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How to get rid of the Get Icons adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Get Icons
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Get Icons?

Get Icons is a browser extension that supposedly allows users to download various icons. Our research team discovered this piece of software while inspecting deceptive download webpages. After analyzing Get Icons, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).

Get Icons adware asking for permissions

Get Icons adware overview

Once installed onto our test machine, the Get Icons browser extension began running intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., displaying ads).

It is noteworthy that adware may require certain specifications to be met in order to operate as designed. For example, this software will not deliver adverts unless the browser/system or user geolocation are compatible, particular websites are visited, etc. Regardless of whether Get Icons (or other adware) displays advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy.

Adware-delivered ads typically promote untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can infiltrate software into systems - upon being clicked. Furthermore, Get Icons has data tracking functionalities.

Advertising-supported software usually collects browsing data, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking information, and so on. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of Get Icons (or other adware) on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Get Icons
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Get Icons
Supposed Functionality Easy access to downloadable icons
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)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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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

Introduce StandardsBio DiversityBest Converter Online, and Meme Finder are just some examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software appears ordinary and offers "useful" features, which are rarely operational. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also endangers device/user safety.

How did Get Icons install on my computer?

We acquired Get Icons from its "official" promotional webpage that was pushed by a deceptive one. Users seldom access such sites intentionally. Most enter them via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive advertisements, adware (with browser force-opening capabilities), or mistyped URLs.

Advertising-supported software is also distributed using the bundling technique - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, the advertisements can make downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy channels. Additionally, when installing, we advise reading, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to appear harmless. For example, intrusive ads look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience such ads and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Get Icons, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of Get Icons adware's "official" promotional website:

Website promoting Get Icons adware

Screenshot of the deceptive website promoting Get Icons adware:

Website promoting Get Icons adware through deception

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:

Get Icons 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.

Get Icons adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Get Icons", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Get Icons ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Get Icons adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Get Icons  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 "Get Icons", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Get Icons ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by get icons, 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 Get Icons 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 "Get Icons".

Removing Get Icons ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish browsing quality and system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities that make it a threat to user privacy. Additionally, adware-displayed advertisements can endorse unreliable/malicious content, which may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, this software can enable the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open webpages and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Get Icons adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the software itself is removed - various remnants (files) stay hidden in the system. Furthermore, these components may continue running and causing issues. Hence, 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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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 Get Icons QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Get Icons on your mobile device.
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