Files Download Fast adware can fill your screen with annoying pop-up ads that lead to shady sites
Files Download Fast is a browser extension that acts as adware.[1] That means that it can cause an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects. Crooks use such applications to generate revenue through PPC advertising. Even though some ads appearing on the screen may not sound dangerous, they can be.
Unfortunately, crooks often use rogue advertising networks that place ads leading to dangerous websites. As a result, people can end up on scam pages that try to trick them into providing personal information, downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs),[2] and even malware.
Often, people report seeing ads promoting fake antivirus programs, software deals, surveys, giveaways, etc. So even though some pop-ups may seem harmless, they can lead to more serious problems. Eliminate the intruder as soon as possible, especially if there are children using the affected machine.
The name of the app suggests that it should help users download files from the Internet faster, however, that is not true. Crooks often try to make their applications “handy” and desirable so users would install them themselves or not delete them. There are no benefits to this app so you should follow our guide to eliminate it.
| NAME | Files Download Fast |
| TYPE | Adware |
| SYMPTOMS | Annoying pop-ups and other types of advertisements start appearing on the screen |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | Links embedded in the ads might lead to dangerous websites |
| ELIMINATION | Eliminate the extension through your browser settings; scanning the machine with anti-malware tools is recommended |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to get rid of any remaining damage and to optimize the machine |
Distribution methods
Applications such as Files Download Fast are often found through fake download pages, like Watchintenselyoriginaltheproduct.vip. They use social engineering methods to trick people into thinking that they need to add a plugin to their browser to be able to perform some kind of action.
We recommend not browsing through websites you do not know. Do not click on random links or ads because they can lead to shady sites. Avoid websites that engage in illegal activities, like illegal streaming platforms because they are unregulated.
It is best to use official web stores and developer pages. Apps that get listed on digital marketplaces, have to go through an extensive review process. However, you should still do your research because some can slip through the cracks. Always read the reviews, look at the ratings, and the number of users.
Freeware installations
There is another possibility that Files Download Fast adware appeared on your machine without your knowledge. This can happen especially if you are using freeware distribution platforms. They include bundled software in the installers that monetize user activity.
Pay attention during the installation process, and always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced installation methods. Read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy to find out how your data will be used. The most important part is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any unrelated applications.
Remove Files Download Fast adware
Files Download Fast adware can be removed by going to the browser settings and looking at the extension list. We recommend removing plugins one by one to see if you notice any changes.
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.
MS Edge:
- 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.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions 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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Protect your privacy
Almost all websites and web applications nowadays require you to accept cookies[3] by throwing a big prompt in your face obstructing the view. Frustrated, many just click “Accept” because they want to proceed as quickly as possible. Because you experienced pop-up spam without knowing, there is a big chance you were browsing through questionable sites that could still be tracking your browsing activity.
Cookies can store data such as the websites you visit, links you click on, things you type in the search, and what you purchase online. It can alter be sold to advertising networks or other third parties. We recommend using a repair tool like FortectIntego, which can automatically clear your browsers from cookies and cache, clear up space, fix corrupted files, system errors and optimize the performance of the device.
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
If you completed all the previous steps but you still experience unwanted symptoms, you should check your system for other PUAs. We suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes.
Manual removal of potentially unwanted programs can sometimes result in the renewal of the infection as users often fail to eliminate all the related files and entries. Besides, crooks often disguise them as “handy” tools so it can be difficult to identify them. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- 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 uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Mac:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
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