Download Converter Free ads: what it is and how to remove it
Download Converter Free is categorized as a browser hijacker due to the many functions that it exhibits after silently entering the system. First of all, it changes the default browser settings, including search engine, new tab, and homepage preferences.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Download Converter Free ads: summary
| Distribution | Fake Flash Player updates, software bundles, file-sharing platforms |
|---|---|
| name | Download Converter Free |
| Type | PUP, browser hijacker, redirect virus |
| altered browser settings | Homepage, new tab, default search engine |
| Infection symptoms | Browser preferences are modified without your direct consent; diminished browsing speed; search results are displayed from a different provider and are riddled with deceptive ads |
| Dangers | Malware infections, additional PUP installation, privacy issues |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 10 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | Download Converter Free |
| Symptoms | Redirects to an unknown domain |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Domains | search.downloadconverterfree.com |
| Ads shown as | Redirects through ad pages |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 23 July 2021 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Is Download Converter Free ads dangerous?
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
Download Converter Free – is a PUP that will severely impede your browsing experience
Download Converter Free is categorized as a browser hijacker due to the many functions that it exhibits after silently entering the system.
First of all, it changes the default browser settings, including search engine, new tab, and homepage preferences.
This enables the potentially unwanted program (PUP for short) to redirect all search traffic through a predetermined search engine - search.downloadconverterfree.com. It's a fake search provider as it doesn't generate any results itself; it only redirects to legitimate providers like Google, Yahoo, and alike (depending on your geolocation).
By causing redirects through its website, the browser hijacker is able to inject deceptive ads into the search results. These ads can redirect to hazardous websites. Thus it would be best if you stayed away from them at all costs, or you could be exposed to tech support scams, push notification viruses, or even malware.
Moreover, with the help of redirects, this potentially unwanted program is able to gather browsing-related information, such as your search inquiries, browsing history, device/browser details, geolocations, IP addresses, etc. This collected data helps advertisers customize ads specifically for you, making them irresistible as their based on your browsing activities.
As we've already pointed out, please refrain from clicking on any of the ads in the provided search results, as by doing so, you might endanger your privacy and security. This article contains comprehensive instructions to remove the browser-based infection and repair virus-caused damages.
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Download Converter Free
- To remove any cyber threat from your device safely, you must use a reliable security tool.
- Fix virus damage and delete tracking cookies by performing system diagnostics with the software
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
search.downloadconverterfree.com
How to remove Download Converter Free ads
How to stop the Download Converter Free redirects
Work in this order and test a few links after each step, so you know which one was the cause.
Step 1: Check the browser's extensions
Redirects to
search.downloadconverterfree.comon sites that normally behave mean something in the browser is sending you there. In Chrome openchrome://extensions, in Edge edge://extensions, in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially new tab, search, coupon, PDF or video downloader add-ons. The extension pages look the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Reset the browser if the redirects continue
If
search.downloadconverterfree.comstill opens after the extensions are gone, put the browser's settings back to their defaults. In Chrome open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults; in Edge Settings > Reset settings; in Firefox Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.Tip: Bookmarks and saved passwords stay, while site permissions, the start page and the search engine are reset.
Redirects that survive a reset in every browser point to a program installed in Windows 11 or Windows 10, so uninstall anything you do not recognise in Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 3: Scan the PC if you downloaded anything from the ads
If you only saw the notifications and clicked nothing, you can stop before this step. If a notification led you to download or run something, delete that file, then scan Windows.
In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan, then choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and Scan now. The offline scan restarts the PC and takes about 15 minutes on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
Detailed instructions to remove Download Converter Free redirect from the infected device
If you didn't install the browser hijacker of your own volition, it could have entered your device with other programs through a technique called software bundling.
These packs containing installers for multiple apps are usually downloaded from third-party software vendors.
They earn additional revenue for spreading potentially unwanted programs. The whole trick is that the additional programs are not disclosed, and as soon as you choose Recommended, Standard, or Quick installation, all apps within the bundle are automatically installed.
