Extension‑download.com

Extension‑download.com is a browser hijacker that alters browser settings without user consent. It causes constant redirects, displays intrusive pop-up ads, and can lead users to unsafe or deceptive websites. Though it may appear as a legitimate extension download page, its purpose is to manipulate browser behavior for ad revenue and data tracking.

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Threat Overview: Browser Hijacker (Adware)

Attribute	Details
Threat type	Browser hijacker (adware)
Associated domain	extension‑download.com
Detection names	Generic PUP/Hijacker (varies by AV engine)
Symptoms of infection	Frequent pop-ups, ads, changes to homepage/search engine, browser slowdowns
Damage	Exposure to potentially harmful websites, data collection without consent
Distribution methods	Software bundling, deceptive download links, malicious ads
Danger level	Medium – impacts privacy and browser usability
Removal tool	SpyHunter – Download here

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Threat Analysis

How Did You Get Infected?

Extension‑download.com often spreads through bundled software downloads. When users download free software from unofficial sites or click on misleading ads, the hijacker installs itself silently alongside the main application.

What Does It Do?

Once installed, the hijacker alters browser settings to redirect searches and homepages to unwanted pages. It continuously pushes ads, pop-ups, and sponsored links to generate revenue for its operators. In some cases, it may collect browsing data or monitor user behavior to serve targeted advertisements or resell user information to third parties.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. While it doesn’t encrypt files or demand ransom like ransomware, it seriously disrupts your browsing experience, compromises online privacy, and can serve as a gateway for more dangerous malware. Removing it immediately is essential for maintaining system integrity and safe browsing.

Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Look for recently installed or unknown software.
3. Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.

For Mac:

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
3. Drag them to the Trash.
4. Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.

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Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected

Google Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
3. Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
4. Change your search engine:
   Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.
3. After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
4. Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
2. Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
3. Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.

Safari (Mac Only):

1. Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
2. Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
3. Under General, set your homepage.
4. Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.

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Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File

On Windows:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
2. Go to:
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
4. Save changes and reboot.

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Identify and remove hijacker entries.
4. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.

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Option 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter

If you want a faster and safer solution — especially if the hijacker reinstalls after manual removal — use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Visit the official download page: Download SpyHunter

Need help with the installation? Follow this page: SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install and Launch the Program

1. Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
2. Open SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now.
2. Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
3. Once the scan completes, click Fix Threats to eliminate them.

Step 4: Reboot and Recheck Your Browser

After cleaning, restart your device. Open your browser and check if your homepage and search settings are restored. If not, perform a quick browser reset using the manual steps above.

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How to Prevent Future Infections

• Avoid downloading freeware from third-party sites.
• Use custom/advanced installation and deselect optional offers.
• Keep your browser and OS updated.
• Regularly scan your system with SpyHunter for proactive defense.
• Don’t click strange pop-ups or redirect links from unknown sources.

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Conclusion

Extension‑download.com is a persistent browser hijacker that causes continuous redirects and pop-up ads, often leading to deceptive or unsafe web pages. Though not destructive like a trojan or ransomware, it poses a significant privacy risk and degrades browsing quality. Removing it with a reliable malware removal tool like SpyHunter is highly recommended to restore normal browser performance.