FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove Filmatory adware and the adverts it delivers

Also Known As: Ads by Filmatory
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Filmatory?

Filmatory is a rogue browser extension that our research team discovered while inspecting untrustworthy download webpages. This extension promises to allow quick access to movie-related online content. After analyzing Filmatory, we learned that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).

Filmatory adware asking for permissions

Filmatory adware overview

Adware may not display advertisements if certain conditions are not met (e.g., browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, etc.). However, whether Filmatory delivers ads or not is irrelevant - since its presence on a system endangers device and user safety regardless.

Advertising-supported software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (various adverts) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous websites and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software.

Note that any legitimate products encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their developers. This endorsement is usually undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Filmatory also has data tracking functionalities. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Filmatory
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Filmatory
Supposed Functionality Quick access to film-related content
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed countless adware samples; SkipTheAdzCan I locate it, and Rapid Files Download are merely a few of our newest finds.

This software typically appears legitimate and useful. However, the promised features are rarely operational. Therefore, not only is advertising-supported software worthless, but it also threatens device integrity and user privacy.

How did Filmatory install on my computer?

We acquired Filmatory from its "official" promotional page. Adware can also be pushed through scam websites. Most users enter these webpages through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together with) ordinary programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" options, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Furthermore, installations must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing - as fraudulent and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements appear legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Filmatory, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshots of the websites used to promote Filmatory adware:

Website promoting Filmatory adware 1 Website promoting Filmatory adware 2 Filmatory adware-promoting website (2022-06-13)

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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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:

Filmatory adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Filmatory adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Filmatory", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Filmatory ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Filmatory adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Filmatory  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Filmatory", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Filmatory ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by filmatory, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Filmatory ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Filmatory".

Removing Filmatory ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by filmatory removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by filmatory, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by filmatory or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Additionally, adware-displayed adverts promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This software may also cause redirects to various websites and collect sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily by endorsing websites, software, products, and other content - through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Filmatory adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, despite the advertising-supported software having been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Filmatory QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Filmatory on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.