How to remove Files Downloader Expert browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Files Downloader Expert?
Files Downloader Expert is an application that our team discovered on a suspicious website, though the app also has an official site. Upon testing the application, we discovered that it is a browser extension that displays intrusive advertisements. Due to this behavior, we have classified Files Downloader Expert as adware.
Files Downloader Expert in detail
While Files Downloader Expert is promoted as a browser extension that enables users to monitor and manage their downloads, we have discovered that it is actually an adware that displays intrusive advertisements when added to a web browser. These ads can lead to potentially harmful websites, which may extract sensitive information, promote rogue applications, and more.
It is therefore recommended that users do not trust ads shown by ad-supported apps like Files Downloader Expert. It is important to mention that clicking such ads may cause unexpected downloads and installations.
Additionally, Files Downloader Expert says it can read and change all data on all websites. It means that this app may be capable of accessing browsing history and other personal information. Also, it may be capable of viewing and modifying any information displayed on any website its users visit.
Name | Ads by Files Downloader Expert |
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), 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
Adware can also act as a browser hijacker by promoting shady search engines. Usually, browser hijackers change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to a questionable search engine. In many cases, users need to remove the browser hijacker to be able to eliminate the fake search engine from the browser's settings.
Examples of different advertising-supported apps are AdzEater, Global Ad Blocker, and Quick Pic Download.
How did adware install on my computer?
A web page promoting Files Downloader Expert instructs visitors to update their Chrome browser extension before continuing. Once users complete the provided steps, this application gets added to their web browser.
Also, adware is often distributed through software bundling, a technique where adware is included in the installation package of other (mostly free) software. When users install the intended software, adware gets installed as well.
This happens when users do not pay attention to the installation process and blindly click through without changing the installation settings. Usually, installers containing adware have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings, or ticked checkboxes. Adware can also be installed through notifications from untrustworthy pages or fake installers.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
When downloading applications, always ensure that they are from trustworthy sources, such as official websites and verified stores. It is also advisable to avoid downloading apps with little to no reviews, even if they are hosted on legitimate stores.
Be wary of links and ads on dubious websites, and never allow shady websites to show notifications. It is crucial to check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps before completing 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.
Shady website intructing to install Files Downloader Expert:
Official page:
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 Files Downloader Expert?
- 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 Files Downloader Expert 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 "Files Downloader Expert" and 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 files downloader expert, 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 files downloader expert 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 files downloader expert, 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, display annoying advertisements, track online behavior, expose users to security vulnerabilities, or cause other issues.
What does adware do?
Adware is a type of software that displays unwanted advertisements or pop-up windows on a user's computer. In addition to displaying ads, adware can also change a user's browser settings, such as their homepage or default search engine.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by displaying ads, often in the form of pop-ups or banners to the user. Typically, its developers generate revenue via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Files Downloader Expert adware?
Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning your computer and removing all adware-type applications that have been installed. However, it is important to note that manual removal may not always be sufficient, as certain file leftovers may still be present in the system, even after the adware software has been deleted.
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