Removal instructions for the Turbo Download adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is Turbo Download?
Our researchers discovered the Turbo Download browser extension while investigating suspicious websites. According to its promotional material, this piece of software is advertised with the following functionalities: fast and secure downloads, all webpage image download in a single click, multi-selection tool, streamlined new browser tab gallery, etc.
After analyzing Turbo Download, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). This extension feeds users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements.
Turbo Download adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software displays ads on various interfaces. They mainly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Turbo Download displays ads – its presence remains a threat.
Additionally, Turbo Download spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like Turbo Download on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Turbo Download |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Turbo Download |
Supposed Functionality | Fast/secure downloads, multi-selection tool, all webpage image single-click download, etc. |
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
Skip Those Ads, Designer, Live Weather Report, and Pick Your Language are merely some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to look ordinary/harmless and offer various features. However, the functions are usually fake and nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Turbo Download install on my computer?
We acquired Turbo Download from its "official" promotional webpage. Aside from such sites, adware is also endorsed on scam pages.
Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Turbo Download, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the website used to promote Turbo Download 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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Quick menu:
- What is Turbo Download?
- 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Turbo Download" 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 turbo download, 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 turbo download 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 turbo download, 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 delivers ads that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing a wide variety of content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Turbo Download adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system, following the adware's manual removal. What is more, the components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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