How to remove PowerSet from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is PowerSet?
While examining the PowerSet application, we noticed that various ads appear while this app is installed. Software that displays unwanted advertisements is called adware. Typically, users install software of this type unintentionally. We discovered PowerSet while inspecting deceptive websites.
PowerSet adware in detail
PowerSet displays various banners, coupons, pop-ups, and other advertising material. Clicking those ads can open shady websites (for example, various scam sites, pages offering or instructing to download and install questionable apps). In addition to opening untrustworthy pages, ads displayed by PowerSet can cause unexpected downloads or even installations.
We tested many apps similar to PowerSet and learned that some of them can read sensitive information. They can access passwords, credit card details, telephone numbers, and other information. It is not safe to have such apps installed on the operating system. Accessed data can be misused for malicious purposes (e.g., to steal online accounts or make fraudulent purchases).
| Name | Ads by PowerSet |
| 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
All advertising-supported apps show annoying advertisements to promote various websites and apps. Additionally, adware can be used to promote fake search engines. It can change the settings of a web browser to force users to visit a specified address. Either way, PowerSet and other software of this type cannot be trusted.
More adware examples are ValueFlip, IntranetLookup, and JourneyDrive.
How did PowerSet install on my computer?
It is common for apps like PowerSet to be distributed via fake installers (e.g., fake Adobe Flash Player installers). These installers are distributed via deceptive websites. In other cases, users install adware via software bundles or untrustworthy advertisements.
When adware is included in installers for other programs, it gets installed after finishing installations without changing available settings. Typically, installers containing adware have "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings that must be changed to avoid unwanted installations.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Use trustworthy sources (official websites and stores) to download files and applications. Do not use P2P networks, third-party downloaders, shady websites, and other sources to download them. Also, do not trust advertisements appearing on questionable pages or allow such pages to show notifications.
Deselect unwanted applications (change "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings) before downloading and installing programs. If your computer is already infected with PowerSet, 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 PowerSet adware:
PowerSet'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 PowerSet?
- STEP 1. Remove PowerSet related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PowerSet ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PowerSet adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PowerSet ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PowerSet adware using Combo Cleaner:
PowerSet adware removal:
Remove PowerSet-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 - ads displayed by adware cover the contents of visited pages. Also, adware can affect computer performance.
What does adware do?
It is often promoted as useful software. However, all advertising-supported apps generate intrusive advertisements.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
One of the most commonly used ways to monetize adware is participating in affiliate programs. Adware developers promote various pages, products, services, etc., to earn a commission.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PowerSet adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps. Manual removal is not always the best way to remove adware since various file leftovers may remain in the system even if the software is deleted. Thus, it is advisable to remove adware automatically.
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