There are two ways to avoid PUPs from these bundles: be attentive when installing any software and go through the whole process by picking the Custom or Advanced installation modes or getting yourself a trustworthy anti-malware tool. The security tool wouldn't let you install Download Converter Free or similar PUPs.
It can also be used to remove the intruder from your computer if installed as an app. Automatic removal is recommended as a scan with trustworthy anti-malware software reveals and removes all unwelcomed guests that might jeopardize your safety and privacy.
In addition, it ensures that all threats are completely removed, meaning that all associated files and entries are also terminated. If you're willing to risk leaving residual files, then you can perform the removal manually. Since we're here to help, our team has compiled illustrated instructions to guide you. Follow this guide to remove Download Converter Free from your Windows computer:
Usually, potentially unwanted programs are installed under a different name, so you might not find the necessary uninstaller. As we've mentioned before, even after completing the manual removal, some files might get overlooked. That's why we strongly recommend downloading the aforementioned security tool or the to perform a full system scan.
That way, you can rest assured that there are no potentially unwanted or malicious programs or files hiding on your computer. Furthermore, in this day and age, such software is necessary as cybercriminals are creating new and more aggressive threats every day.
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till the uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
Check your browser for suspicious extensions that might cause ads and redirects
Download Converter Free could be installed as an extension on any of your browsers.
That's why you have to check all of them. Unfortunately, there is no software that can assist you with this task. Hence, you will have to get your hands dirty and remove all suspicious plug-ins from all browsers that are installed on your infected device.
Once again, our team has prepared comprehensive instructions to help you go through this process without any hiccups. We include guides for the three most popular web browsing apps. Let's start with the most popular one in the world. By following this manual, you will remove search.downloadconverterfree.com from your Google Chrome:
Whether you're using Safari on a Mac or a Windows computer, it can also get affected by this potentially unwanted program. Therefore, you also have to check it. These illustrated instructions will help you to locate and remove any suspicious plug-ins:
If you're using a Windows computer, it's safe to assume that the article's culprit infected the default Microsoft browser. The irritating Download Converter Free ads won't stop until you've deleted its extension from all browsers. This short guide will help you to remove questionable plug-ins from the Edge browser:
After completing all these steps in continuation, Download Converter Free redirects will be a thing of the past. Now you can easily revert your default browser settings and enjoy your browsing activities without any ads, random redirects, and other shenanigans.
But the whole removal process isn't finished yet. Now you have to take care of the overall health of your device, as the browser hijacker might have altered system settings to establish persistence. A messy registry, broken DLLs, and other system-related irregularities might cause BSoDs, severe lag, and other issues.
Experts strongly recommend entrusting this task to the tool. It will automatically repair damages caused by the infection and delete all tracking cookies in the process.
- Open the browser and go to Menu > Settings.
- Locate the Privacy and security section and pick Site Settings > Notifications.
- Look at the Allow section and look for a suspicious URL.
- Click the three vertical dots next to it and pick Block. This should remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome.
- Click on Safari > Preferences...
- Go to the Websites tab and, under General, select Notifications.
- Select the web address in question, click the drop-down menu and select Deny.
- Open Microsoft Edge, and click the Settings and more button (three horizontal dots) at the top-right of the window.
- Select Settings and then go to Advanced.
- Under Website permissions, pick Manage permissions and select the URL in question.
- Toggle the switch to the left to turn notifications off on Microsoft Edge.
Questions about Download Converter Free ads
search.downloadconverterfree.com opens when I click links. What causes it?
When every click leads to search.downloadconverterfree.com first, an extension or a script on the page is rewriting the links. If it happens only on one site, that site uses aggressive ads; close it and use another source. If it happens everywhere, open the browser in a private window, where extensions are normally off, and try again.
No redirect in the private window means one of your extensions is responsible: remove the ones you do not know. A redirect in the private window too means the cause is outside the extensions, such as a notification permission, a changed search setting or a program installed on the PC. The removal steps in this guide cover each of those.
