How to eliminate the Fetchzilla adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Fetchzilla?
Fetchzilla is an adware-type browser extension that our researchers discovered while investigating suspicious websites. It is promoted as a tool that simplifies media (e.g., image) download off the Web. However, this extension runs intrusive advertisements instead. In other words, Fetchzilla feeds users with unwanted and deceptive ads.
Fetchzilla adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
This third-party graphical content primarily promotes online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is worth mentioning that while legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if the Fetchzilla browser extension does not display adverts – its presence remains a threat to device and user safety.
Furthermore, Fetchzilla gathers sensitive information. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like Fetchzilla on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Fetchzilla |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Fetchzilla |
| Supposed Functionality | Tool for simplifying media download from the Internet. |
| 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 examined thousands of adware samples; AdAssistant, Shop and Watch, Auto Download, and One Click Pic are just a few of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears genuine and offers a wide variety of "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a browser extension or an app operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Fetchzilla install on my computer?
We acquired Fetchzilla from a deceptive software-promoting webpage. We also discovered this extension's "official" download page.
Users primarily access such webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs as well. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Fetchzilla, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot Fetchzilla adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Fetchzilla 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 Fetchzilla?
- 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 Fetchzilla 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 "Fetchzilla" 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 fetchzilla, 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 fetchzilla 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 fetchzilla, 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 fetchzilla or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software also tends to collect private information – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Fetchzilla adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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