How to remove Videos adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Videos?
While examining the Videos application, we found that it belongs to the ChromeLoader malware family. It is an advertising-supported application that shows unwanted ads. We discovered the Videos app after downloading a VHD file from a deceptive page. It is important to mention that ChromeLoader apps usually come with other potentially malicious apps.
Videos in detail
We noticed that the Videos app runs in the Task Manager as "nwjs". While active, it shows unwanted advertisements that can open various scam websites (e.g., phishing websites designed to extract sensitive information, technical support scam pages, etc.), and other shady pages.
Also, ads displayed by the Videos app can promote potentially malicious software. Those ads can open websites offering to download shady software or cause unexpected downloads and installations.
As we mentioned in the introduction, Videos is part of the ChromeLoader family. Videos may be distributed together with other unwanted and malicious software (e.g., browser hijackers, ransomware, information-stealers, spyware).
Also, Videos may be capable of collecting browsing-related and (or) sensitive information. It may be gathering browsing data, passwords, credit card details, personally identifiable information, and (or) other details. Crooks behind Videos may misuse obtained information to steal identities, money, online accounts, etc.
Name | Ads by Videos |
Threat Type | Adware |
Detection Names (Your File Is Ready To Download.vhd) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Detection Names (Application) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive ads ansd websites, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads, social media platforms. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information, diminished web browsing experience. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Examples of ChromeLoader apps
FLB Music, Mobile, Markets, and Cash are examples of other apps from the ChromeLoader family. These apps are promoted via deceptive websites, illegal movie streaming pages, torrent sites, cracked software distribution pages, malicious ads, comments on social media platforms, etc.
How did Videos install on my computer?
Videos application is distributed via website designed to download the "Your File Is Ready To Download.vhd" file. Videos gets installed via installer that is included in the "Your File Is Ready To Download.vhd" file.
Adware is also distributed via fake installers mimicking installers for legitimate software, shady advertisements, software bundles, installers for pirated/cracked software, etc. In all cases, users download and install adware inadvertently.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software from official websites and stores. Avoid using other sources to download it. Do not click suspicious advertisements (especially when such ads are displayed on shady websites). Always check downloaders and installers for additional apps and deselect the unwanted ones before finishing downloads and installations.
Do not click suspicious links or notifications from untrustworthy websites. Keep the operating system and installed programs updated, and antivirus software (real-time protection) enabled. Scan the operating system for threats regularly.
If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Deceptive website distributing Videos adware:
The "Your File Is Ready To Download.vhd" file and its contents:
Videos running in the Task Manager as "nwjs":
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 Videos?
- 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by videos, 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 videos 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 videos, 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?
Typically, adware causes problems such as diminished web browsing experience and slower computer performance. However, it can cause other issues too.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported apps show unwanted advertisements. Also, they can hijack web browsers and track users.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, adware is monetized via affiliate programs. Its developers earn money by promoting pages, services, products, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Videos adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware and other unwanted software (including malware). It is important to mention that some advertising-supported apps can be persistent - it can be difficult to remove them manually. Thus, it is recommended to remove them automatically.
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