Last year, Google announced plans to lock down Chrome to prevent the installation of crapware. Unfortunately, scammers have found a way to trick users into installing extensions with spyware and adware. They simply upload them to the Chrome Web Store. In addition, there are websites like Download.com that distribute freeware. Anyone who makes the mistake of clicking Accept on the installation will end up with a very slow computer full of crapware.
As an additional measure of protection, avoid “free” downloads from Download.com. In general, in every installation, you should carefully read what the installer says. Be careful what you accept.
How can you get Crapware? If you make the mistake of clicking Accept when installing programs from Download.com, a window will appear shortly after, which automatically loads the Google Chrome extensions page. Then the installation will proceed by itself, without you having to choose it.
To remove these extensions, type the following path in Chrome's address box:
chrome://extensions
or go from the main menu Tools – Extensions. Click on the Chrome trash can to remove the extension.
But let's also look at Google's software removal tool, for those who want an automatic method.
Google recently released a new tool that will help you easily clean up your Chrome browser. It will disable all of your extensions. Then, of course, you just have to re-enable the extensions you want.
You can download the Software removal tool (it is still in beta) from here.
