CoolWords is a browser extension and potentially unwanted program (PUP) that disguises itself as a legitimate productivity tool for word processing or vocabulary enhancement. Despite its seemingly helpful name, this software typically infiltrates systems through deceptive bundling practices and immediately begins modifying browser settings without proper user consent. Once installed, CoolWords hijacks your default search engine, redirects your homepage, and injects unwanted advertisements into legitimate websites you visit—behavior that clearly crosses the line from helpful utility to intrusive adware.
While CoolWords doesn't exhibit the destructive capabilities of ransomware or data-stealing trojans, it creates significant usability problems and privacy concerns. The constant ad injections slow down browsing performance, expose you to potentially malicious third-party content, and track your online behavior to build detailed advertising profiles. Many users discover they have CoolWords only after noticing their browser behaving strangely or finding their searches redirected through unfamiliar intermediary sites.
Threat Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Family | Browser hijacker / Adware / PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) |
| Aliases | Cool Words, CoolWords Extension, CoolWords Toolbar |
| Platform | Windows (all versions); targets Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Internet Explorer |
| First Observed | Active variants documented since 2015-2016 timeframe |
| Distribution Method | Software bundling, fake update prompts, misleading advertisements, freeware installers |
| Persistence Mechanism | Browser extensions, scheduled tasks, registry Run keys, policies applied to browser configurations |
| Primary Capabilities | Homepage/search engine hijacking, ad injection, search redirect, browsing data collection |
| Data Collection | Search queries, browsing history, clicked links, potentially IP addresses and device identifiers |
| Network Behavior | Connections to ad-serving domains and tracking servers; redirects through intermediary URLs before reaching actual search results |
| Browser Modifications | Changes default search provider, alters new tab page, modifies homepage settings, may install browser policies to prevent manual changes |
| IoCs/Artifacts | Browser extension folders in user profiles, registry keys under HKCU\Software\CoolWords or similar, scheduled tasks with randomized names |
| Removal Difficulty | Moderate—components resist uninstallation and may reinstall themselves if all persistence mechanisms aren't removed |
How It Spreads
CoolWords rarely arrives on your computer through deliberate installation. Instead, it relies on deceptive distribution tactics that exploit moments when users aren't paying close attention. The most common infection vector is software bundling, where CoolWords is packaged with legitimate free programs you download from the internet. During the installation process, pre-checked boxes or deliberately confusing language in the installer gives "consent" to install additional software. Users who click through the installation quickly—using "Express" or "Recommended" installation options—inadvertently agree to install CoolWords along with the program they actually wanted.
Beyond bundled installers, this PUP spreads through fake software update notifications that appear while you're browsing. These fraudulent alerts mimic legitimate update prompts for Flash Player, Java, or even your browser itself, but clicking "Update" actually downloads the CoolWords installer instead. Misleading advertisements on questionable websites also serve as distribution channels, with buttons labeled "Download" or "Play" that actually trigger PUP downloads rather than delivering the content you expected.
Common distribution methods include:
- Bundled freeware and shareware installers from download sites that monetize through PUP partnerships
- Fake update notifications for Flash Player, media codecs, or browser components that appear on low-quality streaming or torrent sites
- Misleading download buttons on file-sharing websites where the actual download link is obscured among multiple deceptive advertisements
- Email attachments or links in phishing messages claiming to offer useful productivity tools or document converters
- Malicious advertisements (malvertising) on compromised legitimate websites that exploit vulnerabilities to trigger automatic downloads
- Torrent bundles and pirated software packages that include PUPs as additional unwanted components
What It Does On Your Machine
Once CoolWords establishes itself on your system, its first action is to inject itself into your web browsers. It installs as a browser extension or add-on, often without appearing in the standard extensions list where you'd normally look. The software immediately modifies critical browser settings: your default search engine gets replaced with a CoolWords-controlled search portal, your homepage changes to an unfamiliar landing page, and your new tab page may redirect to advertising content or sponsored search results. These changes are enforced through browser policies or registry modifications that actively resist your attempts to change them back manually.
