Unwanted Microsoft ad

Forums › Desktop computing › Unwanted Microsoft ad

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18657 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#285714 12-May-2021 13:02

I have started getting occasional ads on Chrome for a Microsoft extension. They come in the form of a new Chrome tab that seemingly opens itself with a Microsoft page promoting its own extension. There is an option to accept or refuse. I always refuse.

The ad is from Microsoft NZ. The page is entitled Explore Windows 10 OS, computers, apps more. It inserts itself into my Chrome tabs even though I have Ublock Origin installed and active.

I have tools at my disposal to kill this once and for all, but before I do, I would like to know more about it. This kind of BS really annoys me and I have to wonder where Microsoft gets off doing this kind of thing. Can anyone tell me more about it?

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

Oblivian

7296 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#2706550 12-May-2021 13:17

I highly doubt Microsoft would pull that for risk of anti competitive suits.

If you google for exact phrase "Explore Windows 10 OS, computers, apps more Microsoft" you might find you have more things to worry about given the malicious places resulting hits appear.

And one of your addons, is likely trying to entice you.

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18657 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2706565 12-May-2021 13:53

There is nothing nefarious that I can see and the only recent extension I have installed is One Tab. The site is legit, I just don't like it opening a tab uninvited. I will look into this further.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
79250 posts

Uber Geek

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2706578 12-May-2021 14:04

The extension you installed is not a Microsoft product. It is a third-party.

If you do not want ads, remove the add-on.

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18657 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2706593 12-May-2021 14:22

I am used to ads popping up and under and doing other devious things. I am not used to them autonomously opening tabs while I am browsing something else. Is this standard behaviour now?

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
79250 posts

Uber Geek

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2706594 12-May-2021 14:25

If you installed a rogue extension.

Sometimes extensions are good but do not make money. Then along comes a shady outfit, but the extension and load it with ads. It happens a lot.

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18657 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2706596 12-May-2021 14:31

I get that. I'm just surprised that One Tab does this. It seems to have been around for awhile and have a good reputation. I am getting old and can't keep up with the changes. Thanks for the information.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18657 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2706599 12-May-2021 14:40

I think I found it. There was a favicon setting in the options. I have now disabled that. I didn't see it when I installed the extension. We will see how it goes.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos