How to uninstall FocusAhead a computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is FocusAhead?
FocusAhead is an untrustworthy application that displays intrusive advertisements and can read sensitive information. Apps that show ads are called adware (advertising-supported software). Typically, users install adware on their computers unintentionally. We discovered FocusAhead while inspecting deceptive pages.
FocusAhead adware in detail
Applications such as FocusAhead often display advertisements designed to promote shady websites and applications. If clicked, those ads can open phishing websites, technical support scam pages, websites offering to download "useful", apps, or even malicious pages. Additionally, those ads can be designed to download or install unwanted apps.
Another reason not to install FocusAhead is that it can read sensitive information. This app can read passwords, phone numbers, credit card details, and other sensitive data. Also, it can access browsing history. All this information can be misused for malicious purposes (e.g., to steal accounts and identities, make fraudulent purchases, etc.).
| Name | Ads by FocusAhead |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Application.Generic.3202459), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.f), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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
It is common for apps of this type to be designed to hijack browsers. They promote fake search engines by changing the settings of web browsers such as the default search engine, homepage and (or) new tab page. Using fake search engines can lead to untrustworthy websites.
There are many apps similar to FocusAhead. Some examples are ActiveAnalyzer, AdvantageMethod, and MainFrameSelect.
How did FocusAhead install on my computer?
Users often install apps like FocusAhead via fake installers downloaded from shady websites (e.g., pages claiming that installed software is outdated, some application is required to perform certain actions, etc.). Also, adware can be bundled with other software and promoted via untrustworthy advertisements and notifications from dubious pages.
When software is bundled with adware, it has "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings or ticked checkboxes in its installer. Users install adware when they finish software installations without changing those settings or unticking checkboxes that mention optional installations.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not complete downloads and installations without deselecting unwanted apps. Do not trust advertisements appearing on shady websites or allow such websites to show notifications. Download apps and files from legitimate pages (or stores).
Do not use P2P networks, torrent sites, third-party downloaders, questionable websites, etc., as sources for downloading software. If your computer is already infected with FocusAhead, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
The message that appears after the installation of FocusAhead adware:
FocusAhead installed on Safari:
FocusAhead'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 FocusAhead?
- STEP 1. Remove FocusAhead related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FocusAhead ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FocusAhead adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FocusAhead ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FocusAhead adware using Combo Cleaner:
FocusAhead adware removal:
Remove FocusAhead-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?
Usually, adware diminishes the web browsing experience by showing intrusive advertisements. Also, it can slow down a computer and cause issues related to online privacy and browsing safety.
What does adware do?
Most advertising-supported apps display advertisements while users browse the Internet. Also, they can be designed to hijack web browsers (by manipulating their settings) and gather information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
A big part of adware developers uses affiliate programs to monetize adware. They participate in affiliate programs to promote websites, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FocusAhead adware?
Combo Cleaner will remove adware and other unwanted (including malicious) software. It can be difficult to remove adware manually without leaving any of its data in the system. Thus, it is recommended to uninstall adware automatically.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion