Removal instructions for "Downloading Files" adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Downloading Files?
Downloading Files is a rogue browser extension that our researchers discovered while inspecting dubious software-promoting sites. This extension is endorsed as a download management tool. After analyzing Downloading Files, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
Downloading Files adware overview
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (various advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The displayed adverts promote scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that reputable developers do not use adware to promote their creations - yet they can be encountered through it. This endorsement is primarily undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.) to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, whether Downloading Files (or other adware) delivers ads is irrelevant since its presence on a system endangers device/user safety regardless.
Furthermore, Downloading Files spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted data can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, financial/banking information, and so on. The gathered data is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Downloading Files on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Downloading Files |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Downloading Files |
| Supposed Functionality | Download managing tool |
| 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
Moviety, Down Assist, Ad Blocker App, and Tuning Videos are just some examples of the adware we have inspected recently. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functionalities are rarely operational.
How did Downloading Files install on my computer?
We acquired Downloading Files from its "official" promotional page. In addition to such webpages, adware is promoted through scam websites. Users typically enter these pages through redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive advertisements, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive ads are employed to distribute advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
Adware can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of permitting bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software products. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. It is just as important to approach installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all additions.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look ordinary and innocuous, yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Downloading Files, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the official website used to promote Downloading Files adware:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Downloading Files 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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Quick menu:
- What is Downloading Files?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Downloading Files application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Downloading Files ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Downloading Files' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Downloading Files extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Downloading Files 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 "Downloading Files", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Downloading Files ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Downloading Files adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Downloading Files adware using Combo Cleaner:
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 "Downloading Files", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by downloading files, 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 "Downloading Files".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by downloading files 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 downloading files, 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 the browsing experience and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since this software typically has data tracking functionalities. Adware-displayed adverts promote deceptive/malicious content that may cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. Advertising-supported software can display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates most of its revenue through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Downloading Files adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) may be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various files get left behind. What is more, such remnants might continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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