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Google Image Downloader Adware

Also Known As: Google Image Downloader ads
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Google Image Downloader?

Google Image Downloader is a deceptive application that supposedly allows users to download images from Google's image search feature. Judging on appearance alone, Google Image Downloader may seem legitimate and useful, however, this app is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware.

There are three main reasons for these negative associations: 1) stealth installation without consent; 2) tracking of Internet browsing activity, and; 3) display of intrusive advertisements.

Google Image Downloader adware

This potentially unwanted program records various user-system information relating to browsing activity. Collected data (IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) often includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people generate revenue by misusing private information.

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps such as Google Image Downloader might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Another important issue is information tracking. Research shows that Google Image Downloader continually delivers intrusive advertisements, such as banners, pop-ups, coupons, and so on.

These are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, they often conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, unwanted ads can lead to malicious websites and even execute scripts that download/install other PUPs (or even malware).

Therefore, even a single accidental click can result in high-risk computer infections. For these reasons, Google Image Downloader adware should be eliminated immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Google Image Downloader ads
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
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), fake flash player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

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There are dozens of adware-type applications similar to Google Image Downloader including Multitimer, System Table, and SearchAwesome. These are just some examples from many. These applications offer different functionality, and yet their behavior is identical - all delivers intrusive ads and gather sensitive information.

Potentially unwanted programs such as Google Image Downloader are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, these PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. Claims to enable useful functions are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install.

How did Google Image Downloader install on my computer?

Google Image Downloader is free for anyone to download on its official website, however, due to the careless behavior and lack of knowledge of many users, this PUP often infiltrates systems without permission. Developers proliferate Google Image Downloader using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" and intrusive advertisements.

"Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of PUPs together with regular software. Developers do not disclose these installations properly - "bundled" apps are concealed within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.

Furthermore, many users rush and skip these steps and click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of PUPs such as Google Image Downloader - users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Select "Custom/Advanced" settings and closely analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs. Opt-out of all third party applications and cancel offers to download/install them.

We also recommend that you never use third party downloaders/installers, since developers monetize them by promoting ("bundling") PUPs. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.

Note that developers invest a great deal of time and resources into intrusive ad design (making them seem legitimate), but most lead to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you encounter these redirects, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins.

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Quick menu:

Google Image Downloader 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.

Google Image Downloader adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Google Image Downloader", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes Google Image Downloader ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Google Image Downloader adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Google Image Downloader ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "Google Image Downloader", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing Google Image Downloader ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the google image downloader ads, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Google Image Downloader  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 "Google Image Downloader", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Google Image Downloader ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the google image downloader ads, 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 Google Image Downloader 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". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Google Image Downloader".

Removing Google Image Downloader ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

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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
Google Image Downloader ads QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Google Image Downloader ads on your mobile device.
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