Uninstall ProdigySearch from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ProdigySearch?
ProdigySearch is advertised as an application that helps users to search more and efficiently, however, it is classified as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) and adware. Typically, people do not download or install apps of this type intentionally. If installed, they feed users with various advertisements and collect information relating to browsing activity.
For these reasons, we advise that you uninstall ProdigySearch and other adware from browsers and operating systems immediately.
Typically, adware displays ads on most web pages visited. Some examples of ads that adware-type apps deliver are coupons, pop-ups, surveys, and banners. When clicked, these open dubious pages in new browser windows or tabs, or execute scripts that download and install PUAs.
Note that any downloaded/installed apps could be malicious. The same applies to websites opened through clicked ads displayed by adware. Research shows that ProdigySearch can read sensitive information from websites, including passwords, telephone numbers, credit card details, and so on.
Furthermore, apps of this type usually gather browsing-related information such as IP addresses, URLs of visited websites, geolocations, entered search queries, etc. It is likely that ProdigySearch developers will misuse the data to generate revenue and/or share it with third parties (potentially cyber criminals) who will also misuse it.
In any case, having these apps installed can lead to financial loss, problems with browsing safety, privacy, or even identity theft. Therefore, uninstall ProdigySearch immediately.
| Name | Ads by ProdigySearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Detection Names | 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. |
ProdigySearch shares similarities with other apps that are classified as adware including, for example, ExtraList, OutputData, and MetroPremium.
Generally, people behind adware (the developers) promote it as useful, legitimate software, which supposedly provide various features, however, these apps are generally useless and designed only to help developers to generate revenue by serving ads and collecting information.
How did ProdigySearch install on my computer?
Unwanted apps (including adware) are commonly available for download on their websites, however, most people download and install them unintentionally. Typically, PUAs are downloaded and/or installed via intrusive advertisements or together with other software (usually freeware).
To trick people into unwanted downloads/installations, developers employ a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Information about the inclusion of PUAs in set-ups is hidden in settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", etc.
This method is usually effective against people who download and install software without checking settings that are available in set-ups, and leave them unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Software should be downloaded using reputable, official websites and direct download links. Avoid using torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party installers, downloaders, unofficial websites, or other sources or tools to download/install software.
Check settings such as "Advanced" and "Custom" that are included in any download or installation setup, and opt-out of offers to install/download unwanted programs. Do not click intrusive ads, especially if they are displayed on dubious websites. These often redirect people to untrustworthy websites or cause unwanted downloads/installations.
Unwanted redirects and ads are often caused by unwanted apps. If unwanted, suspicious and/or unknown extensions, plug-ins or add-ons are installed on the browser, or programs of this type on the computer, remove them immediately.
If your computer is already infected with ProdigySearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProdigySearch installation is complete:
ProdigySearch adware installed on Safari:
ProdigySearch installation folder and associated files:
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:
- What is ProdigySearch?
- STEP 1. Remove ProdigySearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProdigySearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProdigySearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProdigySearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProdigySearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProdigySearch adware removal:
Remove ProdigySearch-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 adware-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 exact 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 exact 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 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.
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.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the 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 regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Outstanding!
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