YTDownloader (Virus Removal Guide) - Jul 2020 update
YTDownloader Removal Guide
What is YTDownloader?
YTDownloader is an adware program that delivers intrusive pop-ups, banners, redirects, and other intrusive commercial content
YTDownloader (also known as YTDownloader and Converter) is a potentially unwanted application that can be downloaded on its official website, although some users might notice it installed on their machines without permission. The latter occurs due to deceptive distribution practices that the developers Goobzo Ltd use, e.g., suspicious ads, software bundles, and other methods.
YTDownloader is presented as a useful program that can help users download, convert, and watch YouTube videos at any time. While this functionality may seem useful, it is important to note that the app is also considered to be adware[1] by many security vendors, as they flag it as Adware.Agent.YCX, Adware.Generic, PUA:Win32/YTDVideoDownload, PUP.Optional.YouTubeDownloader, etc.[2] Adware specializes in tracking users' online activities and delivering pop-ups, deals, offers, coupons, discounts, and other intrusive ads.
| Name | YTDownloader |
| Type | Adware |
| Developer | Goobzo Ltd |
| Distribution | The app can be downloaded from its official website, although it can also be spread via software bundle packages or deceptive ads |
| Symptoms | Intrusive advertisements show up on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and other web browsers; redirects lead to potentially dangerous websites; random text on websites is turned into hyperlinks; other unwanted apps installed on the system |
| Elimination | You can remove YTDownloader adware from your system by following our guide below or by scanning computer with anti-malware software |
| Further checks | We recommend using ReimageIntego for computer problem elimination after malware/adware is terminated from the machine |
No matter that this program seems like a great application that can help you to find your favorite music files, YTDownloader may also cause unwanted system changes that may lead you to several problems. The most obvious issue that it may cause on your web browsers (this application may affect each of web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and other web browsers) is its commercial pop-up ads, in-text links, banner ads and similar commercial content, which may appear during your browsing.
These YTDownloader ads usually contain commercial information, such as discounts, coupons, price comparisons, and similar deals. While some of them may be useful, be very careful with them because some popups may be lined to suspicious sites. The developer of this adware is sponsored by third parties for the delivery of sponsored ads on people's web browsers. However, third-party content is not monitored or filtered, thus any of the pop-ups may expose you to malware-laden sites.
Usually, people download this adware via freeware bundles. Right after the download, the application starts running ytdownloader.exe within the task manager and protects this file from being manually disabled. That's the main executable, which is responsible for a smooth run of the YTDownloader virus.
Cybersecurity experts recommend people to remove YTDownloader because of its tracking of browsing history and sharing the harvested data with third parties. The app injects tracking cookies and web beacons into the default web browser and harvests non-personal information that can subsequently be used for statistics and personalized advertising campaigns.
YTDownloader's ability to appear on computers without asking appropriate permission has already made Dieviren.de[3] security experts and their colleagues include this program to potentially unwanted programs category. Therefore, if you have started seeing ads brought by this application, experts recommend initiating a complete YTDownloader removal using a proper anti-malware program.
Besides, if you cannot stop the ads and other unwanted content, we recommend resetting all the web browser settings as per instructions provided below. In case your machine starts crashing or experiencing other stability issues, we recommend fixing it with unique repair software ReimageIntego.
Downloading music and other licensed content is not recommended
YTDownloader is a tool that is advertised as a video downloader, i.e., users can look for a particular video and download it on their machines. While there is nothing wrong with the technology, downloading copyrighted material is illegal (there is a reason why there is no “Download” button within the YouTube platform itself).
Therefore, we highly advise you to avoid using YouTube downloading apps such as YTDownloader, Qdownloader, Flvto, Youtubemp4.to, and many others. Not only do these apps allow enraging illegal practices by letting YouTube video downloads but also track you online, insert intrusive ads, and redirect to potentially malicious websites.
Potentially Unwanted Apps are installed as additional freeware features
As we have mentioned, this PUP can be downloaded from the Internet just like any other program. However, it may also get installed on the machine as an optional component of other software without asking for the user's permission.
In fact, adware-type programs and similar applications are actively promoted as optional components of such programs as download managers, PDF creators, video streaming software, and similar freeware. These programs are often filled with various optional components, which once installed turn out to be adware.
That's why we highly recommend you start monitoring the installation of the freeware. You should start selecting Custom or Advanced installation of the freeware. After doing so, uncheck all check marks that allow installation of toolbars, browser add-ons, and so on.
Unwanted third-party applications are aiming at spinning the circle of advertising revenue. For that, they can modify the PC's system and then start displaying various pop-ups and monitoring browsing activities. Unfortunately, the worst thing is that advertising material is not only intrusive but can also contain links to phishing sites or scams.
Main facts about YTDownloader virus
- This program is capable of spreading in a bundle with other software;
- YTDownloader has the ability to change computer's settings according to its needs;
- It causes commercial pop-up ads and third-party advertisements seeking to redirect people to required websites;
- An application can track its victims and collect non-personally identifiable information;
- Users can fail when trying to uninstall YTDownloader from their computers.
Fixing the computer requires a complete YTDownloader removal
If you have accidentally downloaded YTDownloader adware, we recommend uninstalling it because it clutters your computer and diminishes web browsing experience. Intrusive ads are not the only downfall of the app, as it also engages in online user activity tracking, which can potentially compromise one's privacy.
For the east YTDownloader removal, run a full system scan with a professional anti-virus program. It should easily detect PUPs on the system and eliminated all the suspicious files. Before performing a full system scan, ensure that the app is fully updated.
If you prefer a manual solution, you can remove YTDownloader virus by following detailed, step-by-step instructions below. To eliminate browser tracers that the app might leave, you can also reset the installed web browsers (although this step is optional).
You may remove virus damage with a help of ReimageIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of YTDownloader. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Before restoring altered web browser's settings you should remove YTDownloader malware from the system. Please note that the related application may be disguised under a different name.
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- 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.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- 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.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- 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.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- 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.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
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.
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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
To disableYTDownloader ads, you should follow these steps. A complete resetting of web browser's settings is the best way.
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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of YTDownloader registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: ReimageIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting adware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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- ^ Jonathan Lemonnier & Nica Latto. What is Adware and How to Get Rid of it?. AVG. Security software developers.
- ^ Setup.exe. Virus Total. URL and file scanner.
- ^ SICHERHEIT- UND SPYWARE-NEUIGKEITEN. Dieviren. Virus and spyware news.