Is it safe that my browser was redirected to search.downloadconverterfree.com?
Landing on search.downloadconverterfree.com does not infect the PC by itself. A browser does not run programs from a page without your action. The danger is in the pages that come next:
- some ask you to allow notifications
- some show fake virus warnings
- some offer downloads
- ask for card details
If you only saw those pages and closed them, nothing more is needed than removing whatever caused the redirect. If you allowed notifications, remove that permission.
If you downloaded a file, delete it unopened, or uninstall it if you ran it. If you typed a password or card number on one of the pages, change the password and call your bank.
Why does Download Converter Free show me ads?
Because that is its whole purpose. Download Converter Free is an ad redirect domain, and its operators are paid for every ad it displays and every click it gets. In this case the ads take the form of redirects through ad pages.
They are chosen by ad networks that accept almost any advertiser, which is why so many look like warnings or prizes. The ads are not a sign that your PC is broken or infected with something worse; they are a sign that something on it, or in the browser, has permission to advertise. Removing that permission or program stops them.
Is search.downloadconverterfree.com safe to visit?
No. The site search.downloadconverterfree.com exists to push visitors towards ads, and the pages it leads to include fake virus warnings, fake updates, prize scams and notification prompts. Visiting it once does not infect an up-to-date PC, but anything you click or download there is a gamble.
Do not enter personal details, do not allow notifications and do not call phone numbers it shows. If it opens by itself, close the tab and check the browser's extensions and notification permissions. Blocking the single domain helps little, because the operators register new names regularly.
Do I have to clean every browser?
Yes, if you use more than one. We saw Download Converter Free in Chrome, Edge and Firefox, and each browser keeps its own extensions, notification permissions and settings. Chrome and Edge share the same extension format, so one installer can add the same adware to both, while Firefox has its own add-ons.
Check every browser on the PC, including ones you rarely open. If you sync a browser with an account, clean it while signed in, so that the removal reaches your other computers rather than the adware returning from them.
How do I know the ads come from Download Converter Free?
Look for redirects to search.downloadconverterfree.com. That is the trace Download Converter Free leaves, and it shows up as redirects through ad pages. Ads that appear on every site, including ones that never carried ads before, point to something on your PC or in the browser rather than to the sites themselves.
A quick test is a private window, where extensions are off by default: if the ads disappear there, an extension is responsible. If they appear even with the browser closed, the source is a notification permission or a program in Windows.
Why didn't my antivirus catch Download Converter Free?
Many security products do not block adware or notification sites by default, because users often agreed to them, even through a misleading prompt. Notification spam installs nothing at all, so there is no file to detect.
In Windows 11 you can make Microsoft Defender block potentially unwanted apps: open Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings and turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking. If notifications caused the pop-ups, no scanner will report them; the fix is in the browser's site settings.
I clicked on one of the ads. Am I infected?
Probably not. Clicking an ad usually only opens a page, and a page cannot install programs on an up-to-date Windows PC without your help.
You are at risk only if you then downloaded and ran a file, allowed notifications, entered card or login details, or called a phone number shown on the page. Delete any download and run a full and offline scan.
Change passwords you typed, from a clean device. Call your bank if you gave card details. If you called a number or allowed remote access, see the next question.
Can adware slow down my PC?
Yes. Adware runs in the background, loads ad scripts, opens extra tabs and contacts its servers, all of which use processor time, memory and bandwidth. Ad-heavy extensions also slow down every page, because they inspect and change it before you see it.
The effect is strongest on older PCs and when several adware programs arrived together. After removal, restart the PC and check Task Manager for anything still using a lot of resources that you do not recognise. Speed usually returns to normal once the ads stop.
Will Fortect remove Download Converter Free?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Download Converter Free, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Zdnet: What is malware? Everything you need to know about viruses, trojans and malicious software (read October 6, 2026)
- Viruset: Viruset (read October 6, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)