How to uninstall ExpandedTask adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove ExpandedTask adware from Mac?
What is ExpandedTask?
ExpandedTask is a piece of dubious software. It is categorized as adware, and it also has browser hijacker traits. This app operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and making alterations to browser settings - in order to promote fake search engines. Additionally, most adware-types and browser hijackers collect browsing-related information. Since users typically download/install ExpandedTask inadvertently, it is deemed to be a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
Adware enables the placement of third party graphical content - usually on any visited website. The delivered content consists of pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page, and other intrusive ads. They seriously diminish browsing quality by limiting webpage visibility and slowing down browsing speed. Furthermore, once clicked on, intrusive adverts redirect to untrustworthy/malicious sites and some can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, with such a piece of software installed: every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the address of the promoted illegitimate search engine. These web searchers are rarely able to provide search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate search engines. Browser hijackers can also reset any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser settings. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without eliminating the software affecting it.
Most PUAs have data tracking abilities. They can record browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and other details). The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, unwanted software can cause system infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues, and even result in identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by ExpandedTask |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| 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. |
CacheImprovment, MicroClick, ProcesserLog, OpticalPartition - are some examples of browser hijackers. They look legitimate and offer various "handy" functionalities. However, these features are seldom operational. This applies to practically all PUAs. The sole purpose of unwanted apps is to generate profit at user expense. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advert campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and gather vulnerable data.
How did ExpandedTask install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed through download/installation setups of other programs. This false marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive ads spread PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the advertisements can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. Select PUAs have "official" download sites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Since dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third party downloaders - often offer harmful and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate and harmless; however, they redirect to various questionable (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so forth). In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with ExpandedTask, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExpandedTask adware's installation is over:
ExpandedTask adware's installation folder:
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 ExpandedTask?
- STEP 1. Remove ExpandedTask related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExpandedTask ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExpandedTask adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExpandedTask ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExpandedTask adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExpandedTask adware removal:
Remove ExpandedTask-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 expandedtask 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 ExpandedTask removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by expandedtask 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 expandedtask 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 expandedtask 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!
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