Removal instructions for the Downloading Pro Media adware-type extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is Downloading Pro Media?
While inspecting dubious sites, our researchers discovered the Downloading Pro Media browser extension. It is promoted as a tool for downloading a wide variety of content and managing downloads. Our analysis revealed that Downloading Pro Media is advertising-supported software (adware).
Downloading Pro Media adware overview
Typically, advertising-supported software functions by displaying ads (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces like visited websites, desktops, or others.
These advertisements can promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
It is worth mentioning that any genuine products or services encountered via adware-delivered ads are most likely endorsed by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing their affiliate programs.
It must be mentioned that adware may require specific conditions to operate as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, even if Downloading Pro Media does not display adverts – its presence remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.
Additionally, advertising-supported software tends to have data-tracking functionalities, and this is true of Downloading Pro Media.
Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. Collected information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like Downloading Pro Media on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Ads by Downloading Pro Media |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Downloading Pro Media |
Supposed Functionality | Download tool |
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
Ultra Button, Advanced Ad Blocker, Volume booster - Increase Volume, movie-web remastered extension, and GuardFlare are just some of our latest articles on adware-type browser extensions.
Advertising-supported software often appears genuine and harmless. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of various useful and advantageous functionalities. Usually, these functions are fake and nonoperational. Yet even if a piece of software works as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Downloading Pro Media install on my computer?
Downloading Pro Media has an "official" promotional page. However, adware is spread using various methods. Scam sites that utilize lures (e.g., security threats, critical upgrades, missing plug-ins, etc.) are also used.
These webpages are primarily entered via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used in adware distribution. These pre-packed setups can be downloaded from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.).
The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is furthered by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Downloading Pro Media, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the permissions asked by Downloading Pro Media adware:
Screenshots of Downloading Pro Media adware's "official" promotional website:
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 Downloading Pro Media?
- 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 "Downloading Pro Media" 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 downloading pro media, 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 downloading pro media 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 downloading pro media, 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 safety. This software displays ads promoting content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware also typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is deemed to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content on various interfaces. However, some types can also generate redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by promoting content like websites, software, products, services, etc. Most of the revenue is made via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Downloading Pro Media adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be ideal. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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