How to Remove the CleanTab Refresh Adware-Type Browser Extension

The CleanTab Refresh adware-type browser extension is a malicious add-on that injects unwanted advertisements into websites you visit and redirects your browser search queries through untrustworthy search engines. This extension can be a nuisance and compromise your online security, so it is important to remove it as soon as possible. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to remove the CleanTab Refresh extension from your computer, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable browsing experience.

Table of Contents

1. What is the CleanTab Refresh Extension?
2. How Did the CleanTab Refresh Extension Get Installed on My Computer?
3. Symptoms of CleanTab Refresh Infection
4. Precautionary Measures to Avoid CleanTab Refresh Infection
5. Removing CleanTab Refresh from Windows
6. Removing CleanTab Refresh from Mac
7. Additional Steps to Ensure Complete Removal
8. Preventing Future Infections
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Conclusion

What is the CleanTab Refresh Extension?

CleanTab Refresh is a malicious browser extension that redirects your browser search queries through shady search engines and displays unwanted advertisements that do not originate from the websites you are browsing. This adware-type extension is designed to generate revenue for its creators by hijacking your browser and displaying intrusive ads, which can expose you to potentially harmful content.

How Did the CleanTab Refresh Extension Get Installed on My Computer?

The CleanTab Refresh extension is typically installed by users, either knowingly or unknowingly. It is often offered through malicious advertisements or bundled with other software, leaving the user puzzled about where this software came from. Less reputable websites may redirect your browser to CleanTab Refresh ads in an attempt to generate advertising revenue. If you continuously see these ads, your computer might be infected with a malicious program, and it is crucial to scan your device for malware and remove it.

Symptoms of CleanTab Refresh Infection

When the CleanTab Refresh browser hijacker is installed on your computer, you may experience the following symptoms:

• The CleanTab Refresh program or browser extension is installed on your computer.
• Advertisements appear in places they shouldn’t be.
• Website links redirect to sites different from what you expected.
• Your browser search queries are redirected through unwanted search engines.

The easiest and most modern way of removing pop-ups, trojans, ransomware, or other viruses is to use automatic removal tools. See our Anti-malware tools below for further instructions.

Recommended Anti-malware tools:

Precautionary Measures to Avoid CleanTab Refresh Infection

To protect yourself from unknowingly installing the CleanTab Refresh extension or similar adware, follow these precautionary measures:

1. Be cautious when downloading and installing software from unfamiliar sources.
2. Always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options when installing new software to avoid unwanted bundled programs.
3. Keep your software and operating system up-to-date to minimize security vulnerabilities.
4. Install and regularly update a reputable antivirus program to protect your computer from malware.
5. Consider using an ad-blocking extension, such as AdGuard, to prevent malicious ads from appearing on the websites you visit.

Removing CleanTab Refresh from Windows

To remove the CleanTab Refresh extension from your Windows computer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reset Browsers Back to Default Settings

In this first step, we will reset your browser settings back to their default configuration to remove spam push notifications, malicious extensions, and unwanted search engines. This process will disable all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact.

Reset Chrome for Windows to Default Settings

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on “Settings.”
2. Scroll down and click “Advanced.”
3. In the “Reset and clean up” section, click “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
4. Click “Reset settings” to confirm.

Reset Firefox for Windows to Default Settings

1. Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on “Help.”
2. Click “Troubleshooting Information.”
3. Click on “Refresh Firefox.”
4. Confirm that you want to reset your browser settings by clicking “Refresh Firefox” again.
5. Click “Finish” when the process is complete.

Reset Microsoft Edge to Default Settings

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on “Settings.”
2. In the left sidebar, click on “Reset Settings.”
3. Click on “Restore settings to their default values.”
4. Click “Reset” to confirm.

Reset Internet Explorer to Default Settings

1. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner and then select “Internet Options.”
2. In the “Advanced” tab, click “Reset.”
3. In the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” section, select the “Delete personal settings” checkbox, then click on “Reset.”
4. Click “Close” when the process is complete.

Step 2: Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to Remove Malware and Unwanted Programs

In this second step, we will install Malwarebytes to scan and remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present on your computer.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Windows.
2. Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file to install the program.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
4. Click on “Scan” to start scanning your computer for malware.
5. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
6. Click on “Quarantine” to remove any detected malware.
7. Restart your computer to complete the malware removal process.

Step 3: Use HitmanPro to Scan Your Computer for Badware

In this third step, we will use HitmanPro to ensure that no other malicious programs are installed on your device.

