Downloading Files adware (virus) - Free Guide

What is Downloading Files adware?

Downloading Files is an adware-type browser extension that records your data and shows intrusive ads

Downloading Files adware shows intrusive ads

Adware is something that most computer users have heard of at least once previously – it is a type of potentially unwanted software produced by unfair individuals to monetize advertisements, often inserted into Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another browser illegally. Downloading Files is one such application and is the main topic of this article.

As is usual for potentially unwanted programs, it spreads using deceptive methods such as software bundling or misleading/fake advertisements encountered on malicious websites. This is why so many people find adware installed on their systems unexpectedly; in some cases, people might install the Downloading Files virus themselves, as the developers present it as a download manager.

Once on the system, adware would begin its operations – maybe not straight away – users would start experiencing pop-ups, banners, in-text links, and other unwanted material while browsing the web. In the background, Downloading Files adware would track user data to conduct targeted advertising later; the information is also shared or sold to third parties for more profits.

Adware distribution explained

As mentioned, adware is a type of potentially unwanted software – and it is called so for a reason. It is not wanted in most cases, and the primary reason for that is its distribution. Most people don't install adware intentionally but are rather tricked into doing so – freeware^[1] bundles and fake updates or similar misleading ads are the main ones.

When it comes to software bundling, it is not a secret that almost every third-party website uses it to profit from the pay-per-install scheme.^[2] The more additional ads users install, the more profits it converts to. Therefore, third-party websites often employ unfair techniques to distribute additional components – they hide them behind pre-ticked checkboxes and fine print and place “Agree” buttons in unusual places.

When dealing with third-party installers, always read the installation instructions carefully and choose Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones if possible. Most importantly, never rush through steps and have anti-malware with a PUP detection feature installed on your system.

When it comes to fake updates, keep in mind that these can be used to spread adware and other malware. For example, fake Flash Player installers are notorious for infecting users with all sorts of computer nasties. In reality, Flash has been long discontinued by its creator^[3] and is no longer required – all requests to update it are fake.

To avoid getting tricked by this, make sure you download updates from official sources. Also, if you are accidentally redirected to some site that shows various warnings or simply asks you to download and install something to proceed – always ignore it and close down the tab showing the malicious content.

Removal of Downloading Files adware

Removal of adware can be quite confusing, especially when one is not aware that it was installed along with other software. In the case of Downloading Files adware, you need to find and uninstall the extension from your browser.

Before you proceed, we strongly recommend you check your system with powerful security software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. It can automatically get rid of adware and malware, so you don't have to worry that some malicious components remain on your device. Otherwise, proceed with the following steps:

Google Chrome

• Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
• In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

• Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
• Select Add-ons.
• In here, select the unwanted plugin and click Remove.

MS Edge

• Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
• Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

MS Edge (legacy)

• Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
• From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
• Click on Uninstall at the bottom.

Safari

• Click Safari > Preferences…
• In the new window, pick Extensions.
• Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.

Clean your browsers

Uninstalling the extension should eliminate the annoying ads that you see everywhere you go on the internet. However, even if adware is eliminated from the system, its trackers might remain on the system, and this would allow various third parties to continue tracking activities.

You can easily stop the activity with the help of the FortectIntego maintenance utility – it can automatically clean your browser caches and other adware leftover files from your system. If you would instead perform these steps yourself, proceed with the following steps:

Google Chrome

• Click on Menu and pick Settings.
• Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
• Select Browsing history, Cookies, and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
• Click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click Menu and pick Options.
• Go to Privacy & Security section.
• Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
• Click on Clear Data…
• Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content, and press Clear.

MS Edge (Chromium)

• Click on Menu and go to Settings.
• Select Privacy and services.
• Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
• Under Time range, pick All time.
• Select Clear now.

MS Edge (legacy)

• Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
• Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
• Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.

Safari

• Click Safari > Clear History…
• From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
• Confirm with Clear History.

Below you can find the instructions to check the installed programs on your system. If you are not entirely sure which programs should and shouldn't be installed on your device, skip these steps and rely on security software to remove malicious software for you.