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How to remove the EssentialDesktop adware from your operating system?

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

What is EssentialDesktop?

EssentialDesktop is an adware-type application with browser hijacker qualities. This software operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., delivering various ads) and promoting fake search engines through modification of browser settings.

Furthermore, apps of this kind usually have data tracking abilities, which are employed to spy on users' browsing activity. Due to the questionable techniques used to distribute EssentialDesktop, it is also categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).

This piece of software has been noted being promoted through fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is worth mentioning that illegitimate updaters/installers may proliferate trojans, ransomware, and other malware.

EssentialDesktop adware detections on VirusTotal

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on any visited website and/or other interfaces. The intrusive advertisements delivered - severely diminish the browsing quality by overlaying webpage content and slowing down the browsing speed.

Additionally, these ads pose a threat to device and user safety. Upon being clicked, intrusive adverts redirect to untrustworthy/malicious websites, and some can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) without user permission.

Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. Hence, every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.

Illegitimate search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers.

Alternatively, they can restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.

What is more, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Targeted information includes (but is not limited to): visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, IP addresses, geolocations, and personally identifiable details.

The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices - can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

To protect device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by EssentialDesktop
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (.system) Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), Fortinet (Adware/Cimpli!OSX), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal)
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.
▼ 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.

QuicklookPIConfigProgressSearchForWords, and PublicConsoleSearch are some examples of adware-type apps. They appear ordinary and offer "useful" functionalities.

However, the promised functions are seldom operational. In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs. The only goal of unwanted software 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 information.

How did EssentialDesktop install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed via downloaded/installation setups of other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is named "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.) - users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices.

PUAs can also have "official" download webpages.Once clicked on, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to download/install these applications stealthily.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources.

Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer dangerous and bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features, etc.

Intrusive adverts appear legitimate and harmless; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so forth). Should users experience ads and/or redirects of this type, they must inspect their devices and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected.

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

Pop-up window displayed when EssentialDesktop adware is present on the system:

Pop-up displayed when EssentialDesktop adware is installed

Text presented in this pop-up:

"EssentialDesktopd" will damage your computer.

 

This file was downloaded on an unknown date.

 

OK
Show in Finder

Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting EssentialDesktop adware;

First installation step:

Delusive installer used to promote EssentialDesktop adware (step 1)

Second installation step:

Delusive installer used to promote EssentialDesktop adware (step 2)

Files related to the EssentialDesktop adware that need to be removed:

  • ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.EssentialDesktop.service.app
  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.EssentialDesktop.service.plist
  • /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.EssentialDesktop.system
  • /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.EssentialDesktop.system.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like EssentialDesktop alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.

The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.

Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the system settings

Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the network settings

Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".

Changing proxy settings - select the connected network and click Advanced...

Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".

Changing proxy settings - untick all the options and set their settings to default

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 EssentialDesktop adware using Combo Cleaner:

EssentialDesktop adware removal:

Remove EssentialDesktop-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 EssentialDesktop QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by EssentialDesktop on your mobile device.
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