Removing the Picture Downloader adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Picture Downloader?
Our research team found the Picture Downloader browser extension during a routine investigation of deceptive sites. This piece of software is promoted as a tool that improves Internet image searches and download processes. However, our examination revealed that Picture Downloader operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
Picture Downloader adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users various advertisements. This third-party graphical content can be displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The ads endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products/services encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require certain conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether Picture Downloader displays advertisements – its presence remains a threat to device and user safety.
What is more, the Picture Downloader browser extension spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Picture Downloader on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Picture Downloader |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Picture Downloader |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy access and download tool for Internet images. |
| 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
We have investigated countless adware samples; Magnifying Glass Zoom, your-result, Picture in Picture - PiP View, Close your Tab – are merely a few of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software appears harmless and offers various useful functionalities. However, the features are usually fake and serve the purpose of bait to trick users into downloading/installing the software.
It must be stressed that even if a browser extension or an application operates as promised – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Picture Downloader install on my computer?
We obtained Picture Downloader from its "official" promotional webpage, and we found a deceptive site pushing this browser extension. Most users enter these pages through redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look ordinary/innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Picture Downloader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Picture Downloader adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshots of deceptive websites used to promote Picture Downloader adware:
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
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 Picture Downloader?
- 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 Picture Downloader adware using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Picture Downloader" 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 picture downloader, 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 picture downloader 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 picture downloader, 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 displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Its presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, this software is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Applications and browser extensions within this classification operate by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Picture Downloader adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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