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How to uninstall WindowGroup adware

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

What is WindowGroup?

WindowGroup is advertised as a tool that provides accurate search results, fast searches, and other features that supposedly enhance the browsing experience.

In fact, it also serves unwanted, intrusive advertisements. Therefore, WindowGroup is classified as adware and a potentially unwanted application (PUA). Note that these apps record details relating to browsing activities. Most people download and install adware (and other PUAs) unintentionally/inadvertently.

WindowGroup adware

Adware-type applications feed users with intrusive ads that are usually displayed in the form of coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, and so on. When displayed, these ads conceal content of visited websites and, if clicked, redirect people to untrustworthy websites or they download/install unwanted applications.

Furthermore, PUAs often gather information such as users' geolocations, IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites, and so on. Some PUAs might also record sensitive details. Typically, adware developers sell the information to other parties (potentially cyber criminals) who misuse private data to generate revenue.

Thus, having adware or other PUAs installed can lead to problems relating to browsing safety, privacy, and so on. Furthermore, recorded details might be misused to steal users' identities. We strongly recommend that you uninstall adware and all other unwanted software as soon as possible.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by WindowGroup
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names Full list of detections (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.

WindowGroup is virtually identical to other adware-type apps including, for example, OnlyApplication, ExtraWindow, and WindowMode. Typically, these apps are designed to feed users with unwanted ads, however, they might also perform information tracking.

In any case, these PUAs deliver no real value and cause only problems. Therefore, never download or install them.

How did WindowGroup install on my computer?

Most people download and install apps of this type unintentionally. Typically, they cause this by clicking various (deceptive) ads or when developers include them into the download/installation set-ups - they hide related information in settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", etc.

Unwanted downloads and installations take place when people download or install regular programs without checking settings that are included in the setup. This adware distribution method is called "bundling" and developers use it to trick people into downloading and installing unwanted apps with regular software/apps.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Do not use untrustworthy websites, third party software downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule or other similar download or installation tools/sources. The safest method to download files and programs is to use official websites and direct links.

Check settings such as "Custom", "Advanced" and sections included in set-ups, and dismiss any offers to download or install additional software. Avoid clicking intrusive ads, especially if displayed on dubious, unofficial websites. These often redirect people to other malicious sites.

If unwanted redirects happen often or unwanted ads appear on each visited website, remove all unwanted or unknown add-ons, plug-ins, and extensions that are installed the web browser immediately. Also remove programs of this type installed on the operating system.

If your computer is already infected with WindowGroup, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once WindowGroup installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once WindowGroup installation is done

WindowGroup installation folder:

windowgroup adware installation folder contents

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 WindowGroup adware using Combo Cleaner:

WindowGroup adware removal:

Remove WindowGroup-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.

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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.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
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 WindowGroup QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by WindowGroup on your mobile device.
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