How to remove Simple Video Downloader adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Simple Video Downloader?
Simple Video Downloader is an adware-type browser extension. It is promoted as a useful tool that finds video tags when a website offering video downloads is accessed. Instead, this extension operates as advertising-supported software – it runs intrusive advertisement campaigns.
Our research team discovered Simple Video Downloader in a rogue installation setup; note that such installers may contain additional unwanted/harmful software.
Simple Video Downloader adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. It displays ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements primarily endorse scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probably due to scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the promoted content's affiliate programs.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if Simple Video Downloader does not display advertisements – its presence endangers device/user safety.
What is more, Simple Video Downloader has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Simple Video Downloader on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Simple Video Downloader |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Simple Video Downloader |
| Supposed Functionality | Providing video tags on websites for downloading videos. |
| Detection Names (rogue installer) | Avast (Win64:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.71483433), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/GenKryptik.GPXJ), Kaspersky (Trojan-Downloader.Win32.PrivateLoader.iv), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Phonzy.A!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| 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 analyzed countless adware samples; BeachBall Jump, Omni Ad Stopper, Error Director, and Site Resolver are merely some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely non-functional.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Simple Video Downloader install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Users predominantly access such webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and dubious websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/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 Simple Video Downloader, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the permissions asked by Simple Video Downloader 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 Simple Video 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 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 "Simple Video 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 simple video 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 simple video 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 simple video 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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It delivers ads that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays ads on various interfaces and may also be capable of generating redirects and collecting vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Simple Video Downloader adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system; these remnants may continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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