Removal instructions for "Download pro" adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is "Download pro"?
While investigating suspicious websites, we found the Download pro browser extension. It is promoted as a tool that aids with the management of download histories. However, our analysis of Download pro revealed that it operates as adware.
Download pro adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, etc.
The displayed adverts promote scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements are even capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products and services can be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers/creators. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, specific websites not visited, etc.). However, even if Download pro does not display advertisements – its presence on a system settings device and user safety.
Furthermore, this rogue browser extension has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, downloads, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like Download pro on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Download pro |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Download pro |
| Supposed Functionality | Download management 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). |
| 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
Price Tracking Pro, Communique, Zoco PDF Viewer, and Pdf download tool are just some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. However, it rarely operates as promised, and in most cases – it doesn't work at all. Note that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did Download pro install on my computer?
We acquired Download pro from a deceptive webpage. In addition, to various misleading/scam sites, adware can have "official" promotional pages. Users typically enter such websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Furthermore, installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to approach browsing with caution since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Download pro, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a website used to promote Download pro 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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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 Download pro?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue 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 applications, 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 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 "Download pro" 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 download pro, 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by download pro 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 download pro, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by download pro or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is also considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Download pro adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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