How to remove DevSoftware adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is DevSoftware?
We have discovered this application while inspecting various deceptive pages (e.g., websites claiming that installed software is outdated). After downloading and installing DevSoftware, we noticed that it shows unwanted (intrusive) advertisements. Software that displays ads is called adware.
DevSoftware adware in detail
Clicking on banners, coupons, pop-ups, and other ads displayed by apps like DevSoftware can open various scam websites, websites promoting untrustworthy (potentially malicious) applications and other shady sites. Moreover, those ads can be designed to download or even install unwanted software (if designed to run certain scripts).
Our team has analyzed many adware-type apps and found that sometimes they are designed to function as browser hijackers - they change the settings of a web browser to promote a fake search engine. Fake search engines promote untrustworthy websites and (or) show results generated by dubious search engines. Thus, they cannot be trusted.
| Name | Ads by DevSoftware |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 about adware
In some cases, apps similar to DevSoftware can read credit card details, passwords, and other sensitive information (and browsing-related information). Their developers may sell that data to third parties or misuse it in other ways. Therefore, downloading and installing adware can lead to various issues.
More examples of apps similar to DevSoftware are MemoryFunction, IndexerSource, WheelInstant.
How did DevSoftware install on my computer?
In most cases, adware gets installed via fake installers (e.g., fake Adobe Flash Player installers), advertisements designed to run certain scripts, or installers for software bundled with adware. In the third case, installers have "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings. Unexpected installations are caused after finishing software installation without changing those settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications and files from trustworthy sources such as official pages and platforms. Do not use other sources (e.g., P2P networks, shady pages, third-party downloaders, etc.) to download apps. Always check downloaders and installers for optional downloads and installations, and deselect unwanted apps before downloading or installing software.
Also, do not click on advertisements and fake "Download" (or other) buttons displayed on shady websites. If your computer is already infected with DevSoftware, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of DevSoftware adware:
DevSoftware's Contents folder:
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 DevSoftware?
- STEP 1. Remove DevSoftware related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DevSoftware ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DevSoftware adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DevSoftware ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DevSoftware adware using Combo Cleaner:
DevSoftware adware removal:
Remove DevSoftware-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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Typically, adware diminishes the web browsing experience by showing ads that conceal website contents. Additionally, adware can slow down a computer and even invade privacy.
What does adware do?
The purpose of adware is to display various ads (e.g., banners, coupons, pop-ups). Also, software of this type can hijack a web browser and even collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, they participate in various affiliate programs. They use adware to promote various products, websites, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DevSoftware adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will completely remove adware from the operating system. It is worth mentioning that it can be difficult to remove adware manually - files and other components belonging to the removed adware may remain in the system. Thus, it is recommended to eliminate adware automatically.
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