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How to remove Simple Video Downloader adware-type browser extension

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

What kind of software is Simple Video Downloader?

Simple Video Downloader is an adware-type browser extension. It is promoted as a useful tool that finds video tags when a website offering video downloads is accessed. Instead, this extension operates as advertising-supported software – it runs intrusive advertisement campaigns.

Our research team discovered Simple Video Downloader in a rogue installation setup; note that such installers may contain additional unwanted/harmful software.

Simple Video Downloader adware extension

Simple Video Downloader adware overview

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. It displays ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements primarily endorse scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Keep in mind that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probably due to scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the promoted content's affiliate programs.

It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if Simple Video Downloader does not display advertisements – its presence endangers device/user safety.

What is more, Simple Video Downloader has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like Simple Video Downloader on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Simple Video Downloader
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Simple Video Downloader
Supposed Functionality Providing video tags on websites for downloading videos.
Detection Names (rogue installer) Avast (Win64:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.71483433), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/GenKryptik.GPXJ), Kaspersky (Trojan-Downloader.Win32.PrivateLoader.iv), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Phonzy.A!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
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.
▼ 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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed countless adware samples; BeachBall JumpOmni Ad StopperError Director, and Site Resolver are merely some of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely non-functional.

It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did Simple Video Downloader install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Users predominantly access such webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and dubious websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Simple Video Downloader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the permissions asked by Simple Video Downloader adware:

Simple Video Downloader asking for various permissions

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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Simple Video 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 simple video 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 simple video 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 simple video 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 simple video downloader or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It delivers ads that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays ads on various interfaces and may also be capable of generating redirects and collecting vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Simple Video Downloader adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system; these remnants may continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software 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 Simple Video Downloader QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Simple Video Downloader on your mobile device.
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