Word Counter Widget adware is a browser extension that can cause unwanted pop-ups and redirects
The Word Counter Widget plugin is advertised as one that counts the words on websites. The fact that it displays a variety of adverts is not mentioned in its description, though. Applications that rely on advertising frequently use unreliable advertising, especially those that are delivered and promoted in questionable ways.
The Word Counter Widget's advertising may contain links that lead to websites that are intended to deceive users into giving sensitive information, downloading potentially unwanted software,[1] dialing phony technical helplines, etc. Additionally, it might result in unforeseen downloads and installations.
The Word Counter Widget may read and modify data on any website, as we also discovered. It's possible that its creators are utilizing it to compile browsing-related or other data. Acquired data may be exploited for commercial gain, sold to third parties, and made profitable in other ways.
| NAME | Word Counter Widget |
| TYPE | Adware |
| SYMPTOMS | Annoying pop-ups and other types of advertisements start appearing on the screen |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | Links embedded in the ads might lead to dangerous websites |
| ELIMINATION | Eliminate the extension through your browser settings; scanning the machine with anti-malware tools is recommended |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to get rid of any remaining damage and to optimize the machine |
Distribution methods
Users are invited to install the “Free Downloader Extension” on one of the websites offering the Word Counter Widget. After following the instructions on that page and opening the page after selecting “ACCEPT AND CONTINUE,” the Word Counter Widget is installed to a web browser.
Additionally, installers for other (usually free) apps may provide optional installations of advertising-supported software. When users complete installs without adjusting “Advanced,” “Custom,” or similar options or unticking checkboxes, adware[2] is installed alongside other software.
To avoid adware infections, download software only from trusted retailers and legitimate pages. Before downloading any programs, always check the reviews. Steer clear of downloading from dubious websites, P2P networks, free file hosting services, etc. Before completing downloads and installations, search installers and downloaders for undesirable software and reject them. Ads and links on shady websites should not be trusted.
Freeware distribution platforms
After using freeware distribution sites, users frequently begin to experience unpleasant symptoms. Your device can have acquired Word Counter Widget adware without your knowledge. Unsafe download channels add extra programs to the installers to increase the profitability of their business.
Bundled software frequently serves little purpose for users. The installation process demands your whole attention. Always select “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options, and make sure you've read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Checking the file list and unticking the boxes next to any unrelated apps is the most crucial step.
Remove Word Counter Widget adware
Word Counter Widget adware can be removed by going to the browser settings and looking at the extension list. We recommend removing plugins one by one to see if you notice any changes.
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.
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.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- 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.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Protect your privacy
Almost all websites and web applications nowadays require you to accept cookies[3] by throwing a big prompt in your face obstructing the view. Frustrated, many just click “Accept” because they want to proceed as quickly as possible. Because you experienced pop-up spam without knowing, there is a big chance you were browsing through questionable sites that could still be tracking your browsing activity.
Cookies can store data such as the websites you visit, links you click on, things you type in the search, and what you purchase online. It can alter be sold to advertising networks or other third parties. We recommend using a repair tool like FortectIntego, which can automatically clear your browsers from cookies and cache, clear up space, fix corrupted files, system errors and optimize the performance of the device.
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
If you completed all the previous steps but you still experience unwanted symptoms, you should check your system for other PUAs. We suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes.
Manual removal of potentially unwanted programs can sometimes result in the renewal of the infection as users often fail to eliminate all the related files and entries. Besides, crooks often disguise them as “handy” tools so it can be difficult to identify them. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- 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.
Windows 7/XP:
- 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.
Mac:
- 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.
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