Trackid=sp-006 ads: what it is and how to remove it
trackid=sp-006 is a persistent cookie tracker that has been affecting users since 2014, appearing in browser URLs and hijacking search results. This adware parameter indicates browser compromise and data harvesting, typically arriving through bundled software installations.
Facts checked October 5, 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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Trackid=sp-006 ads: summary
| Damage | Financial losses due to encountered scams, personal information disclosure to unknown parties, malware infection, etc. |
|---|---|
| Name | Trackid=sp-006 |
| Type | Tracker, adware |
| Infiltration | Adware is typically installed via software bundle packages downloaded from third-party sites or after being tricked by a fake update or another scam message online |
| Symptoms | "Trackid=sp-006" appears on the web browser seemingly out of nowhere, changed web browser settings (homepage, new tab URL, search engine), an increase of ads on all sites, redirects, etc. |
| 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 5 more facts
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | Trackid=sp-006 |
| First seen | 25 March 2020 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
Is Trackid=sp-006 ads dangerous?
From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since
Trackid=sp-006 is a cookie tracker that might also be related to adware
Trackid=sp-006 is a persistent tracker that started frustrating users since at least 2014.
Once typing in a search query on Google Chrome, users noticed that their searchers are redirected to unknown and suspicious websites. In the meantime, their capability of looking for relevant information vastly diminished, which created a lot of frustration for users.
Initially, if you see Trackid=sp-006 on your web browser, you should take action to terminate it immediately, as it tracks your cookie information via your browser and sends it to unknown actors.
If you are wondering who or what changed your web browser settings without permission, it is highly likely to be an adware or another potentially unwanted program. In such a case, besides the Trackid=sp-006 tracker, you might also notice browser hijacking symptoms, such as changed homepage, new tab address, and a new search engine added.
Trackid=sp-006 potentially unwanted program might reach your system in a software bundle, so you might not have noticed its infiltration. . In most cases, such occurrence happens when users go to third-party sites to download freeware apps, and installers include optional components, which are cleverly hidden.
The easiest way to detect this adware is to check the URL in the address box once you perform the search. Typically, trackid=sp-006 is added at the end, which indicates that your browser is hijacked. Note that if you do not take corresponding measures, you risk encountering issues related to your security and privacy.
It is because the trackid=sp-006 virus tracks your browsing-related behavior. This potentially unwanted program can access and store information such as your IP address, geolocation, or even personally identifiable details like name and email address. These can later be used for malicious purposes - sold on the dark web or used to steal your identity, bringing disastrous consequences.
With the help of the gathered information, this adware program adjusts online ads to suit your interests. This way, you are attracted to click on them even more. However, it is vital to know that these advertisements are not only annoying but dangerous as well.
To spread high-risk computer infections, malevolent people employ a popular distribution technique called malvertising. Adware floods regular computer users with numerous malware-laden ads that are programmed to download computer infections once clicked - these can bring to much more serious issues than just an annoying tracker Trackid=sp-006, which limits search capabilities.
Therefore, experts from LosVirus.es warn that if you delay trackid=sp-006 removal, you might let inside far more dangerous viruses than adware programs.
It will explain to you how to eliminate the adware along with all of its components. Note that, if you did not find any potentially unwanted programs or malware on your device and the problem continues, you can terminate trackid=sp-006 by resetting sync on your Google account - we explain how-to below.


From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since
Ways adware reaches your system
Various potentially unwanted programs, including adware, spreads in one package with free applications.
Usually, the information about them is hidden if the user skips steps by choosing Recommended or Quick settings. Thus, we advise you to carefully install freeware if you want to protect your computer.
The best way to avoid letting potentially unwanted programs in is to pick Custom or Advanced options for the installer. They will fully show the necessary information to identify the additional programs which might be installed during the procedure. You should search for and de-select such checkmarks as "Get XXX now" which are typically pre-selected.
Additionally, do not forget to stay away from any advertising content online since it might lead you to highly suspicious pages and infiltrate other PUPs . The wisest choice would be to use a professional security software at all times.
From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Trackid=sp-006
- However, if you did find malware and it is causing your computer issues, fix virus damage with
How to remove Trackid=sp-006 ads
How to remove the Trackid=sp-006 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
Trackid=sp-006 often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://extensions- Extensions and themes in Firefox
Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.
Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.

Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall Trackid=sp-006
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10. Sort the list by install date and find Trackid=sp-006, then choose Uninstall from the three-dot menu next to it (in Windows 10, click the entry and then Uninstall).
Remove anything else installed on the same day that you do not recognise, because such programs usually arrive together in one installer. If the uninstaller opens a browser page with an offer or a survey, close it: the program is removed either way.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

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
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.

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
Windows users are advised to follow the guidelines below to remove trackid=sp-006 virus.
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
You can fix Chrome by uninstalling the adware and resetting your browser.
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)
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
If you have noticed trackid=sp-006 redirect, check the instructions given below to clean your Mac.
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.

