How to remove Duplicatefinder from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Duplicatefinder?
While analyzing the Duplicatefinder application, our team found that it displays annoying advertisements. Apps that bombard users with ads are classified as adware. We discovered Duplicatefinder while examining a download assistant downloaded from a shady website.
Duplicatefinder in detail
As its name suggests, Duplicatefinder is supposed to find duplicate files stored on computers. This program runs in the Task Manager as "duplicatefinder". While running, this advertising-supported application shows intrusive ads that may open untrustworthy advertisements.
Ads displayed by Duplicatefinder may open websites designed to trick visitors into calling fake technical support numbers, downloading (and installing) untrustworthy applications, providing sensitive information, paying for fake or unnecessary software, etc.
Duplicatefinder is distributed via a download assistant which may be used to distribute other unwanted software like browser hijackers or even malicious software like ransomware.
| Name | Ads by Duplicatefinder |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Detection Names (Duplicatefinder) | Avast (Win32:AdwareX-gen [Adw]), Cyren (W32/Kryptik.ILN.gen!Eldorado), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HLMN), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.FL.B!ml), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Installer) | Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), AVG (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/TrojanDropper.Agent.SLC), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.angxa), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.FL.B!ml), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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
Sometimes, advertising-supported apps not only show ads but also hijack web browsers. They change the settings of web browsers to promote fake (or untrustworthy) search engines. Typically, browser-hijacking apps change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page.
More examples of apps that show ads are OneBlock, LinkDownloader, and Streaming Downloader.
How did Duplicatefinder install on my computer?
Duplicatefinder installs via an executable file distributed via a shady download assistant. That download assistant is distributed via an untrustworthy website (a screenshot of that page is provided below).
It is also common for adware to be bundled with free software. Users install adware alongside other software when they finish installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings (without deselecting adware).
Fake installers, notifications from unreliable websites, and dubious advertisements are also used to promote or distribute adware.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download programs from trustworthy sources such as official websites and verified stores. Avoid downloading software (and files) from unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc. Do not trust advertisements on suspicious websites, and never agree to receive notifications from websites of this kind.
Examine downloaders and installers (check them for unwanted apps) before finishing downloads and installations. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
A deceptive website distributing Duplicatefinder:
A download assistant used to distribute Duplicatefinder:
Duplicatefinder running as "duplicatefinder" in the Task Manager:
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:
- What is Duplicatefinder?
- 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 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by duplicatefinder, 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 duplicatefinder 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 duplicatefinder, 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?
The most common issue with adware is that it shows intrusive advertisements, which diminishes the web browsing experience. Also, software of this type can slow down a computer and cause problems related to online privacy.
What does adware do?
The purpose of adware is to show various advertisements. Also, it can function as a browser hijacker. Sometimes, adware collects various data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is monetized mostly via affiliate programs. Its developers participate in affiliate programs to promote various websites, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Duplicatefinder adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and remove all adware-type applications. It is recommended to use specialized software for adware removal (remove it automatically instead of manually) to avoid leaving file leftovers in the system.
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