The article explains how to remove Adwind completely from your computer and how to restore it to fast and working state in a safe way.
Adwind is not the type of software one would particularly desire to have on their computer system. The main reason for this is that Adwind only pretends to help you browse better online, while in fact it is involved with heavy usage of tracking technologies (cookies, pixels, tags) to monitor your online activity and slow down your computer with advertisements that are targeted based on what you search for online. Since many conventional antivirus programs do not detect it as a PUP (potentially unwanted program), we advise you to read this material in order to learn how to remove Adwind from your computer system entirely.
| Threat Name | Adwind |
| Category | Adware, PUP. |
| Main Activity | Aims to monitor the browsing activity of the user and display targeted advertisements. Heavy usage of tracking technologies. |
| Signs of Presence | Pop-ups, banners and other forms of online advertisements. |
| Spread | Via bundled installers as well as various other types of fake setups or online adverts as well as browser extensions. |
| Detection+Removal | Download Anti-Malware Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Adwind |
| File Recovery | Download Data Recovery Software, to see how many files encrypted by Adwind ransomware you will be able to recover. |
How Does Adwind Enter Your System?
Adwind enters mainly via other free programs users download. Freeware is usually bundled with various programs, most of which are PUPs (potentially unwanted programs). As a result, users end up with unwanted software in their system. In order to protect your PC from such unwanted programs, be alert when downloading freeware from the Web. Watch closely the installation process and disable all unfamiliar features and settings and disallow the bundling option. This way, you will download only the program you want.What Does Adwind Adware Do?
Adwind Ads can be generated on Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. They can be presented in various forms: pop-up, banner, in-text, interstitial, etc. Most often they will show deals promotions, and coupons. What is more, these offers can also be related to your browsing behavior. Adwind can monitor your browsing activities and use the collected information to present targeted advertisements. Although the ads may seem as though they will try to help you save money, clicking on them should be avoided. Keep reading to find out why.What Are the Risks of Adwind?
The problem with Adwind is that they are likely to mislead users. The program can be exploited by cyber criminals to show fake ads that lead to malicious websites. Landing on such a page can be quite dangerous. It is possible that your computer will immediately become a target for malware attacks. A phishing scheme may also be set up. This will try to trick you into sharing your personal and possibly your financial information, which will go directly to cyber criminals.
How Did I Get Adwind on My PC?
Despite having an official website, Adwind does not rely on it for distribution. In fact, it is not even available for download on the website. However, as a typical adware program, Adwind can be found on freeware installers. These will be ones available on third-party websites. With this method of distribution, Adwind is able to enter PC’s without being noticed. Here are a few tips to avoid bundled downloads:
- Do not download free programs from third-party websites.
- The information presented by the installer should be read carefully.
- Opt for Advanced/Custom installation. This will give you the opportunity to prevent additional programs from being installed.
How to Remove Adwind?
Removal of Adwindshould be performed immediately after it has been discovered on your computer. To do that, you can uninstall it manually. This does not take much effort. All you need to do is go to Control Panel, then open up the list of programs, find Adwind, and uninstall it. It is important to note that this may not be the only adware program that has snuck into your PC. So try to find any others and uninstall them, as well. Also keep in mind that some infections may have managed to infiltrate your PC if you have clicked on any of the ads. Because of this, the best thing to do is acquire a powerful security program. It will clean your system and prevent future security breeches.
Booting in Safe Mode
For Windows:
1) Hold Windows Key and R
2) A run Window will appear, in it type “msconfig” and hit Enter
3) After the Window appears go to the Boot tab and select Safe Boot
Cut out Adwind in Task Manager
1) Press CTRL+ESC+SHIFT at the same time.
2) Locate the “Processes” tab.
3) Locate the malicious process of Adwind, and end it’s task by right-clicking on it and clicking on “End Process”
Eliminate Adwind‘s Malicious Registries
For most Windows variants:
1) Hold Windows Button and R.
2) In the “Run” box type “Regedit” and hit “Enter”.
3) Hold CTRL+F keys and type Adwind or the file name of the malicious executable of the virus which is usually located in %AppData%, %Temp%, %Local%, %Roaming% or %SystemDrive%.
4) After having located malicious registry objects, some of which are usually in the Run and RunOnce subkeys delete them ermanently and restart your computer. Here is how to find and delete keys for different versions.
For Windows 7: Open the Start Menu and in the search type and type regedit –> Open it. –> Hold CTRL + F buttons –> Type Adwind Virus in the search field.
Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Hit Enter -> Press CTRL + F buttons. Type Adwind in the search field.