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 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, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since
Reset Google Sync to eliminate the annoying Trackid=sp-006 tracker
If you notice trackid=sp-006 redirect virus, be aware that you have two options to get rid of it — manual and automatic termination.
Even though both of these methods are effective, we suggest employing a reputable antivirus tool to save your time and do it safely.
You can remove trackid=sp-006 with the help of the below-listed security software. They will easily detect potentially unwanted programs and protect your system in the future.
If you could not find any PUPs or malware installed by using anti-virus software, the issue may be related to Google Sync. When you browse the web, Google saves caches on their servers - these can sometimes be malicious. Thus, even if you reset your web browsers, trackid=sp-006 removal might not be successful. Therefore, go to the Google Sync page, and press Reset Sync at the bottom.

Questions about Trackid=sp-006 ads
What is trackid=sp-006?
trackid=sp-006 is a cookie tracker that appears in your browser's address bar, particularly when performing searches. It's a parameter added to URLs that indicates your browser has been compromised by adware or a potentially unwanted program.
When you type a search query into Google Chrome or other browsers, instead of getting legitimate results, your searches are redirected to unknown and suspicious websites. This persistent tracker has frustrated users since at least 2014 and typically appears alongside other browser hijacking symptoms such as changed homepage settings, new tab URLs, and modified search engines.
How does trackid=sp-006 get on my computer?
trackid=sp-006 typically arrives through software bundle packages downloaded from third-party websites or after users are tricked by fake update notifications online. When installing freeware applications, the adware is hidden as an optional component during the installation process.
Most users don't notice it because they select Quick or Recommended setup options that skip showing detailed component information. By choosing Custom or Advanced installation options, you can often see and deselect these unwanted additions before they install. Additionally, the adware can spread through malvertising—malicious advertisements that download infections when clicked.
What data does trackid=sp-006 collect?
trackid=sp-006 tracks your browsing behavior comprehensively by collecting your IP address, geolocation data, and search queries. The tracker can also gather personally identifiable information including your name and email address if they're accessible through your browser. This harvested data can later be used for malicious purposes—sold on the dark web or leveraged for identity theft and financial fraud.
With this information, adware programs adjust online advertisements to match your interests, making you more likely to click on them. These targeted ads are often dangerous, delivered through malvertising campaigns designed to download serious malware infections far more damaging than the tracker itself.
Why should I remove trackid=sp-006 immediately?
Delaying trackid=sp-006 removal risks exposing yourself to far more dangerous viruses than the tracker alone. The adware floods your browser with malware-laden advertisements programmed to download computer infections when clicked. These dangerous ads can lead to much more serious security issues than simple search redirection.
The tracker also compromises your privacy by recording intimate details of your online behavior. Additionally, the redirected searches make it difficult to find legitimate information online, frustrating your normal browsing experience. Security experts warn that prolonged exposure to this adware significantly increases your risk of infection with ransomware, spyware, and other serious threats.
Can I remove trackid=sp-006 manually?
Manual removal involves checking your browser extensions and system applications for suspicious entries. In Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, access the extensions settings and remove any suspicious plugins by clicking Remove or Uninstall. In Windows, open Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program and remove suspicious applications from the list.
However, manual elimination often misses hidden components because adware can be obfuscated under legitimate process names. For this reason, professional antivirus software is strongly recommended to ensure complete removal of all adware elements and prevent the infection from returning.
What if my browser reset didn't fix trackid=sp-006?
If resetting your browser doesn't eliminate trackid=sp-006, the problem may be related to Google Sync cached malicious data. When you browse the web, Google saves caches on their servers, and these cached pages can sometimes contain the tracker parameter. Reset sync by visiting your Google account settings and pressing Reset Sync at the bottom of the page.
This clears Google's cached data that might be reintroducing the tracker even after browser reset. Even after resetting sync, run professional antivirus software to confirm all potentially unwanted programs are removed from your system, as some PUPs may reinstall the tracking parameter.
How do I prevent trackid=sp-006 from returning?
Prevent reinstallation by carefully installing freeware using Custom or Advanced setup options instead of Quick Install. This allows you to see and deselect any bundled potentially unwanted programs before they install. Always look for pre-selected checkmarks like 'Get XXX now' and uncheck them before completing installation.
Avoid clicking on advertising content online since it can lead to suspicious pages that infiltrate other PUPs. Keep your operating system and all installed programs updated with the latest security patches to close vulnerabilities. Most importantly, use professional security software at all times to detect and block potentially unwanted programs before they compromise your system.
Should I use automatic or manual removal?
Automatic removal using professional security software is strongly recommended over manual methods. While both approaches can be effective, automatic tools save time and provide safer results by ensuring all adware components are completely eliminated. Security software will detect potentially unwanted programs that might be hidden or obfuscated under legitimate-sounding process names.
These tools can also provide ongoing protection to prevent future infections. If you choose manual removal, carefully inspect each extension and program, but understand that some malicious components may hide too deeply for user detection. After any removal method, use security software to verify your system is completely clean.
Will Fortect remove Trackid=sp-006?
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 Trackid=sp-006, 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: Product Bundling (read October 5, 2026)
- LosVirus: LosVirus (read October 5, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 5, 2026)