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How to remove LinkDownloader from a browser

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

What kind of application is LinkDownloader?

While inspecting the LinkDownloader application, we discovered that it is a browser extension that functions as adware. While added to a web browser, LinkDownloader shows annoying advertisements. Most users install/add adware unintentionally. We discovered multiple deceptive pages promoting LinkDownloader.

LinkDownloader adware

LinkDownloader in detail

LinkDownloader is promoted as an application that finds links on websites and groups them by extension. However, its description does not mention that it shows advertisements. Advertisements displayed by advertising-supported apps can open questionable pages and cause unexpected downloads and (or) installations (if designed to run certain scripts).

Clicking ads shown by apps like LinkDownloader can lead to websites designed to trick visitors into providing personal information, calling fake technical support numbers, downloading shady applications, etc. Thus, it is recommended to avoid adding adware (including LinkDownloader) to web browsers or installing it on a computer.

In addition to displaying ads, LinkDownloader can read and change data on visited websites. Data obtained by such apps may be misused for marketing purposes, sold to third parties, or monetized in other ways. It may cause issues related to online privacy and other problems.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by LinkDownloader
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.
▼ 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.

More about adware

It is common for advertising-supported apps not only to show ads but also to hijack web browsers. Most browser-hijacking apps promote shady (or fake) search engines. Shady search engines can generate misleading results and include untrustworthy ads in their results. It is advisable to use only legitimate search engines (e.g., Google, Yahoo, or Bing).

Examples of apps categorized as adware are Streaming Downloader, Ads Tracker, and Audio Finder.

How did adware install on my computer?

We discovered LinkDownloader on shady web pages saying that a free extension might be required and (or) a download is ready. This app was added to a web browser after following the steps/instructions on those pages. We also found that LinkDownloader has its official website where it can be downloaded.

It is also common for adware and other shady apps to be included in installers as optional installations. Users install adware alongside other software when they finish installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings available in installers.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download applications from official websites and verified stores. Read reviews before downloading apps. Avoid downloads from suspicious pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, free file hosting sites, etc. Check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps before finishing downloads and installations.

Do not trust apps and pages promoted via notifications from shady websites. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Screenshots of websites promoting LinkDownloader:

LinkDownloader adware deceptive promoter LinkDownloader adware deceptive promoter 2 LinkDownloader adware deceptive promoter 3 LinkDownloader adware official page

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:

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.

LinkDownloader adware uninstall via Control Panel

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 LinkDownloader adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing LinkDownloader adware 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 "LinkDownloader" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing LinkDownloader adware from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by linkdownloader, 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 plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing LinkDownloader adware from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removing LinkDownloader adware from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by linkdownloader 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 linkdownloader, 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 linkdownloader or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience (by bombarding users with intrusive advertisements) and cause issues related to online privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware displays various advertisements. Also, it can promote fake search engines and gather information (e.g., browsing related data).

How do adware developers generate revenue?

One of the most popular ways to monetize adware is to participate in affiliate programs. Affiliates use adware to promote websites, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove LinkDownloader adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware without leaving any of its data in the operating system. It is worth mentioning that it can be difficult to remove adware manually - data belonging to adware may remain even after the removal. Thus, we recommend using specialized apps when willing to remove adware and other unwanted software.

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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.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
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 LinkDownloader QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by LinkDownloader on your mobile device.
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Platform: Windows

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