Windows-protector.com ads (scam) - Free Instructions
Windows-protector.com ads Removal Guide
What is Windows-protector.com ads?
Windows-protector.com is a scam page that deceives people and tricks them into installing malware potentially
Alerts claim about security risks that are not related to your machine exactly
Windows-protector.com ads appear on the screen when the user is browsing the web. These deceptive pop-ups and redirects cause fake security alerts and warnings. It has no permission to show this content and notifications, but the intrusive PUP manages to reroute the traffic to various suspicious or even dangerous sites.
False alerts claim about the risk and infection of viruses. The issue is with technical support scams,[1] social engineering methods, and other promotional content. The content can lead to major issues with the machine and end in the installations of dangerous programs.
The main purpose of these notifications and pop-ups is to deliver notifications, expose users to dangerous content online. Once the user is tricked into subscribing to notifications and allowing these Windows-protector.com ads to go further, the risk of getting more dangerous programs installed on the PC gets higher. This is a program that misleads gullible people, so there is no reason to keep the PUP[2] continuously running on the system.
Name | Windows-protector.com |
---|---|
Type | Redirect, push notifications ads, adware, scam |
Category | Potentially unwanted program |
Issues | The scam uses social engineering techniques and shows various pop-ups, ads to affect the traffic and performance |
Claims | Displays fake security alerts and deceives people into believing that the machine can be affected |
Distribution | Freeware installations, deceptive online material, other PUPs |
Removal | Rely on anti-malware tools to fully gather and remove all potential threats |
Repair | Try to recover the system with file repair and system damage recovery tool FortectIntego |
Adware becoming a scam
Windows-protector.com is the potentially unwanted program that fakes security alerts and delivers ads to the screen directly. The issue is common, but adware typically shows nonsense material and commercial ads, promotional content. Experts[3] note that this is a scam that promotes other untrustworthy pages and leads users to false warning pages.
You might get tricked into installing questionable applications. Notifications get delivered via this site or other push notification viruses, redirects. Pop-ups can be used in affiliate programs and promote software related to advertising services, PUP distribution.
You need to avoid clicking on any of those Windows-protector.com ads and notifications. If you see those random advertisements from other sites and not originating from the original page, you should be aware of the PUP that is running on the machine. Decreased internet browsing speed and performance is only one of many issues with adware.
These pop-ups and notifications can lead to unwanted program installations
The scam messages might push PUPs and other programs related to the scammers and the message delivered on those questionable pages. Do not fall for these claims because you might allow dangerous tools instead of the real McAfee and legitimate programs. These fake security apps and other suspicious or even dangerous programs can create serious issues with the machine. The message reads:
McAfee
Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!
ACTION REQUIRED!
Your Norton Subscription Has Expired!
Renew now to keep your pc protected.
If your PC is unprotected, it is at risk for viruses and other malware.
Get rid of the application and stop notifications
An infection like this spreads around with the help of software bundling methods and other deceptive techniques. You encounter these issues with notifications and Windows-protector.com ads when the PUP is present on the machine. However, there are particular sites that cause issues with notification, but the adware should be present on the computer if those problems occur over and over again.
You need to treat the potentially unwanted program and remove it from your device with the help of SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, so this process is smoother and successful. If the PUP has already caused some issues with the machine, you might want to manually reset those alterations in the web browser directly.
As for the issues with startup alterations, Windows registry key damage, you should be able to fix those issues using FortectIntego. Windows-protector.com notifications can be stopped, so do not hesitate and eliminate the application properly. This is a useless tool and program that only annoys you, so keeping it is not needed.
Remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome (desktop):
- Open Google Chrome browser and go to Menu > Settings.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced.
- Locate 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.
Remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome (Android):
- Open Google Chrome and tap on Settings (three vertical dots).
- Select Notifications.
- Scroll down to the Sites section.
- Locate the unwanted URL and toggle the button to the left (Off setting).
Remove unwanted notifications from Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox and go to Menu > Options.
- Click on Privacy & Security section.
- Under Permissions, you should be able to see Notifications. Click the 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.
Remove unwanted notifications from Safari:
- Click on Safari > Preferences…
- Go to the Websites tab and, under General, select Notifications.
- Select the web address in question, click the drop-down menu and select Deny.
Remove unwanted notifications from MS Edge:
- 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.
Remove unwanted notifications from MS Edge (Chromium):
- 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.
Remove unwanted notifications from Internet Explorer:
- Open Internet Explorer, and click on the Gear icon at the top-right of the window.
- Select Internet options and go to the Privacy tab.
- In the Pop-up Blocker section, click on Settings.
- Locate web address in question under Allowed sites and pick Remove.
These browser notifications and sites related to the shady Windows-protector.com ads can show various information. They rely on fake errors, captcha tests, allow forms and other content that allows them to trick visitors into agreeing to the additional content or notifications coming directly to the screen.
The program is not malicious, and those security risks or infections that the notifications claim to know about are not real. The machine is only affected by the PUP, not the malware or any of the more serious intruders. This is not a damaging infection, but there are various issues that the presence of the adware-type app can lead to.
Forst of all, you cannot be sure that all ads to notifications caused by this redirect are safe to encounter. Windows-protector.com ads can lead to really dangerous sites and infection-laced platforms. The scam is not real, so the machine is more affected by the PUP than those false viruses detected.
Adware programs cannot scan more find infections in the machine and note that official sources like Microsoft, Apple, security software developers, and distributors do not send out such messages around. Keep away from these false messages and make sure to clear the machine.
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 Windows-protector.com ads. 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 Windows-protector.com 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
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 Private Internet Access 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 Private Internet Access 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. Data Recovery Pro 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.
- ^ What you should know about tech support scams. Consumerfinance. Protection bureau.
- ^ Potentially unwanted program. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Senzavirus. Senzavirus. Spyware related news.