How to get rid of the Images downloader adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Images downloader?
While inspecting questionable software-promoting websites, our research team discovered Images downloader. This rogue browser extension promises to improve and simplify image downloading. However, our analysis revealed that Images downloader operates as adware instead.
Images downloader adware overview
It is pertinent to mention that adware might not display advertisements as designed, if certain conditions are unsuitable such as browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether Images downloader delivers ads - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts endorse untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements can perform stealthy downloads/installations when clicked.
Note that any genuine products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. These endorsements are most likely undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Images downloader has data tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like Images downloader on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Images downloader |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Images downloader |
| Supposed Functionality | Image download 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
OpenSubtitles Uploader, Power Colors, and LightSurf are merely a couple examples of the adware that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software rarely looks suspect, it tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation and/or purchase with promises of various features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Images downloader install on my computer?
We acquired Images downloader from its "official" promotional webpage, and we found that this browser extension is pushed through a deceptive page. Advertising-supported software is commonly spread through such sites, and most users enter them via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy 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 system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, tools, features, etc.
We advise exercising caution when browsing - as illegitimate and malicious material typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such adverts and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Images downloader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Images downloader adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of the deceptive website used to promote Images downloader 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 Images downloader?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Images downloader application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Images downloader ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Images downloader' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Images downloader extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Images downloader 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 "Images downloader", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Images downloader ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Images downloader adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
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 "Images downloader" 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 images downloader, 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 "Images downloader" 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 images downloader 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 images downloader, 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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Since this software typically has data tracking abilities, it is also considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of various ads on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the revenue is made through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Images downloader adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - file leftovers stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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