FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Remove WindowMode from the operating system

Also Known As: Ads by WindowMode
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is WindowMode?

WindowMode is endorsed as an application capable of enhancing the browsing experience (e.g. providing fast searches, accurate search results, and similar). In fact, it is classified as adware, since it displays unwanted advertisements. WindowMode is also classed as a potentially unwanted application (PUA), as most users install this app inadvertently (i.e., they are tricked).

Most adware-type applications also have data tracking capabilities, which they employ to record users' browsing activity, consequently collecting their personal information.

WindowMode adware

Adware displays a wide variety of intrusive advertisements. For example, pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc. These can significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they limit browsing performance and site visibility (the latter, by overlaying web page content).

As well as annoying, these ads present risks to your privacy and computer safety. Once clicked, they redirect to various sale-oriented, untrustworthy and even malicious websites. Some intrusive ads can also execute scripts designed to automatically download/install unwanted, malicious content.

Additionally, some PUAs can track data. By monitoring users' browsing habits (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.), they can collect personal information (IP addresses, geolocations, and personal details). The private data is then shared with third parties (often, cyber criminals) seeking to misuse it for financial gain.

Therefore, adware present on devices can cause various system infiltration/infections and lead to severe privacy issues (including identity theft). To ensure device/user safety, remove all suspicious applications and/or browser extensions immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by WindowMode
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Hula.D), Emsisoft (Adware.MAC.Hula.D (B)), 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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Most adware-type applications share common traits, and some are even be identical. FormalSearchAssistEngine, and WindowArea are just a few examples of apps similar to WindowMode. These apps are often promoted as having a broad array of "useful" features, however, they rarely work as advertised, if indeed they are operational at all.

The only purpose of this unwanted software/content is to generate revenue for the developers, whilst regular users receive no value. Adware is mainly designed to deliver intrusive ads campaigns, however, it can also be used to collect sensitive information.

How did WindowMode install on my computer?

Certain PUAs have "official" websites, on which they are often endorsed as "free" software. These unwanted apps also proliferate via the download/install set-ups of other programs. This false marketing technique of packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious content is termed "bundling".

This method is very popular amongst PUA developers and is frequently successful in proliferating these malicious products.

Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using pre-set options, etc.) endangers systems with potential infiltration and infection. Intrusive ads can also stealthily download/install PUAs, once they are clicked.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Research all files/software to verify its legitimacy before downloading/installing. Only official and verified sources should be used for downloading. Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (e.g. BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), free file-hosting and unofficial websites, third party downloaders and similar channels, are untrustworthy and should not be used. 

Untrusted sources are far more likely to offer software bundled with unwanted and/or malicious programs. You are strongly advised to treat download/installation processes with care. Read the terms to ensure that you are downloading/installing exactly what is intended and that the content behaves exactly as advertised.

Additionally, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of downloading/installing supplementary apps, tools, features, etc. Avoid dubious web pages and ads. Note that intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate and harmless, however, they often redirect to dubious websites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and similar).

If you encounter these ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WindowMode, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once WindowMode installation is complete:

pop-up that is designed to install WindowMode on Safari browser

WindowMode extension installed on Safari:

WindowMode Safari permissions

WindowMode installation folder:

WindowMode install folder

Instant automatic Mac 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 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 seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove WindowMode adware using Combo Cleaner:

WindowMode adware removal:

Remove WindowMode-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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 adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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 exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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 exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure 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 the 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 its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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 regular browser operation.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by WindowMode QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by WindowMode on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.