How to remove LinkDownloader from a browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is LinkDownloader?
While inspecting the LinkDownloader application, we discovered that it is a browser extension that functions as adware. While added to a web browser, LinkDownloader shows annoying advertisements. Most users install/add adware unintentionally. We discovered multiple deceptive pages promoting LinkDownloader.
LinkDownloader in detail
LinkDownloader is promoted as an application that finds links on websites and groups them by extension. However, its description does not mention that it shows advertisements. Advertisements displayed by advertising-supported apps can open questionable pages and cause unexpected downloads and (or) installations (if designed to run certain scripts).
Clicking ads shown by apps like LinkDownloader can lead to websites designed to trick visitors into providing personal information, calling fake technical support numbers, downloading shady applications, etc. Thus, it is recommended to avoid adding adware (including LinkDownloader) to web browsers or installing it on a computer.
In addition to displaying ads, LinkDownloader can read and change data on visited websites. Data obtained by such apps may be misused for marketing purposes, sold to third parties, or monetized in other ways. It may cause issues related to online privacy and other problems.
| Name | Ads by LinkDownloader |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More about adware
It is common for advertising-supported apps not only to show ads but also to hijack web browsers. Most browser-hijacking apps promote shady (or fake) search engines. Shady search engines can generate misleading results and include untrustworthy ads in their results. It is advisable to use only legitimate search engines (e.g., Google, Yahoo, or Bing).
Examples of apps categorized as adware are Streaming Downloader, Ads Tracker, and Audio Finder.
How did adware install on my computer?
We discovered LinkDownloader on shady web pages saying that a free extension might be required and (or) a download is ready. This app was added to a web browser after following the steps/instructions on those pages. We also found that LinkDownloader has its official website where it can be downloaded.
It is also common for adware and other shady apps to be included in installers as optional installations. Users install adware alongside other software when they finish installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings available in installers.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from official websites and verified stores. Read reviews before downloading apps. Avoid downloads from suspicious pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, free file hosting sites, etc. Check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps before finishing downloads and installations.
Do not trust apps and pages promoted via notifications from shady websites. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshots of websites promoting LinkDownloader:
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 LinkDownloader?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
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 any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove LinkDownloader 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 "LinkDownloader" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by linkdownloader, 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 plug-ins 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by linkdownloader 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 linkdownloader, 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 slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience (by bombarding users with intrusive advertisements) and cause issues related to online privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware displays various advertisements. Also, it can promote fake search engines and gather information (e.g., browsing related data).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
One of the most popular ways to monetize adware is to participate in affiliate programs. Affiliates use adware to promote websites, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LinkDownloader adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware without leaving any of its data in the operating system. It is worth mentioning that it can be difficult to remove adware manually - data belonging to adware may remain even after the removal. Thus, we recommend using specialized apps when willing to remove adware and other unwanted software.
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