By Sean Doyle · July 15, 2016 · 4 min read

AdVPN

AdVPN (also searched for as AdVPN virus) is a potentially unwanted program that is advertised as a free VPN client that claims to “allow you to be 100% anonymous on the net.” The program utilizes very deceptive marketing tactics and marketing campaigns that often trick users into manually installing it. The program may be promoted as something it is not or a third-party download manager may not allow users to decline the program from installing.

Downloading free objects online, such as freeware and torrent files can result in this potentially unwanted program and other threats, like adware and malware infecting the user’s system. Even if a program is well known, like Google Chrome or BlueStacks, if you download it from a malicious site or by using an untrustworthy download manager it can lead to a computer infection.

Removing AdVPN from your computer immediately is highly recommended. You should do this as soon as possible. This program has a bad online reputation and may be the sign of a more serious computer infection. Use the AdVPN removal guide below to completely remove this program and other threats from your computer.

How to remove AdVPN virus

Remove AdVPN with Malwarebytes
Perform a second-opinion scan with HitmanPro
Cleanup junk and repair your settings with CCleaner

Remove AdVPN with Malwarebytes

1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.

2. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

3. Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.

4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.

Perform a second-opinion scan with HitmanPro

1. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright.

2. Open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.

3. Once the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

4. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

5. Click the Reboot button.

Cleanup junk and repair your settings with CCleaner

1. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform.

2. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

3. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.

4. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.

How to stay protected against future infections

The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow common online guidelines and take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software with real-time protection.

Real-time security software

Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time features that can block malicious files before they spread across your computer. These programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals.

Common Online Guidelines

Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
Avoid torrents and P2P clients
Do not open email messages from senders you do not know

Helpful Links

Sean Doyle

Sean is a tech author and security researcher with more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware analysis, analytics, and online marketing. He focuses on clear reporting, deep technical investigation, and practical guidance that helps readers stay safe in a fast-moving digital landscape. His work continues to appear in respected publications, including articles written for Private Internet Access. Through Botcrawl and his ongoing cybersecurity coverage, Sean provides trusted insights on data breaches, malware threats, and online safety for individuals and businesses worldwide.

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