How to remove Getting Files adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Getting Files"?
Getting Files is a rogue browser extension that our research team found while inspecting questionable download webpages. It is promoted as a download management tool. However, our analysis of Getting Files revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
Getting Files adware overview
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (various advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The adverts endorse scams, untrustworthy/dangerous sites and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent - once clicked on.
Note that any genuine products encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that even if advertising-supported software does not deliver intrusive ad campaigns - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety. Adware might not display adverts if the browser/system is incompatible, certain websites are not visited, or other conditions are not met.
Getting Files has data tracking abilities, which endanger user privacy. Adware typically collects browsing-related information (e.g., visited sites, viewed pages, searched queries, etc.), usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Getting Files on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Getting Files |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Getting Files |
| Supposed Functionality | File 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 countless adware samples; Auto Play, Easy Files Downloading, and Strength are just a couple of our latest finds. Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and useful. However, it rarely works as promised, and in most cases - the advertised functionalities are utterly nonoperational.
How did Getting Files install on my computer?
We acquired Getting Files from its "official" download webpage. Additionally, adware is pushed through deceptive websites (online scams). Users typically access such sites via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive advertisements, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Getting Files, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the websites used to promote Getting 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 Getting Files?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Getting Files application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Getting Files ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Getting Files' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Getting Files extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Getting 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 "Getting Files", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Getting Files ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Getting Files adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Getting 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 "Getting Files" 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 getting 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Getting Files" 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 getting 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 getting 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 endangers device integrity and user privacy. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware-displayed advertisements promote harmful content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates most of its revenue through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Getting Files adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to scan devices and eliminate threats. It is capable of removing installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - file leftovers stay within the system. What is more, these remnants may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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