How to get rid of the Get Icons adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Get Icons?
Get Icons is a browser extension that supposedly allows users to download various icons. Our research team discovered this piece of software while inspecting deceptive download webpages. After analyzing Get Icons, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
Get Icons adware overview
Once installed onto our test machine, the Get Icons browser extension began running intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., displaying ads).
It is noteworthy that adware may require certain specifications to be met in order to operate as designed. For example, this software will not deliver adverts unless the browser/system or user geolocation are compatible, particular websites are visited, etc. Regardless of whether Get Icons (or other adware) displays advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy.
Adware-delivered ads typically promote untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can infiltrate software into systems - upon being clicked. Furthermore, Get Icons has data tracking functionalities.
Advertising-supported software usually collects browsing data, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking information, and so on. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of Get Icons (or other adware) on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Get Icons |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Get Icons |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy access to downloadable icons |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware examples
Introduce Standards, Bio Diversity, Best Converter Online, and Meme Finder are just some examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software appears ordinary and offers "useful" features, which are rarely operational. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also endangers device/user safety.
How did Get Icons install on my computer?
We acquired Get Icons from its "official" promotional webpage that was pushed by a deceptive one. Users seldom access such sites intentionally. Most enter them via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive advertisements, adware (with browser force-opening capabilities), or mistyped URLs.
Advertising-supported software is also distributed using the bundling technique - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, the advertisements can make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy channels. Additionally, when installing, we advise reading, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to appear harmless. For example, intrusive ads look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such ads and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Get Icons, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Get Icons adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of the deceptive website promoting Get Icons adware:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Get Icons?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Get Icons application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Get Icons ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Get Icons' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Get Icons extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Get Icons adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "Get Icons", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Get Icons ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Get Icons adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Get Icons", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by get icons, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Get Icons".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by get icons removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by get icons, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish browsing quality and system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities that make it a threat to user privacy. Additionally, adware-displayed advertisements can endorse unreliable/malicious content, which may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, this software can enable the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Get Icons adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the software itself is removed - various remnants (files) stay hidden in the system. Furthermore, these components may continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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