How to get rid of CommandImprovement adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is CommandImprovement adware?
CommandImprovement is designed to generate advertisements and hijack a web browser by changing its settings. This app has the qualities of both adware and a browser hijacker. Apps of this kind are distributed using questionable methods. Thus, most users download and install them inadvertently.
CommandImprovement in detail
CommandImprovement generates advertisements that can open various scams, download pages for potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), and so on. It displays pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, or other ads. Ads by CommandImprovement can be designed to download or even install unwanted software by running certain scripts.
Also, CommandImprovement changes the web browser's settings to promote a fake search engine. It changes the default search engine, homepage, and (or) new tab to force users to visit a specific address. Fake search engines can show misleading results - they can promote untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites.
Name | Ads by CommandImprovement |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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. |
More information about adware
Another reason not to trust apps like CommandImprovement is that they can be designed to gather information about their users. Collected data can include personal information like credit card details, passwords. Examples of apps similar to CommandImprovement are ConnectedPlatform, SuccessAdvanced, and SmartDivision.
How did CommandImprovement install on my computer?
Adware and other PUAs are distributed through downloaders and installers for other programs, advertisements designed to execute certain scripts, and fake installers. Users download or install unwanted apps together with other programs when they do not deselect optional downloads or installations.
Downloaders and installers used to distribute PUAs have "Manual", "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings that can be used to decline unwanted offers. Fake installers that can install PUAs are disguised as installers for legitimate programs (or legitimate updaters).
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Apps and files available on unreliable sources can be used to distribute unwanted software. It is recommended to download them from official websites and direct links. Downloaders and installers with any settings (or checkboxes) should be examined - they often include offers to download or install PUAs.
It is also advisable not to click on ads that appear on dubious pages. If your computer is already infected with CommandImprovement, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of CommandImprovement:
CommandImprovement's Contents 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 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 CommandImprovement?
- STEP 1. Remove CommandImprovement related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CommandImprovement ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CommandImprovement adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CommandImprovement ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CommandImprovement adware using Combo Cleaner:
CommandImprovement adware removal:
Remove CommandImprovement-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 commandimprovement 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 CommandImprovement removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by commandimprovement 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 commandimprovement 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 commandimprovement 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can be the reason behind diminished Internet browsing experience and a potential decrease in computer's performance.
What does adware do?
The main purpose of adware is to display advertisements. Also, adware can be designed to change the web browser's settings, collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various products, web pages, services. It is popular to use various affiliate programs for that.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CommandImprovement adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate CommandImprovement (or other adware). It is worth mentioning that manual removal is not always the best way to get rid of unwanted software because various file leftovers may remain hiding in the operating system even when the software is deleted.
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