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PMLeads (Removal Instructions)

PMLeads is recognized as adware that has existed for quite some time. Once contracted from a malicious source, the adware will serve pop-up and in-text advertisements in a victim’s web browser. PMLeads ads can usually be identified because they say “Ads by PMLeads” on them.

pmleads removal

PMLeads adware is typically bundled with or advertised alongside another program that is downloaded by the user. The most common way this happens is by downloading freeware, shareware, or torrent files from a disreputable source. Downloading these types of objects may result in potentially unwanted programs and malware infecting the user’s system. Even if a program is well known and reputable, downloading it from a malicious site can lead to an infection.

If the computer user has previously downloaded a malicious program, PMLeads adware could have been downloaded in the background without permission of the user. The user might also be tricked into accepting the download under the guise of a program update. Malicious authors often hide the download behind a terms and conditions page, effectively tricking users into downloading adware. In some instances PMLeads may be advertised as an extension to improve the user’s browsing experience in order to encourage a direct download. Regardless of how the system was infected, removal remains relatively unchanged.

If you have noticed pop-up ads by PMLeads in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari it is recommended to remove the adware immediately and scan your computer with reputable software to locate additional threats that may have been introduced to your system alongside this adware.

PMLeads Details

Name PMLeads, Adware.PMLeads, PMLeads virus *This infection is not technically defined as a computer virus
Detection Categories Adware, Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)
Description N/A
Symptoms Advertisements in the web browser
Browser redirects to sponsored webpages
Decreased internet speed and performance
Decreased computer functionality and performance
Bundles with malware and other potentially unwanted programs
Common Path(s) C:\Program Files (x86)
Quick Detection & Removal Tool Click Here To Download Malwarebytes

PMLeads Removal Instructions

  1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
  2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro
  3. Uninstall PMLeads and unwanted programs
  4. Remove PMLeads extension
  5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

Call Virus Removal Helpline: 1-866-521-2427


1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes

The first step to remove this adware is to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.

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. When 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.

2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro

The second step to remove this adware is to download and install a second opinion scanner called HitmanPro by Surfright in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.

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. When 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.

3. Uninstall PMLeads and unwanted programs

The third step to remove this adware is to uninstall PMLeads and other unwanted programs in Windows Control Panel.

1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.

2. In the Programs section click Uninstall a program. In earlier versions of Windows this is listed as “Add and remove programs.”

3. Search for PMLeads Supporting Application in the list and double click it.

4. Once you have uninstalled PMLeads, search for other unwanted programs that may be installed on your computer and uninstall them as well.

4. Remove PMLeads extension

The fourth step to remove this adware is to remove unwanted browser add-ons and extensions from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari.

Google Chrome

1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the PMLeads extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.

2. Search for the PMLeads add-on and click Remove.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Go to Tools (Alt+X) and click Manage add-ons.

2. Search for the PMLeads add-on in the list, select it with your mouse, and click Remove.

Apple Safari

1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.

2. Search for the PMLeads extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.

5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

The fifth step to remove this adware is to download and install CCleaner by Piriform in order to delete leftover junk files, tracking cookies, registry entries, unwanted start-up tasks, and more.

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.

Sean Doyle

Sean is a tech author and engineer with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and other topics. He is featured in several publications.

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