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Removal instructions for Fast Downloader adware and the ads it delivers

Also Known As: Ads by Fast Downloader
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Fast Downloader?

Our research team discovered the Fast Downloader browser extension during a routine investigation of suspicious websites. This extension is promoted as a tool capable of aiding with content downloading from the Web. However, our analysis revealed that Fast Downloader is advertising-supported software (adware).

Fast Downloader adware asking for permissions

Fast Downloader adware overview

Adware is designed to display various advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products or services encountered through these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers abusing their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if Fast Downloader does not display advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.

Furthermore, Fast Downloader collects sensitive data. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, downloads, bookmarks, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like Fast Downloader on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Fast Downloader
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Fast Downloader
Supposed Functionality Tool to aid with downloads from the Internet
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).
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.
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Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; Ads BusterQuick Video Find, and Files Downloader Expert are just a couple of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers "handy" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.

How did Fast Downloader install on my computer?

We acquired Fast Downloader from a dubious website promoting it. Adware often has "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Users typically enter such webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Adware is also distributed by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts and perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, when installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

Should you experience such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Fast Downloader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the website used to promote Fast Downloader adware:

Website promoting Fast 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:

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.

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 applications, 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 potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing unwanted ads 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 "Fast Downloader" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fast downloader, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing unwanted ads 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

The presence of adware on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities. Adware also displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces, and it may also be capable of causing redirects and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Fast Downloader adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate threats. It is capable of removing installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the systems. Furthermore, the remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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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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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 Fast Downloader QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Fast Downloader on your mobile device.
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