TabOptimizer (Removal Guide) - Improved Instructions
TabOptimizer Removal Guide
What is TabOptimizer?
TabOptimizer – a falsely advertised browser plugin that displays ads in various forms
TabOptimizer adware is falsely advertised on Google Chrome Web Store and other websites
TabOptimizer is adware despite being advertised as a useful tool that will improve your Google Chrome browser. It won't improve anything. It will diminish your browsing experience by displaying ads like pop-ups, banners, surveys, in-text hyperlinks, and any other possible forms and endanger your security by recording your data.
The worse thing is that TabOptimizer adware shown ads are always originating from other sources than the pages you're visiting. This makes the ads unsafe as the potentially unwanted program[1] developers could redirect you to a completely non-related site if they are clicked.
As a result of redirects from this adware, you might be forced to visit shady, suspicious, or even malicious websites. We're glad that you chose us as your cybersecurity advisers. In this article, you'll find this PUPs summary, its peculiarities, and of course, removal options.
name | TabOptimizer |
---|---|
Type | Adware, redirect virus, PUP |
Fake advertisement | Improving browser experience by removing errors and managing tabs |
true purpose | Show tons of ads of affiliated websites |
Symptoms | More than usual ads, some of them covering the whole browser window. Slower device performance and internet connection |
Risks | Deceptive ads and sudden redirects could lead you to hazardous websites, where you could be tricked into exposing your private details, or where malware could be downloaded instantly through drive-by downloads |
Distribution | Google Chrome Web Store, freeware bundles, fake Flash Player updates, deceptive ads |
Removal | Adware and other PUPs can be easily removed by scanning your device with a reputable security tool |
System Health check | You can eliminate all tracking cookies and other traces that your AV tool left by running system diagnostics with the all-in-one FortectIntego system repair tool |
Adware such as TabOptimizer virus, browser hijackers, and alike are categorized as potentially unwanted programs mainly for one reason only – that users agree to install it, whether knowingly or not. But it could act as a gateway to malware[2] infections through deceptive ads and redirects.
PUP operators promote sites that pay the most. And since ads displayed by adware are deceptive, they can lead you to various non-related sites. That means that clicking on TabOptimizer ads stating that there's a sale on brand new TVs or software could result in you visiting pages with:
- fake updates,
- malware,
- porn,
- gambling,
- tech support scams, etc.
Threat actors behind these pages could try to infect your devices with hazardous computer viruses, force you into downloading additional PUPs, try to draw out private details (credit card info, addresses, SSNs, etc.), try to lure you into gambling, and so on.
Furthermore, if a sudden TabOptimizer redirect occurs, you might be forced to visit such pages without clicking the deceptive ads. Thus potentially unwanted programs shouldn't be joked around with and should be uninstalled or terminated immediately.
TabOptimizer virus is capable of collecting various user data
We highly recommend you to remove TabOptimizer from any device. The best and safest way to do it is by scanning your device with trustworthy anti-malware software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Either of these security tools will detect the threat and automatically eliminate it.
But some of its pieces might still be left in the Windows Registry and other key system settings. Therefore, to finish TabOptimizer removal, IT eperts[3] advise using the powerful FortectIntego system repair tool to take care of any system-related issues and get rid of all tracking cookies stored on your machine.
Bad habits when installing new software lead to PUP infections
People should take their time when installing new software as PUP developers use a stealthy trick to spread their creations. It's called software bundling. These packs containing installers of more than one app are usually downloaded from third-party software vendors, but sometimes even legit companies do it.
The trick is that all programs are preselected for installation. Therefore, if a user picks the Recommended, Quick, or Standard mode, all of the apps offered within the bundle, including adware, browser hijackers, unnecessary toolbars, etc., are automatically installed.
Thus if you desperately want an app and the only way to get it is from a bundle – stay attentive when installing it and don't rush. Choose the Advanced or Custom mode. That's the only way to deselect all apps from installation and getting only the app you initially wanted.
TabOptimizer ads are appearing as soon as you install the browser extension
Detailed instructions to remove TabOptimizer virus from infected devices
If you want to have a virus-free device, you should do research on any new browser extensions such as TabOptimizer virus, toolbars, and any other software before installing it. Cybercriminals are always developing new hazardous apps and deceptive ways to deliver them to everyday computer users.
Since this falsely advertised browser extension will only impede your device usage, you should get rid of it. To remove TabOptimizer automatically, you should perform a full system scan with a dependable security tool. Please don't forget to update its virus database frequently so it could stop the latest malware from infecting your device.
You will need to get your hands dirty to finish TabOptimizer removal. If this PUP was installed as a browser extension, use our free guides below to eliminate it from your browsers. Afterward, we advise using system diagnostic tools to delete any tracking cookies and repair any system irregularities.
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 TabOptimizer. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
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)
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
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 TabOptimizer 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
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
- ^ Potentially unwanted program. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Roger A. Grimes. 9 types of malware and how to recognize them. Cso. Security news, features and analysis.
- ^ Odstranitvirus. Odstranitvirus. Spyware news and security.