How to remove Top Files Downloader adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Top Files Downloader?
We discovered a browser extension called Top Files Downloader on a shady website claiming that it might be required to add this app to a browser. After adding and testing the app, we learned that it displayed unwanted/annoying advertisements. Thus, we classified Top Files Downloader as adware.
Top Files Downloader in detail
Top Files Downloader is described as the app that keeps track of downloads and allows to manage or create new downloads. We found that it bombards users with intrusive pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other advertisements. Those ads can open shady websites asking to provide personal information, encouraging to download untrustworthy apps and other dubious sites.
Also, ads shown by Top Files Downloader may be capable of causing unwanted downloads and installations. Thus, it is highly advisable not to trust Top Files Downloader/have this app added to a browser. Another reason not to trust this app is that it can read browsing history that could be misused for marketing and other purposes.
| Name | Ads by Top Files Downloader |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More about adware-type apps
In some cases, apps like Top Files Downloader can hijack web browsers. They change the settings of browsers to promote fake search engines. A big part of the software of this type is promoted as legitimate and useful. However, it rarely provides any useful features. More adware examples are img book, Safe-Eyes, and Dark Screen.
How did adware install on my computer?
It is known that Top Files Downloader can be downloaded from a deceptive website and also has an "official" page. In other cases, apps of this type get installed via third-party downloaders, fake installers, shady advertisements, and software bundles.
Installers of bundled apps have "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual", or similar settings. Users agree to install all included apps by leaving those settings unchanged (by completing installations without deselecting unwanted apps).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications and files from trustworthy/official pages and legitimate stores, and use direct links. Do not trust apps available on unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources. Always check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps and deselect them before downloading or installing programs.
Also, do not trust advertisements on torrent sites, adult dating pages, and other pages of this kind. Never agree to receive notifications from suspicious pages. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshot of a deceptive website instructing to download and add Top Files Downloader adware:
Screenshot of the "official" Top Files Downloader website:
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 Top Files Downloader?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
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 any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove 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 "Top Files Downloader" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by top 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 plug-ins 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by top 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 top 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:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
It can affect the performance of a computer (make a computer work slower), show ads that conceal the contents of visited websites, change the settings of a web browser, and even invade privacy.
What does adware do?
Typically, it shows unwanted advertisements. Additionally, adware can be designed to gather information about users and promote fake search engines (force users to browse the Internet with those search engines).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, adware developers participate in affiliate programs. They generate revenue by promoting various products, services, websites, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Top Files Downloader adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer for adware and other unwanted software and eliminate them. It is recommended to use Combo Cleaner for removal since various file leftovers may remain hiding in the system after manual removal.
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