How to remove the File Download Manager adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is File Download Manager?
File Download Manager - as its name implies - is a rogue browser extension that claims to operate as a download management tool. Our research team discovered this extension while inspecting dubious software-promoting webpages. After analyzing File Download Manager, we determined that it is adware.
File Download Manager adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of various advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. These ads endorse unreliable/dangerous sites and software, online scams, and malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine products encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that adware might not operate as intended (i.e., not display advertisements) if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, particular websites are not visited, etc. However, whether File Download Manager runs intrusive ad campaigns is irrelevant - since its presence endangers device/user system regardless.
Furthermore, File Download Manager has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically targets browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like File Download Manager on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by File Download Manager |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | File Download Manager |
| Supposed Functionality | Download management tool |
| 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. |
Adware examples
Reduce-Light, Movieholic, and Nino Colors are merely some examples of our latest adware finds. This software usually looks ordinary and harmless. Users are lured with promises of various "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did File Download Manager install on my computer?
We obtained File Download Manager from its "official" promotional site. However, adware is also endorsed on scam pages. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled domains (URLs), spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware as well. Download from dubious channels (e.g., third-party and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - as illegitimate and malicious content usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate and harmless - however, they redirect to untrustworthy and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with File Download Manager, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the websites used to promote File Download Manager 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is File Download Manager?
- STEP 1. Uninstall File Download Manager application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove File Download Manager ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by File Download Manager' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove File Download Manager extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
File Download Manager adware 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 "File Download Manager", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes File Download Manager ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove File Download Manager adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove File Download Manager adware using Combo Cleaner:
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 "File Download Manager" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by file download manager, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "File Download Manager" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by file download manager 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, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
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 upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by file download manager, 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:
Commonly, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It delivers ads that promote deceptive/malicious materials, which can cause serious problems (e.g. system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs in the form of commissions earned for promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove File Download Manager adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It must be noted that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various components (files) remain within the system. These remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, thoroughness is essential for adware removal.
Outstanding!
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