1. Download HitmanPro.
2. Install HitmanPro by following the on-screen prompts.
3. Click “Next” to start scanning your computer for badware.
4. Wait for the HitmanPro scan to complete.
5. Click on “Next” to remove any detected badware.
6. Click on “Activate free license” to start the free 30-day trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
7. Restart your computer to ensure complete removal.

Your Windows computer should now be free of the CleanTab Refresh extension and other malware. To further protect yourself against future infections, consider purchasing a premium antivirus program, such as Malwarebytes Premium.

Removing CleanTab Refresh from Mac

To remove the CleanTab Refresh extension from your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reset Browsers Back to Default Settings

In this first step, we will restore your browser settings back to their default configuration to remove spam push notifications, malicious extensions, and unwanted browser settings. This process will disable all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact.

Remove Malware and Spam Push Notifications from Safari

1. Go to Safari’s “Preferences.”
2. Check your homepage and change it if necessary.
3. Click “Extensions” and uninstall any malicious extensions.
4. Remove spam notifications by deselecting “Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications” in the “Websites” tab.
5. Remove all data stored by websites on your computer by clicking “Manage Website Data” in the “Privacy” tab and then selecting “Remove All.”
6. Empty Safari caches by enabling the “Show Develop menu in menu bar” option in the “Advanced” tab, then selecting “Empty Caches” from the “Develop” menu.

Remove Malware and Spam Push Notifications from Chrome for Mac

1. Click on the three dots at the top right and go to “Settings.”
2. In the left sidebar, click on the “Reset and clean up” option.
3. Click “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
4. Click the “Reset Settings” button to confirm.
5. (Optional) Reset Chrome Data Sync by navigating to chrome.google.com/sync and clicking the “Clear Data” button.

Remove Malware and Spam Push Notifications from Firefox for Mac

1. Go to the “Help” menu.
2. Click “Troubleshooting Information.”
3. Click on “Refresh Firefox.”
4. Confirm that you want to reset your browser settings by clicking “Refresh Firefox” again.
5. Click “Finish” when the process is complete.

Step 2: Use Malwarebytes for Mac to Remove Malware and Unwanted Programs

In this second step, we will download, install, and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Mac to find and remove browser hijackers, adware, malicious browser extensions, and other malware from your Mac.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
2. Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file to install the program.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
4. Click on “Scan” to start scanning your computer for malware.
5. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
6. Click on “Quarantine” to remove any detected malware.
7. Restart your computer to complete the malware removal process.

Your Mac should now be free of the CleanTab Refresh extension and other malware. To further protect yourself against future infections, consider purchasing a premium antivirus program, such as Malwarebytes Premium.

Additional Steps to Ensure Complete Removal

In some cases, the CleanTab Refresh extension and other malware may persist even after following the removal steps outlined above. To ensure complete removal, consider taking the following additional steps:

1. Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner.
2. Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support or Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forums.

Preventing Future Infections

To protect your computer from future infections, consider implementing the following measures:

1. Install a reputable antivirus program and keep it up-to-date.
2. Regularly update your operating system and software to minimize security vulnerabilities.
3. Be cautious when downloading and installing software from unfamiliar sources.
4. Always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options when installing new software to avoid unwanted bundled programs.
5. Consider using an ad-blocking extension, such as AdGuard, to prevent malicious ads from appearing on the websites you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I prevent the CleanTab Refresh extension from being installed on my computer again?

A: To prevent the CleanTab Refresh extension from being installed on your computer again, be cautious when downloading and installing software from unfamiliar sources, always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options, and consider using an ad-blocking extension to prevent malicious ads from appearing on the websites you visit.

Q: Is the CleanTab Refresh extension harmful to my computer?

A: Yes, the CleanTab Refresh extension can be harmful to your computer, as it injects unwanted advertisements into websites you visit and redirects your browser search queries through untrustworthy search engines. This can expose you to potentially harmful content and compromise your online security.

Q: How can I tell if my computer is infected with the CleanTab Refresh extension?

A: Symptoms of a CleanTab Refresh infection include the presence of the CleanTab Refresh program or browser extension on your computer, advertisements appearing in places they shouldn’t be, website links redirecting to different sites, and your browser search queries being redirected through unwanted search engines.

Conclusion

The CleanTab Refresh adware-type browser extension is a malicious add-on that can compromise your online security and negatively impact your browsing experience. By following the comprehensive removal guide provided in this article, you can effectively remove the CleanTab Refresh extension and protect your computer from future infections.