How to eliminate the Video Downloader adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Video Downloader?
Video Downloader is a rogue browser extension that promises to allow users to download videos off of popular platforms. Our researchers discovered this piece of software while inspecting dubious download webpages. After analyzing the Video Downloader extension, we determined that it is adware.
Video Downloader adware overview
Adware enables the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. The delivered adverts endorse untrustworthy/harmful webpages and software, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive ads can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered through these advertisements are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is done by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns, such as compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. Regardless of whether Video Downloader displays adverts - its presence endangers device and user safety nonetheless.
The Video Downloader extension spies on users' browsing activity. Adware typically collects browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like Video Downloader on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Video Downloader |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Video Downloader |
| Supposed Functionality | Tool to download videos from popular platforms |
| 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
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; View-Dark, Playless Videos, and GetItDark are just a couple of our latest finds.
Advertisig-supported software rarely appears suspicious, it tends to look legitimate and harmless. Users are lured with promises of various "handy" functionalities, which seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - are utterly nonoperational.
How did Video Downloader install on my computer?
We obtained Video Downloader from its "official" promotional site. Additionally, adware is pushed through online scams. These deceptive websites are most commonly accessed via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements are employed in advertising-supported software distribution as well. Once clicking on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
"Bundling" - packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look legitimate - they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience ads and/or redirects of this type, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Video Downloader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Video Downloader adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshots of deceptive websites used to promote Video Downloader adware:
Screenshot of another adware-type application with the same name:
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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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 Video Downloader?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Video Downloader application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Video Downloader ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Video Downloader' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Video Downloader extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Video 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 "Video Downloader", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Video Downloader ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Video Downloader adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Video Downloader 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 "Video 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 video 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 "Video 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 video 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 video 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. It usually has data tracking abilities, which make this software a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-displayed ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to feed advertisements to users; the software achieves this by displaying them on various interfaces. What is more, some adware-types can force-open sites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs in the form of commissions earned for promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Video Downloader adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the systems. Furthermore, the remaining content may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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