Why does my Microsoft Edge keep displaying random ads and playing random music?

Question

Hi Microsoft Support Team,

I'm having trouble with my Microsoft Edge because yesterday, my Microsoft Edge started displaying random ads and playing music without any apparent reason, and I'm unsure why this is happening. I'm uncertain if a virus could be responsible for this, as I scanned for current threats and found nothing.

Here's an example of the random ads that appeared unexpectedly:

The ad closed on its own after a while; I didn't manually click on the close button.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in resolving my issue.

Answer 1

Hello Microsoft User

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

It sounds like your computer is automatically playing random ads and random music.

It may be caused by third-party websites and plug-ins.

Here are some troubleshooting suggestions:

1. I suggest you create a new edge user configuration and give it a try. Sign in and create multiple profiles in Microsoft Edge - Microsoft Support
2. Clear Microsoft Edge browser cache Take the Microsoft Edge browser as an example. Enter "edge://settings/clearBrowserData" in the Edge browser address bar, press Enter to open the clear browser data page, then check the data you want to clear, click "Clear Now", and restart the browser. Disclaimer*: Your browser automatically saves temporary internet files to help pages load faster. Clearing this cache will sometimes fix page display problems.* Please back up all your personal files first, such as Favorites, to ensure you do not lose data.
3. Repair Microsoft Edge browser. "Win" logo key + "I" open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps*>* Microsoft Edge > Modify > Repair*.*
4. Disable Browser Extensions:
   • Extensions might sometimes cause unwanted behavior. Try disabling extensions one by one to see if any of them are causing the issue.
   • Go to "Settings" > "Extensions" and toggle off each extension.
5. Reset Edge You can reset your Edge browser. Before that, please back up your data (you can save bookmarks and other information locally, or log in to your Microsoft account to sync all information to your account). Copy "edge://settings/resetProfileSettings" into the Edge browser address bar, then read the prompts carefully, and then confirm whether to reset the Edge browser. Disclaimer*: Your browser automatically saves temporary internet files to help pages load faster. Clearing this cache will sometimes fix page display problems.* Please back up all your personal files first, such as Favorites, to ensure you do not lose data.‘

If there is anything not clear or I can't understand your problem, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Best Regards

Patch - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Hi Patch - MSFT

I did Repair Microsoft Edge browser, and **** Deleted Browser Extensions

As I was deleting my extensions, I noticed one extension called "violent_shark" that I don't remember adding to my Microsoft Edge. Even after deleting it, I'm still encountering random pop-up ads and music. In addition, there are also random maximize/minimize buttons appearing when another program/application is opened.

I'll also attempt to create a new edge user configuration, Clear Microsoft Edge browser cache, and Reset Edge and continue monitoring my PC to see if it still displays random pop-up ads and plays random music.

Answer 3

Hello

Congratulations on finding the problem.

Please continue to watch and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

We appreciate your feedback, please click Yes or No to help us improve the support experience and help others with similar concerns. 

We look forward to hearing back from you.

Best Regards

Patch - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 4

Hi

I observed that my Microsoft Edge not only displays random ads but also automatically opens links. Furthermore, I discovered a file named "watch" in HTML format situated within my Downloads folder in File Explorer. Curiously, I have no recollection of intentionally downloading an HTML file bearing the name "watch".

Upon opening the file titled "watch," I found it to be a counterfeit rendition of YouTube, where all the words were Italicized.

Answer 5

After thoroughly clearing all my Microsoft Edge Data (I ensured that I saved all of my data.), I find it perplexing that random ads persist. This leads me to suspect a potential virus as the root cause.

I also observed that it's utilizing "Profile 4" for displaying random ads.

I don't know where the "Profile 4" came from. I only have three profiles

There are also random words popping up.

And a random button. I think it's a Picture-in-Picture button.

Another pop-up for no apparent reason.