FreeCodecPack is a questionable application that brings intrusive ads to your browser
FreeCodecPack is advertised as an important and useful computer component that allows users to view various file formats for free. After closely looking into the suspicious program's functionality, security experts could quickly determine that this rogue software is adware[1] that gets delivered via software bundling. Thus, users typically do not install it willingly.
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | FreeCodecPack |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware |
| Disguised as | Codec pack |
| Risk | Medium. However, might lead to malware infiltration and data leak |
| Infected systems | All versions of Windows OS |
| Distribution | Bundling, unsafe websites |
| Elimination | For quick deletion, download FortectIntego |
Soon after infiltration, the dubious application attaches itself to the browser as an add-on and creates a FreeCodecPack folder, where all the primary files are executed. This helps the app to strengthen its position in the system, modify Windows registry and deliver sponsored content via ads, pop-ups, deals, banners, coupons, redirects, etc.
This way, adware creators can boost the traffic to unknown internet sites. By doing so, both parties benefit – adware authors get pay-per-click revenue, while less-known retailers increase their sales.
However, the user, who is left in between, does not benefit at all. The victim has to deal with ads whether he/she wants it or not. Therefore, we urge users not to tolerate such behavior from adware creators and remove FreeCodecPack virus immediately. FortectIntego can help with a swift elimination (although you can pick any other security software of your choice).
As soon as your PC gets infected with a FreeCodecPack virus, adverts are delivered directly into your Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or other browsers and typically display the following text at the corner of the ad:
- “Powered by FreeCodecPack”
- “Ads by FreeCodecPack”
- “Waiting for FreeCodecPack”
- “Connected to FreeCodecPack”, etc.
However, by far the most dangerous trait of FreeCodecPack is its redirecting tendencies. Security experts[2] warn that FreeCodecPack redirects can lead to both reliable and really suspicious third-party websites, so the best that you can do to prevent exposure to unsafe websites is to ignore each of the ads and never click on the content you got redirected to. Otherwise, you can get infected with malware or get your personal information stolen.
Finally, a noteworthy fact is that FreeCodecPack installs tracking software and can monitor your browsing activities on a daily basis. Recent malware research has shown that it may engage DOM storage data,[3] web beacons, Flash cookies, HTTP cookies and other means for collecting and storing personally non-identifiable information, such as IP address, PC's location, email address, search terms, websites visited and so on.
If the developers would use such data only for improving the service that would be OK. However, it seems that developers have found a way to earn more money which is to share/sell gathered data with other third-party advertisers. All in all, we highly recommend FreeCodecPack removal if you noticed its suspicious activity.
Codec packs are not needed for playing video files
Users often download codec packs because their system cannot run certain video files correctly. Thus, they often look for solutions in third-party websites. Others might never encounter such problems and merely acquire the unwanted application with bundled software. Nevertheless, FreeCodecPack removal should be a priority of both groups of people.
If you run into problems while playing specific video files, we suggest downloading a video player that has pre-installed codecs and will handle any media file without external help. One of such players is VLC – a well-respected video player amongst many users. Once you download such player, you will never have to worry about codecs again.
Adware is distributed in software bundles
Users are typically careless when it comes to internet safety. After all, they never think that something unpleasant can happen to them. It can, and it will unless you take some extra precautions and protect yourself from unwanted software.
The most prominent adware and other PUP distribution method is via software bundling. These unwanted programs are included as additional components inside (mostly) third-party installers. However, even the most popular programs and its updates (like Adobe Flash) may hide optional installs.
Thus, to avoid unnecessary troubles, follow these simple tips:
- do not rush the installation process and read the instructions carefully;
- read through EULA and Privacy Policy;
- when prompted, always opt for Advanced/Custom installation mode and avoid Recommended/Quick setup;
- when you see the additional programs in Advanced settings, remove all the tick marks with add-ons, toolbars, codec packs, system optimizers and similar;
Easy ways to remove FreeCodecPack from the system
FreeCodecPack removal can be performed both manually and automatically. We have both methods covered, so pick the one that suits you best.
Automatic FreeCodecPack virus elimination is recommended for all users who are not that familiar with computer processes, and/or would like an easy and quick solution to the problem. Simply download one of the respected security programs and bring it up to date. The last step is to scan the system and let security software handle the rest.
For those who dislike additional software on their PCs, are familiar with computers and would like to remove FreeCodecPack manually, we advise checking our step-by-step guide below. Be attentive while executing this method as incorrect procedure might lead to reinfection of the virus. We must remind you that this method will also not protect you from future infections.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from 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 Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- 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 extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from 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 suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from 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.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
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