How to uninstall StepWarrior adware from a computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is StepWarrior?
Our team discovered the StepWarrior application after downloading and testing a fake Adobe Flash Player installer (that installer was downloaded from an unofficial site). We found that the purpose of StepWarrior is to display intrusive advertisements. Thus, we concluded that StepWarrior operates as adware.
StepWarrior adware in detail
Clicking on advertisements shown by shady applications like StepWarrior can open untrustworthy websites or even download/install unwanted software. It is common for those ads to promote various scam websites (e.g., technical support scams), pages encouraging to download questionable apps, asking to provide sensitive information, etc.
Moreover, there is a chance that StepWarrior can read sensitive information from web pages (including passwords, phone numbers, and credit card details) and browsing history. The problem with it is that gathered information may be misused for malicious purposes (for example, to hijack personal accounts and make fraudulent purchases).
| Name | Ads by StepWarrior |
| 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.G), 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. |
Adware in general
Adware is often promoted as useful, legitimate software. However, it is rarely useful and displays intrusive advertisements that can open untrustworthy pages. In some cases, software of this type can access sensitive information and hijack web browsers.
More adware examples are CacheOptimization, TaskPost, and TwinValley.
How did StepWarrior install on my computer?
Most users download and install adware by clicking deceptive advertisements, using fake installers, or leaving settings available in downloaders and installers unchanged. Advertisements can download or install adware when designed to execute certain scripts. Ads of this kind do not appear on legitimate pages.
Downloaders/installers used to distribute adware have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings or ticked checkboxes. Users agree to download/install adware when they finish download/installation processes without changing the settings mentioned above.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not download applications from questionable sources (e.g., unofficial websites, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, torrent sites). Use official pages and stores to download them. Also, do not click on advertisements displayed on torrent sites, adult pages, and other dubious pages (or allow such pages to show notifications).
Deselect unwanted applications by changing the available settings before downloading and installing software. If your computer is already infected with StepWarrior, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that shows up after the installation of StepWarrior adware:
StepWarrior's installation 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 StepWarrior?
- STEP 1. Remove StepWarrior related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove StepWarrior ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove StepWarrior adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove StepWarrior ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove StepWarrior adware using Combo Cleaner:
StepWarrior adware removal:
Remove StepWarrior-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?
It can affect computer performance (make it slower), invade privacy, diminish the web browsing experience, and cause similar problems.
What does adware do?
As a rule, adware bombards users with unwanted advertisements. However, some adware-type apps can be capable of hijacking web browsers and (or) gathering data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They use adware to promote various products, websites, services, etc. One of the most popular ways to monetize adware is to participate in affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove StepWarrior adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and completely remove adware from it. It may be difficult to remove adware manually without leaving any files or other components in the system. Thus, we recommend using Combo Cleaner for removal of adware (and other unwanted software).
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