This article will aid you to remove Direct Web Links absolutely. Follow the removal instructions for the adware given at the end.
Direct Web Links is a website of an ad network that pushes different content but mainly links to various sites. The service spreads a lot of advertisements and can redirect you to different websites, so it is considered adware. The owners of the websites probably generate most of their income from the advertisements, by monetizing the online traffic that goes through their service.
Threat Summary
| Name | Direct Web Links |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | The site generates advertisements and pushes different website links in your browsers. |
| Symptoms | You will always see advertisements all over your browsers, like pop-ups, message boxes, in-text links and other types. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Direct Web Links. |
Direct Web Links – Delivery Methods
The Direct Web Links platform might get delivered in a couple of methods. One of these methods includes third-party installations. Without your awareness, the adware could be placed on your computer with those third-party bundle setups with freeware applications. Setups could be set by default to add extra content along with the main software for installation. To avoid unwanted components from installing is doable if you find a Custom or an Advanced options menu. On the right you can see the update.exe file which is actually a 7zip archive, which can affect your PC, if you execute it. Below you can see a prompt on the DirectWebLinks.com website to install a program posing as an update:
The owners of Direct Web Links most probably use advertisements distributed across the internet as a way of delivery. Banners, pop-up and pop-under adverts might be used to get inside your computer if you are not careful. Visiting websites of unknown origins or ones that are dubious can trigger redirects which can be used as another delivery method by this adware. Browsers that can get affected are the following: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
Direct Web Links – More Information
DirectWebLinks.com is the official domain of a website that hosts the services of a content platform of the same name. A heap of advertisements and redirects can be displayed, while you are browsing if you have programs connected with Direct Web Links. The platform and all of the software connected to it are considered part of this adware.
Links to online pages will be created, using the following names on your Desktop:
- The Internet (star icon)
- Internet (with Microsoft Edge icon)
- Explore the Internet (with IE icon)
- Internet Access (with Google Chrome icon)
- Facebook (with FB icon)
- Youtube (with Youtube icon)
- Games (horse on a Microsoft Windows background icon)
On the picture below you can see the main web page, namely Direct Web Links:
If your computer device has any software installed on it that is associated with Direct Web Links, you will see a big amount of online advertisements. If your browsers have some extension, add-on or plug-in related to the adware, you will witness even a bigger amount of adverts. You will be redirected to various web pages that could be affiliated with the owners of this content platform. Furthermore, you might land on similar websites which pay for the generation of such traffic through adverts and redirects.
Advertisements can show one of those texts inside:
- Ads by Direct Web Links
- Advertisement by Direct Web Links
- Ad by Direct Web Links
- Advert from Direct Web Links
- Powered by Direct Web Links
- Brought to you by Direct Web Links
The redirects could be in the form of adverts or in-text links. The Direct Web Links network places those on websites to generate online traffic and present lots of content that website owners want to promote. Your browsers’ home page will be changed to one with all kinds of links and link-ads.
The advertisements can be of mixed types, but all of them will have the same goal – making revenue for the adware and website owners. Advertisements connected to Direct Web Links can be seen across the Internet as pop-ups, in-text links, pop-unders, banners, interstitial or transitional adverts. Other ad types are possible to show up, just as well.
Direct Web Links – Data Collection and Tracking
The Privacy Policy of Direct Web Links is nowhere to be found or at least not publicly visible, because it is missing from the main website. With the possibility of you being redirected, know that personal information about you will be extracted from every action you take while you have the hijacker. Despite that no privacy policy nor an end user license agreement of any sort show up, the Direct Web Links could still track you and collect information from you.
The Direct Web Links site does not push any cookies, but if you install the program from update.exe or have it installed automatically without your knowledge, then the tracking will happen through that application and might put cookies from there as well.
You do not know what kind of information is being collected because of the absence of a Privacy Policy or site cookies.
In conclusion, you should be quite careful of what information you provide to search engines and websites, and also, in the case you do not like personal information to be acquired from you by this browser hijacker or any of its related redirects, you should consider removing the application.
Remove Direct Web Links Absolutely
To remove Direct Web Links manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal tutorial provided below. In case this manual removal does not get rid of the ads completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such an application can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Direct Web Links from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Direct Web Links with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Direct Web Links and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Direct Web Links on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Direct Web Links there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Direct Web Links (Windows).
Get rid of Direct Web Links from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Direct Web Links and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Direct Web Links. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Direct Web Links via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Direct Web Links files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Direct Web Links, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Direct Web Links (Mac)
Remove Direct Web Links from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Direct Web Links from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Direct Web Links from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Direct Web Links from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Direct Web Links will be removed.
Eliminate Direct Web Links from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Direct Web Links-FAQ
What Is Direct Web Links?
The Direct Web Links threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Direct Web Links?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Direct Web Links?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Direct Web Links Work?
Once installed, Direct Web Links can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Direct Web Links can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Direct Web Links Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Direct Web Links Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Direct Web Links how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Direct Web Links?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Direct Web Links threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.