The primary purpose of CoolWords is to generate advertising revenue through forced exposure to sponsored content. As you browse normally, the extension injects additional advertisements into legitimate websites—you'll suddenly see banner ads, pop-ups, or in-text advertisements on sites like news outlets or retail stores that don't normally display such intrusive advertising. When you perform searches, your queries get redirected through intermediary servers that log your search terms before eventually forwarding you to actual results, which are now mixed with additional sponsored links. Every click on these injected ads generates revenue for the CoolWords operators.
Beyond the visible annoyances, CoolWords engages in extensive data collection. It monitors which websites you visit, what you search for, which links you click, and how long you spend on various pages. This browsing data gets transmitted to remote servers where it's used to build detailed advertising profiles. While the operators claim they don't collect "personally identifiable information," the accumulated browsing history can be extremely revealing about your interests, financial situation, health concerns, and personal life. This information may be sold to third-party data brokers or used to target you with increasingly specific advertising campaigns.
Performance degradation is another significant impact. The constant ad injection, tracking scripts, and redirects consume system resources and bandwidth. Your browser responds more slowly, pages take longer to load, and you may experience increased CPU usage even when supposedly idle. The additional network traffic from tracking beacons and ad requests can noticeably slow your internet connection, particularly problematic if you're on a metered connection or working remotely.
Manual Removal — Step by Step
Disconnect from the Network
Unplug your ethernet cable or disable your WiFi connection before proceeding with removal. This prevents CoolWords from receiving updates, downloading additional components, or communicating your browsing data during the removal process. Work offline throughout the entire procedure.
Boot Into Safe Mode with Networking
Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly during boot (or Shift+F8 on newer systems) to access Advanced Boot Options. Select "Safe Mode with Networking" to load Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs. This prevents CoolWords from loading its protection mechanisms that would interfere with removal. On Windows 10/11, you can also access this through Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup.
Uninstall CoolWords Through Control Panel
Open Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu), navigate to "Programs and Features" or "Uninstall a program," and look for CoolWords or any suspicious programs you don't remember installing. Sort by installation date to identify recently added software. Right-click and select Uninstall. During uninstallation, reject any offers to keep components or install replacement software. Also check for entries with generic names or publishers you don't recognize that were installed around the same time.
Remove Browser Extensions
Open each browser you use and manually remove the CoolWords extension. In Chrome, go to Menu > More Tools > Extensions (or type chrome://extensions); in Firefox, open Menu > Add-ons > Extensions; in Edge, go to Menu > Extensions. Look for CoolWords or any unfamiliar extensions installed recently. Click Remove for each suspicious entry. Don't just disable them—complete removal is necessary.
Delete Scheduled Tasks
Press Windows Key + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler. In the left panel, click "Task Scheduler Library" and review the list of scheduled tasks. Look for entries named CoolWords or tasks with generic names that run from suspicious locations in AppData or Program Files. Right-click suspicious tasks and select Delete. Pay particular attention to tasks that run at user logon or multiple times per day.
Clean Registry Persistence
Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter (click Yes if prompted by User Account Control). Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software and delete any folders named CoolWords. Then go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and check for entries pointing to CoolWords executables—delete these entries. Also check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome (and similar paths for Firefox/Edge) for forced extension installations. Always export a backup before deleting registry keys.
Delete Installation Folders
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files (x86) and look for a CoolWords folder—delete it entirely. Then go to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local and C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming (you may need to enable "Show hidden files" in View options) and delete any CoolWords folders. Empty the Recycle Bin afterward to permanently remove these files.
Reset Browser Settings
Each browser should be reset to defaults to remove lingering modifications. In Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and Clean Up > Restore settings to their original defaults. In Firefox, open the menu and go to Help > More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox. In Edge, go to Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values. This removes unauthorized search engines and homepage changes that might persist even after extension removal.
