data such as your IP address, geolocation, links you click on, things you purchase online, etc. Normally, this information is used to personalize the user experience.
However, we notice that more and more often they are used to monetize user activity. The collected data can be sold to advertising networks or other third parties. There have also been instances when cookies were hijacked and used for malicious purposes.
You may use a maintenance tool like that can perform this task automatically. This powerful software can also fix various system errors, BSODs, corrupted files, and registry issues which is especially helpful after a virus infection.
Disable browser pop-ups
If you allowed the website to show you push notifications, all you have to do is go to your browser settings and block Actarpluctess.com permissions:
Google Chrome (desktop):
Google Chrome (Android):
MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Google Chrome browser and go to Menu > Settings.
- Locate the Privacy and security section and pick Site Settings > Notifications.
- Look at the Allow section and look for a suspicious URL.
- Click the three vertical dots next to it and pick Block. This should remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome.
- Open Google Chrome and tap on Settings (three vertical dots).
- Select Notifications.
- Locate the unwanted URL and toggle the button to the left (Off setting).
- Open Mozilla Firefox and go to Menu > Options.
- Click on Privacy & Security section.
- Under Permissions, you should be able to see Notifications. Click Settings button next to it.
- In the Settings – Notification Permissions window, click on the drop-down menu by the URL in question.
- Select Block and then click on Save Changes. This should remove unwanted notifications from Mozilla Firefox.
- Click on Safari > Preferences...
- Go to Websites tab and, under General, select Notifications.
- Select the web address in question, click the drop-down menu and select Deny.
- Open Microsoft Edge, and click the Settings and more button (three horizontal dots) at the top-right of the window.
- Select Settings and then go to Advanced.
- Under Website permissions, pick Manage permissions and select the URL in question.
- Toggle the switch to the left to turn notifications off on Microsoft Edge.
- Open Microsoft Edge, and go to Settings.
- Select Site permissions.
- Go to Notifications on the right.
- Under Allow, you will find the unwanted entry.
- Click on More actions and select Block.
Freeware distribution platforms
Freeware is not the best option if you want to download software.
They often come bundled with adware and other types of PUAs. To make freeware distribution activities profitable, their creators must monetize them by adding additional programs to the installation files without the users' knowledge.
You might experience a constant display of ads, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects. Random pages or bookmarks can also open unexpectedly. Adware developers also often sell the user's ad profile that contains browsing history and includes other data such as the IP address, performed searches, and visited websites.
To prevent this from happening, always choose the "Custom" or "Advanced" installation method, read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The most important part is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any unrelated programs that you do not want to install.
Scan your system with professional security tools
Manual removal of PUPs can be quite tricky.
Crooks often disguise PUPs as "handy" tools to avoid causing suspicion. There are endless possibilities of what the program could be called. Manual removal can also sometimes result in the renewal of the infection as users fail to remove everything.
If you recently installed freeware and think it is causing the unwanted symptoms, you can try removing it yourself.
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 the uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
- 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.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about System-protects.com ads
How do I stop notifications from system-protects.com?
Remove its permission in the browser. The bottom line of each notification names the browser, so open that browser's notification settings and look under Allowed. Remove system-protects.com and any other site you do not recognise.
In Chrome and Edge this is under the site settings for notifications; in Firefox it is under Settings, Permissions and data, Notifications. Do this in every browser profile, because each one keeps its own list.
Restart the browser and wait a few minutes. If a message still arrives, read its bottom line again: the sending address can differ from the site you remember, and that is the entry still left in the list.
Did a notification from system-protects.com infect my computer?
A notification cannot infect a PC. It is a short text with a link that the browser displays. Clicking it opens a page, and a page cannot install anything unless you agree to a download and run the file.
So the answer depends on what you did after clicking. Looked and closed: you are fine. Downloaded but did not open: delete the file.
Opened a downloaded file: uninstall what it added and scan the PC. Typed card or login details: contact the bank and change the password. In every case, remove system-protects.com from the browser's allowed notifications so the messages stop.
Why does System-protects.com show me ads?
Because that is its whole purpose. System-protects.com is a push-notification spam site, and its operators are paid for every ad it displays and every click it gets. In this case the ads take the form of desktop notifications.
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.
Is system-protects.com safe to visit?
No. The site system-protects.com exists to push visitors towards ads, and the pages it leads to include fake virus warnings, fake updates, prize scams and notification prompts. Visiting it once does not infect an up-to-date PC, but anything you click or download there is a gamble.
Do not enter personal details, do not allow notifications and do not call phone numbers it shows. If it opens by itself, close the tab and check the browser's extensions and notification permissions. Blocking the single domain helps little, because the operators register new names regularly.
Which browser is sending the system-protects.com notifications?
Each notification shows the name of the browser and the site in its small print. In the cases we saw, the messages from system-protects.com came through Chrome, Edge and Firefox. Permissions are stored per browser and per profile, so removing the site in one browser does not affect another.
If you use several Chrome or Edge profiles, check each one. If you sync the browser with an account, remove the permission while signed in, otherwise another computer may still hold it and keep receiving the same messages.
How do I know the ads come from System-protects.com?
Look for notifications from system-protects.com. That is the trace System-protects.com leaves, and it shows up as desktop notifications. 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.
Did clicking Allow install anything on my PC?
No. Allowing notifications stores a permission in the browser and nothing else. No file is downloaded and no program is added to Windows, which is also why antivirus scans find nothing. The risk comes later, from the notifications themselves: they lead to scam pages, fake updates and phishing forms.
Remove the permission in each browser where you allowed it. If you clicked a notification and downloaded something afterwards, delete that file and run a Microsoft Defender full scan and offline scan.
I clicked on one of the ads. Am I infected?
Probably not. Clicking an ad usually only opens a page, and a page cannot install programs on an up-to-date Windows PC without your help.
You are at risk only if you then downloaded and ran a file, allowed notifications, entered card or login details, or called a phone number shown on the page. Delete any download and run a full and offline scan.
Change passwords you typed, from a clean device. Call your bank if you gave card details. If you called a number or allowed remote access, see the next question.
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.
Will Fortect remove System-protects.com?
No program removes System-protects.com itself, because there is nothing on the PC to remove: the notifications come through a permission saved in the browser, and only the browser's settings take it away, as the steps above show.
What Fortect can do is check the rest of Windows. Its free scan looks for malware, unwanted programs and damaged system files, which is useful if you clicked the ads, downloaded something from the pages they opened, or are not sure what else changed on the PC.
If the scan finds nothing and the notifications stopped after you removed the permission, this problem is solved. Use Microsoft Defender as a second opinion whenever you have downloaded files from pages like these.
Sources
- Exabeam: Top 8 Social Engineering Techniques and How to Prevent Them [2022] (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Potentially unwanted program (read October 7, 2026)
- Vircom: The Hidden Dangers of Freeware and How You Can Avoid Them (read October 7, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)