LightningDownloader

LightningDownloader is yet another dubious application that has been categorized as a potentially unwanted application by the malware researchers. This is mostly due to the suspicious functionality and questionable distributions methods of this application. Both instances will be discussed in this article. But first it is important to say that even though this program is advertised as a tool that should help you manage your daily download tasks and processes, you must know that, in reality, it is a rather questionable tool that does not hold that many beneficial features. This is one of the main reasons the removal of LightningDownloader is recommended. We advise you to use the removal guide provided below as it is easy to follow and will help you delete this potentially unwanted program without encountering any major problems.

The first major concern about LightningDownloader is that it functions in a dubious way to say the least. Once this application is installed it will provide a download manager that might at first seem like an excellent tool but it has been discovered that it comes with a hidden catch. The first thing that our team has noticed is that the functionality of this tool is not that great and that actually there are far superior tools that you can use to manage your download tasks and processes. Additionally it has been discovered that LightningDownloader is known to collect information about your browsing habits; it collects information such as your geographical location, your most visited websites, time spent on those sites, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and other relevant information. After the information is collected the vendors of this tool might sell it to various third-parties, which have not been reviewed by them. It is a rather alarming instance since you do not know where that information is going. These are the two main reasons we have dubbed this application as a potentially unwanted program and why we advise you to remove it.

Another feature why LightningDownloader is categorized as a potentially unwanted program is its dubious way of distributions. Even though, it is possible to download this questionable application from its official website it has been discovered that in some other cases it could be spread via bundled installers. This way of distribution is often used by other suspicions or even potentially malicious applications. Thus, if you have not installed LightningDownloader consciously make sure to check your PC for other suspicious programs because the chances are that some of them could be active on your operating system. To reduce the risk of getting your PC infected in this way, you should install a reliable malware detection and removal tool. Such a tool can provide overall system security at all times and can warn you about any suspicious installer.

The removal of LightningDownloader is rather simple since it is possible to delete it via Control Panel. Unfortunately, it has been discovered that a single mistake during the removal procedure could mean that the infection was not removed entirely. This is why your utmost attention is required. We also strongly advise you to conduct an in-depth analysis of your PC for potential leftover files and registry entries associated with LightningDownloader. This way you will be sure that every single bit of this suspicious program was removed.

How to remove this potentially unwanted program from your PC

Instructions for users of Windows Vista and Windows 7

1. Click the Windows button.
   
2. Select Control Panel and click Uninstall a program.
3. Select the unwanted application and click Uninstall.

Instructions for users of Windows XP

1. Click Start and select Control Panel.
2. Click Add or Remove Programs.
3. Right-click the unwanted program.
4. Click the Remove button.

Instructions for users of Windows 8

1. Move the mouse pointer to the lower-left corner of the screen.
2. Right-click and then select Control Panel.
3. Click Uninstall a program.
4. Double-click LightningDownloader.
5. Confirm that you want to uninstall it.