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How to eliminate EssentialWindow adware from the operating system

Also Known As: Ads by EssentialWindow
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is EssentialWindow?

Our researchers found the EssentialWindow app while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. EssentialWindow runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and collects private data. This application belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

EssentialWindow adware

EssentialWindow adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. These ads endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations.

It must be mentioned that any legitimate content encountered through these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to fraudulently acquire commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver ads if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Even if EssentialWindow does not run intrusive advertisement campaigns – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking abilities, and this might be true of EssentialWindow. However, this application did not exhibit such qualities during testing.

Furthermore, EssentialWindow has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like EssentialWindow on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by EssentialWindow
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Adware examples

StackMistOperativeInfluenceWorldWideProjector, and LaserMacroKnowledge – are just some examples of adware-type apps that we have analyzed recently.

Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

How did EssentialWindow install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users typically enter these webpages through redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, intrusive advertisements are used to spread this software. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. It is essential to approach installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all additions.

We advise being cautious when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you keep experiencing ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EssentialWindow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once EssentialWindow adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once EssentialWindow installation is complete

EssentialWindow adware's installation folder:

EssentialWindow adware install folder

EssentialWindow adware installed onto a Safari browser:

EssentialWindow adware installed on Safari

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:

Video showing how to remove EssentialWindow adware using Combo Cleaner:

EssentialWindow adware removal:

Remove EssentialWindow-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It often has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy. Additionally, this software displays deceptive and malicious advertisements that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., display advertisements on various interfaces. Some types also force-open websites and gather sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialWindow adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It is worth noting that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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