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Win 8.1. Get ads that I can't get rid of when trying to go to another site.

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Win 8.1. When I try to go to a site, keep getting ads and warnings that I need to update programs, can't delete them. How do I keep these from coming up?

Win 8.1. When I try to go to a site, keep getting ads and warnings that I need to update programs, can't delete them. How do I keep these from coming up?

Chosen solution

You may have an unwanted extension that is displaying those ads. Try this:

Disable ALL nonessential or unrecognized extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Ctrl+Shift+a
  • orange Firefox button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable or remove.

Usually a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.


If the Remove button is not available, then usually that extension was installed externally and needs to be removed through the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. Clicking the "Installed on" column heading will group the items by date so you can spot items that snuck in as part of a bundle.

To mop up invasive software, you also can use the tools listed in this support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware


Any luck? If you identify the culprit, please name names.

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Chosen Solution

You may have an unwanted extension that is displaying those ads. Try this:

Disable ALL nonessential or unrecognized extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Ctrl+Shift+a
  • orange Firefox button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable or remove.

Usually a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.


If the Remove button is not available, then usually that extension was installed externally and needs to be removed through the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. Clicking the "Installed on" column heading will group the items by date so you can spot items that snuck in as part of a bundle.

To mop up invasive software, you also can use the tools listed in this support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware


Any luck? If you identify the culprit, please name names.