Removing Simple Files Downloader adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Simple Files Downloader?
Simple Files Downloader is a rogue browser extension promising to operate as a download management tool. Our researchers discovered it while inspecting dubious download webpages. After analyzing this extension, we determined that Simple Files Downloader is advertising-supported software (adware).
Simple Files Downloader adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software can display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Adware-delivered adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can make downloads/installations without user consent - once clicked on.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Simple Files Downloader displays adverts or not, its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, Simple Files Downloader also has data tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data is then monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of adware on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Simple Files Downloader |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Simple Files Downloader |
| Supposed Functionality | Download management 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
We have analyzed thousands of advertising-supported software samples; DimScreen, Auto Skip Ads, Ads Skipping Over - are merely a few of our latest finds. Adware typically appears legitimate and handy. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of various functionalities, which are rarely operational.
How did Simple Files Downloader install on my computer?
We obtained Simple Files Downloader from its "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such pages, adware is pushed through scam websites.
Most users access these sites through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also recommend exercising caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious material typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Simple Files Downloader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Simple Files Downloader adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website promoting Simple Files Downloader 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:
▼ 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:
- What is Simple Files Downloader?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Simple Files Downloader application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Simple Files Downloader ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Simple Files Downloader' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Simple Files Downloader extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Simple Files Downloader 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 "Simple Files Downloader", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Simple Files Downloader ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Simple Files Downloader adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Simple Files Downloader 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 "Simple Files Downloader" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by simple files downloader, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Simple Files Downloader" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by simple files downloader 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 simple files downloader, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by simple files downloader or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open pages and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of the profit via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Simple Files Downloader adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) eliminated - various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion