Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Adware is software that displays unwanted advertisements on a user's device without their consent. It often comes bundled with free applications and can slow down the device's performance.
Related terms
Pop-up Ads: Advertisements that appear in separate windows while browsing the internet.
Spyware: Software that secretly collects information about a user's activities without their knowledge or consent.
Browser Extension: A small program that adds extra features or functionality to web browsers.