Is adware really that bad?

Adware is usually more annoying than dangerous, especially when compared to other types of malware. But, that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. While adware may be benign, some types can still expose your device to other malware, or compromise your online privacy.

What’s the difference between adware and spyware?

Adware and spyware are both types of malware, and both are usually downloaded without the user’s knowledge or consent. The crucial difference is that adware exists as a revenue generator and it may or may not contain other malware. Spyware, on the other hand, primarily works to track your online activity and mine personal data.

How does adware affect computers?

The most obvious way adware affects computers is the increase in the number of ads you see while using your device. But some types of adware can also slow down your computer, change browser settings (typically to allow more ads), display web pages differently (or incorrectly), or lead to further malware infections.

How do I remove Temu's adware from my PC?

To remove Temu’s adware from your PC, uninstall the app, look for unfamiliar apps and uninstall them, run an antivirus scan, clear your browsing data, and look for unfamiliar browser extensions and uninstall them.

What is adware? How to prevent and remove it

Please select your country/region

Argentina

Brasil

Canada (English)

Canada (Français)

Caribbean (English)

Caribe (Español)

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Hispanoamérica

México

Panamá

Perú

Puerto Rico (English)

United States

Uruguay

Venezuela

België (Nederlands)

Belgique (Français)

Česko

Danmark

Deutschland

España

Estonia (English)

France

Iceland (English)

Ireland (English)

Israel (English)

Italia

Latvia (English)

Lithuania (English)

Luxembourg (Français)

Magyarország

Nederland

Norge

Österreich

Polska

Portugal

România

Schweiz (Deutsch)

Suisse (Français)

Svizzera (Italiano)

South Africa

Suomi

Sverige

Türkiye

United Arab Emirates (English)

United Kingdom

Ελλάδα

Россия

Australia

Cambodia (English)

Hong Kong (English)

香港

India (English)

Indonesia (English)

Malaysia (English)

New Zealand

Philippines (English)

Singapore (English)

Thailand (English)

Vietnam (English)

대한민국

中国

台灣

日本

Products

Product Features

Services & Support

About

Norton is part of Gen – a global company with a family of trusted brands.

Copyright © 2025 Gen Digital Inc. All rights reserved. Gen trademarks or registered trademarks are property of Gen Digital Inc. or its affiliates. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. Android, Google Chrome, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, LLC. Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Microsoft and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About Gen Newsroom Careers Legal Privacy Security Terms of Use Accessibility System Status

Contents

Want more?

Contents

Related articles

Want more?