How to remove Download Assist from your web browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Download Assist?
Based on our evaluation, it has been determined that the Download Assist application functions as an ad-supported browser extension. This conclusion was reached after observing the display of advertisements by Download Assist. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that Download Assist possesses the ability to access and read various data.
Download Assist in detail
Ads shown by Download Assist are primarily designed to generate revenue for the developers. These ads can manifest in different formats, including pop-ups, banners, and in-text advertisements. Additionally, they are often tailored to the user's browsing preferences and interests.
It is essential to be aware that while some advertisements may be legitimate and secure, others can be misleading, deceptive, or lead users to malicious websites or downloads. Ads displayed by Download Assist can open fraudulent websites that aim to deceive and defraud visitors, such as fake tech support scams or phishing sites.
Also, these ads can lead users to websites that host malware, pages with questionable content, unreliable downloads, low-quality products or services, etc. Thus, it is strongly recommended not to trust ads displayed by Download Assist and similar extensions.
Apart from the intrusive advertisements it displays, Download Assist has the capability to access and retrieve data from all websites. This can include personal information, browsing history, and other sensitive data that users interact with while browsing the Internet.
| Name | Ads by Download Assist |
| 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
Certain adware programs possess the ability to hijack web browsers, enabling them to seize control and modify their functionality. Browser hijacking typically involves altering the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page settings to an undesirable website, often a fake search engine.
Some other examples of apps that display ads are Browse Boost, Browser Cleaner Pro, and Play Audio.
How did adware install on my computer?
Adware can be unintentionally added to browsers or installed on computers through various channels. This often occurs when users download and install freeware or shareware that comes bundled with adware, click on malicious ads or links that initiate adware installations, or visit compromised websites that automatically download and install adware without user consent.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
In order to avoid adware and other potential threats, it is advisable to obtain and install software from trusted sources like official websites or reputable app stores. Exercise caution when interacting with advertisements, particularly those that seem suspicious or make unrealistic promises.
Pay attention to checkboxes, prompts, and disclosures during the installation process to ensure you are only installing the software you intend to use. Keep your operating system, web browsers, and security software up to date to ensure optimal protection against adware and other malware.
If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Website promoting Download Assist application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Download Assist?
- 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 "Download Assist" 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 download assist, 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 download assist 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 assist, 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 lead to an influx of intrusive and disruptive advertisements, slow down system performance, consume network bandwidth, compromise user privacy by collecting and sharing personal information, and even expose the user to potentially harmful or malicious websites and downloads.
What does adware do?
Adware is a type of software that displays unwanted advertisements to users. Adware can also track user behavior and gather personal information for targeted advertising purposes.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
The primary source of revenue for adware developers comes from promoting a wide range of products, websites, or services. The majority of their income is derived from affiliate programs, where they earn commissions for driving traffic or sales to the advertised entities.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Download Assist adware?
Combo Cleaner can conduct a comprehensive scan of your computer to detect and remove all adware-type applications. It is important to note that manual removal may not always be completely effective as residual files could be lingering in the system. Even if the adware software is uninstalled, certain components may still be present and active.
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