How to remove Video Download Assist from your browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Video Download Assist?
The app's name, Video Download Assist, implies that it offers assistance in downloading videos. However, our testing revealed that the app displays intrusive advertisements, leading us to classify Video Download Assist as adware. In addition to showing ads, Video Download Assist can read and change certain data.
Video Download Assist in detail
Video Download Assist can display various types of ads to users, which can be intrusive and disruptive to their browsing experience. These ads may include pop-ups, banners, in-text ads, and even full-page ads that overlay the content of websites.
Users may encounter these ads while using the app itself or during web browsing sessions, as the adware might inject ads into web pages they visit. Clicking on these ads may redirect users to third-party websites that host unwanted software or even malicious content.
Also, ads displayed by Video Download Assist may lead users to scam websites that aim to deceive them into providing personal or financial information under false pretenses. These websites often imitate legitimate services or brands to trick users into believing they are providing information to a trusted source.
Additionally, Video Download Assist can read and change user data on all websites and manage downloads. The concerns raised by Video Download Assist's ability to read and change user data on all websites and manage downloads revolve around privacy, security, unauthorized actions, and the trustworthiness of the app.
| Name | Ads by Video 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
Adware can function as a browser hijacker. In such cases, it makes modifications to browser settings, including the default search engine, homepage, new tab page. Once the adware hijacks the browser, it can forcefully redirect users to specific websites (e.g., fake or dubious search engines). Thus, it is highly advisable not to trust apps like Video Download Assist.
More examples of advertising-supported extensions are Picture Downloader, Magnifying Glass Zoom, and your-result.
How did adware install on my computer?
Adware frequently accompanies legitimate software downloads, leading users to unintentionally install the adware alongside the desired program. This is particularly common when downloading free software, as the adware is often hidden within the installation process. Users who rush through the installation without paying attention may end up inadvertently installing the bundled adware.
In other cases, users can unintentionally install adware by interacting with deceptive ads and pop-ups on websites, deceptive software update prompts, and compromised websites where adware is automatically downloaded and installed without user interaction or consent.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
When installing software, carefully review each installation prompt and read the terms and conditions. Pay attention to any pre-selected checkboxes or optional offers and deselect/decline unwanted offers/apps. Obtain software only from reputable and official sources, such as the official website or trusted app stores.
Avoid clicking on ads or pop-ups that appear suspicious or offer unrealistic promises. Do not agree to receive notifications from suspicious websites. 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 Video Download Assist:
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 Video 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Video Download Assist" or 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 video 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 video 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 video 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 a compromised browsing experience by inundating users with intrusive and disruptive advertisements, which can slow down web page loading times and make it challenging to navigate websites. Additionally, it can compromise user privacy
What does adware do?
Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is designed to deliver intrusive advertisements to users. Also, it can hijack web browsers and collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers commonly earn revenue by participating in affiliate programs, where they promote different products, websites, or services. The majority of their income is generated through these affiliate partnerships.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Video Download Assist adware?
While manual removal may not provide a complete solution, as there could be hidden residual files remaining in the system, Combo Cleaner is capable of thoroughly scanning your computer and effectively eliminating all adware-type applications.
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