Run a Reputable Anti-Malware Scanner
Download and install Malwarebytes Free (from malwarebytes.com—be certain you're on the legitimate site) or another reputable scanner. Run a full system scan to catch any components you might have missed or any additional PUPs that were bundled with CoolWords. Quarantine and remove all detected threats. Consider running a second opinion scan with AdwCleaner (also from Malwarebytes) which specializes in detecting adware and browser hijackers.
Restart and Verify Clean System
Restart your computer normally (not in Safe Mode) and reconnect to the network. Open your browsers and verify that your homepage, search engine, and new tab page are back to your preferred settings. Visit several websites you use regularly and confirm that you're not seeing injected advertisements. Monitor your system over the next few days for any signs of reinfection—if redirects or ads return, some component likely survived and you should seek professional assistance.
Prevention
- Always use Custom/Advanced installation options when installing free software from the internet. Read every screen carefully and uncheck boxes that offer to install additional software, browser extensions, or toolbars. The few extra seconds this takes can save hours of cleanup work.
- Download software only from official sources. When you need a free program, go directly to the developer's official website rather than using third-party download sites like Softonic, Download.com, or CNET Downloads, which often bundle PUPs with otherwise legitimate software. For open-source software, use the official project page or GitHub repository.
- Keep a reputable ad blocker installed in your browser, such as uBlock Origin. This prevents many of the malicious advertisements and fake download buttons that distribute PUPs. An ad blocker also reduces exposure to malvertising campaigns on otherwise legitimate websites.
- Ignore fake update prompts while browsing. Legitimate software updates come through the programs themselves or through official operating system update mechanisms—not through pop-ups while you're browsing random websites. If a website claims you need to update Flash Player, Java, or your video codec, close the page and update directly through the official application if needed. (And note that Flash Player is now discontinued and no longer receives legitimate updates.)
- Review installed programs monthly and uninstall anything you don't recognize or no longer use. Many PUPs install themselves silently and go unnoticed for months. A quick monthly audit of your installed programs list helps catch unwanted software before it causes significant problems.
- Keep your operating system and browsers updated with the latest security patches. Many PUPs exploit known vulnerabilities to install themselves without any user interaction. Automatic updates help close these security holes before they can be exploited.
- Use a standard user account for daily computing rather than an administrator account. When software tries to install itself without permission, Windows will prompt for administrator credentials. This extra confirmation step can alert you to unwanted installation attempts that would otherwise proceed silently.
- Be skeptical of browser extensions even when they appear in official stores. Read reviews carefully, check the developer's reputation, and verify that the extension actually needs the permissions it requests. Only install extensions from developers you trust, and remove extensions you no longer actively use.
Bring It In
While the manual removal steps above can work if you're comfortable with technical procedures, many people prefer the certainty of professional removal—particularly when dealing with stubborn browser hijackers that resist DIY efforts. CoolWords often installs alongside other PUPs in bundle packages, and tracking down every component can be challenging without specialized tools and experience. At Computer Repair Roswell, we've removed hundreds of adware and browser hijacker infections and can have your system cleaned and running properly usually within a few hours. We'll verify that all persistence mechanisms are eliminated, confirm your browsers are restored to proper settings, and check for any additional threats that may have piggy-backed onto your system.
Our shop is located at 1565 Hembree Road in Roswell, Georgia, just off Holcomb Bridge Road near the intersection with Alpharetta Highway. We're open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can call ahead at (770) 765-6672 to let us know you're coming, or just stop by with your machine. We'll provide a straightforward assessment of what's needed, quote you a fair price before we start work, and get your computer back to you clean and protected. We also offer on-site service for businesses in the Roswell area that need multiple machines addressed. Don't let CoolWords continue compromising your privacy and slowing your browsing—bring it in and let's get it resolved today.