PassWidget is supposed to be a program that helps users manages log-on credentials online. However, when installed on the computer, the tool ends up being an annoyance. ‘Ads by PassWidget’ constantly show up on the browser extending beyond its usual purpose. Many computer users found these pop-up ads bothering especially when it starts to overlap the actual web page they are viewing.
Useless programs, bogus software updates, and shareware are the main channel to deploy PassWidget adware. In addition, spam emails and links from social networking sites are similarly other causes for PassWidget adware infection. Knowing these grounds, you can easily prevent the adware. Refrain from downloading and installing unknown software especially if it comes from unknown developer. Also, do not click on suspicious links that you may receive even though it appears to be enticing.
It is worthy to keep PassWidget away from the computer. Your usual antivirus program may not be able to deter its arrival because it is not a virus. So, to protect your computer, you need to guard the computer with anti-malware or any security programs that fights adware and potentially unwanted program. Still, it is much better to be cautious when surfing the net than to rely on security programs that does not work 100 percent at all times in any given situation.
How to Remove PassWidget
Step 1 : Use Add/Remove program of Windows to Uninstall PassWidget
The main cause of adware and malware presence could be software that you may have installed on the computer. We need to uninstall the culprit program.
1. Click Windows Start button. Next, select Control Panel from the list.
2. Find the ‘Programs‘ area and click on Uninstall a program. This opens up a window showing existing software installed.
3. Look for and remove PassWidget entry. If not present, look for any suspicious labels that was installed recently. You may uninstall Snap.do or any suspicious software.
4. Click on Uninstall to start removing the program.
Step 2: Scan and Delete Adware with AdwCleaner
1. Download the tool called AdwCleaner from the location stated below. Click here to download AdwCleaner (this will open a new window)
2. Once you have completed the download, please close all running programs on the computer.
3. Locate the file and double-click on adwcleaner_Ver.exe to start running the tool. Then, click on Scan button.
4. It searches for presence of harmful programs, plug-ins, add-ons, or any data that were found malicious and linked to PassWidget. You need to Clean all items detected by this tool.
5. Once scan is done, the tool may need to reboot your computer to finalize the cleaning process.
6. After reboot, AdwCleaner will display the log file of the recent scan.
Step 3: Remove Adware Add-on and Cleanup the Browser
After the previous scans, you may have deleted PassWidget from the affected browser. This next step will ensure that no more module of adware will be left on the browser. This free tool scans and checks the browser for unwanted add-on and extension, and if found, Avast Browser Cleanup will give you a report and suggestion.
1. Download this free tool and save it to your desktop.
Avast Browser Cleanup Download Link (This will open in a new window)
2. Please install the program. Start the process by double-clicking on the executable file avast-browser-cleanup-sfx.exe.
3. When run, Avast Browser Cleanup performs a test on the browser. If unwanted entries were found, it will display a button ‘Remove all add-ons listed below and cleanup browser.’ You may remove all or delete one entry at a time.
4. Avast Browser Cleanup will confirm before it permanently deletes the add-on. Please click Yes to proceed with the removal of PassWidget on the affected browser.
