Uninstall PowerLift, MacPerformance, and other adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove PowerLift from Mac?
What is PowerLift?
PowerLift is the name of an application classified as adware. When installed, adware-type apps feed users with unwanted, often deceptive advertisements. In some cases, they collect information relating to users' browsing habits. Generally, people download and install adware unintentionally. Therefore, these apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). PowerLift installs another adware-type app called MacPerformance. This app displays pop-ups with offers for users to update their software. It is very likely that these pop-ups will distribute other PUAs.
When installed, programs such as PowerLift display deceptive ads. If clicked, these redirect users to untrustworthy websites or run scripts that download (or even install) other unwanted apps. Typically, adware feeds users with coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and other ads. Furthermore, PUAs might also record information such as users' IP addresses, addresses of opened pages, entered search queries, geolocations, etc. Developers send the information to other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. PowerLift installs another similar app called MacPerformance, which asks users for permission to control their browser. I.e., access and control of Google Chrome (or other browsers). if allowed, MacPerformance can then gain access to documents and data within the browser and perform actions within the app. You are strongly advised to uninstall MacPerformance, PowerLift, and other PUAs from your browser or computer immediately.
| Name | Ads by PowerLift |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-AT [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.12326), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.AN), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.s), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More examples of apps similar to PowerLift are DisplayUpdate, OpticDaemon, and LightAgent. All display deceptive advertisements and install additional adware (MacPerformance). Having apps of this type installed can lead to issues with privacy, browsing safety, unwanted downloads, installations, and other problems. To avoid this situation, uninstall all adware and other PUAs immediately.
How did PowerLift install on my computer?
Generally, people download/install adware or other PUAs through intrusive, deceptive ads or the set-ups of other software. When clicked, some ads run scripts that download or even install various unwanted apps. In other cases, PUAs are downloaded or installed when people download/install other software - developers include PUAs in the set-ups of other programs and hide this information in "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar settings. Many people leave these settings unchanged, thus allowing PUAs to be downloaded and installed with other regular software.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Download programs from official web pages and using direct download links. Do not download via third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, unofficial, untrustworthy websites, and so on. Never use third party installers. Download and install software properly. Check each "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar setting available in the setup and opt-out of offers to download or install additional, unwanted software. Intrusive ads should not be clicked or trusted, especially if they are displayed on dubious pages. For example, those relating to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on. If clicked, these ads redirect users to untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites or cause unwanted downloads/installations. If there are any unwanted, suspicious extension, add-ons or plug-ins installed on the browser, remove them. The same applies to programs of this kind installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PowerLift, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
PowerLift adware process in Activity Monitor:
Screenshot of a pop-up displayed by PowerLift:
Screenshot of MacPerformance asking for permission to control browser:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
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. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is PowerLift?
- STEP 1. Remove PowerLift related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PowerLift ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PowerLift adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PowerLift ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
PowerLift adware removal:
Remove PowerLift-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove ads by powerlift related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Ads by PowerLift removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by powerlift related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by powerlift related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by powerlift related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!