How to remove the Download Converter Free browser hijacker?

What is Download Converter Free?

Download Converter Free is a rogue browser extension endorsed as a tool for easy access to online file format conversion services, news and shopping sites. This piece of software is categorized as a browser hijacker.

Download Converter Free operates by modifying browsers in order to cause redirects to the downloadconverterfree.com fake search engine. Additionally, it likely spies on users' browsing habits. Since most users unintentionally download/install browser hijackers, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

Download Converter Free browser hijacker in detail

Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs. Download Converter Free modifies browsers in this fashion as well. Hence, with it installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to downloadconverterfree.com.

Fraudulent search engines typically cannot provide search results, so they tend to redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Yahoo, Google, Bing, and other genuine ones. Downloadconverterfree.com is not an exception to this; it has been observed redirecting to the Yahoo (search.yahoo.com) search engine.

Browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers. Alternatively, they can restrict or deny access to the browser settings. Therefore, recovering an affected browser is impossible without removing the software hijacking it.

What is more, browser hijackers usually have data tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, and so forth. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of data-tracking software on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	Download Converter Free
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	Download Converter Free
Supposed Functionality	Quick access to file format conversion services, shopping and news websites.
Promoted URL	downloadconverterfree.com
Serving IP Address (downloadconverterfree.com)	13.249.130.73
Affected Browser Settings	Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Symptoms	Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites.
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.

Browser hijackers in general

Direct-PDF, ProMusicSearch, PDFConverterSearchOnline, ClickSportSearches, and GameSearchOnline are some examples of browser hijackers. They appear legitimate and offer various "handy" features. However, the functionalities are seldom operational.

In fact, nearly all PUAs have nonfunctional features. The only aim of unwanted apps is to generate profit for the developers. PUAs are designed to hijack browsers, cause redirects, run intrusive advert campaigns (adware), and collect private data.

How did Download Converter Free install on my computer?

Select PUAs (e.g., Download Converter Free) have "official" promotional websites from which they can be downloaded and/or purchased. Intrusive advertisements are also used to proliferate these applications as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.

PUAs are distributed via downloaders/installers of other programs as well. This false marketing tactic of packing ordinary software with unwanted or malicious additions - is named "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is important to research software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Only official and verified download channels must be used. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and harmful content.

Download/Installation processes must be treated with caution; therefore, it is advised to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from additional apps, tools, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly dubious sites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, and so on).

In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with Download Converter Free, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Download Converter Free browser hijacker asking for permissions:

Website promoting Download Converter Free browser hijacker:

Appearance of downloadconverterfree.com redirecting to the Yahoo search engine (GIF):

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▼ 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:

• What is Download Converter Free?
• STEP 1. Uninstall Download Converter Free application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove Download Converter Free browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove downloadconverterfree.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove downloadconverterfree.com redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Download Converter Free browser hijacker 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 recently installed suspicious applications (for example, "Download Converter Free"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the downloadconverterfree.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Download Converter Free browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

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 "Download Converter Free" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.

Change your homepage:

Click the Chrome menu icon  (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Download Converter Free", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.downloadconverterfree.com) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select “Remove”.

Change your default search engine:

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon  (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "downloadconverterfree.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the downloadconverterfree.com redirect, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "Download Converter Free", as well as all other recently installed browser plug-ins.

Change your homepage:

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window disable "Download Converter Free", remove hxxp://downloadconverterfree.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the button.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with downloadconverterfree.com redirect 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 and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.

In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.

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 top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.

Change your homepage and new tab settings:

Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".

Change your default Internet search engine:

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the downloadconverterfree.com redirect, 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:

A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.

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