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How to uninstall WillowAmaze from your computer

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

What kind of application is WillowAmaze?

After reviewing the WillowAmaze application, it has come to our attention that it displays intrusive advertisements. Such software falls under the classification of adware. Users frequently install apps like WillowAmaze without fully understanding the potential ramifications they can have.

WillowAmaze adware

WillowAmaze adware in detail

WillowAmaze has the capability to showcase various types of advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, in-text, interstitial, and video ads. The advertisements originating from WillowAmaze carry a risk of redirecting users to websites that have the intention of tricking individuals into divulging personal information, downloading harmful software, paying money for fake services, etc.

Furthermore, the advertisements shown by WillowAmaze could potentially lead users to pages endorsing counterfeit products, false offers, adult content, or other locations that feature explicit content. Certain ads might be engineered to execute specific scripts that trigger unwanted downloads or installations.

Aside from presenting unwelcome and questionable advertisements, WillowAmaze may also collect a wide array of data. This could encompass search queries, browsing history, IP addresses, geolocation specifics, email addresses, and usernames. Moreover, this app may be capable of gathering sensitive information like financial data, passwords, and other confidential data.

The collected data could be used harmfully. Personal info could lead to identity theft, browsing history to invasive ads, and financial data to fraud. Thus, users are strongly advised to remove apps like WillowAmaze from their computers without delay.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by WillowAmaze
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27704), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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), 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.

More about adware

Adware might alter crucial browser settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, to promote untrustworthy sites (e.g., fake search engines). This is known as browser hijacking and can disrupt the user's browsing experience. Reverting these changes can be inconvenient. Other apps similar to WillowAmaze include EssenceSkill, ContentRanger, and ExplorationSprint.

How did WillowAmaze install on my computer?

Adware can find its way onto users' computers through various methods. One common route is via freeware or shareware downloaded from untrustworthy pages or other sources. Some free software packages come with hidden adware components that users might miss during installation.

Moreover, interacting with deceptive ads or pop-ups, especially those pretending to be software updates or security alerts, can initiate adware installations. Finally, interacting with dubious email attachments or links can lead to adware getting installed on computers.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download software only from reputable sources like the Apple App Store and official websites. Always read through installation prompts and avoid rushing through the process, as adware might be bundled with other software. Be cautious of misleading ads and pop-ups, and never click on suspicious links or download files from strange emails.

Do not allow dubious websites to display notifications. Regularly update your operating system and use reliable antivirus software to provide additional protection against potential adware threats. If your computer is already infected with WillowAmaze, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A message that appears after the installation of WillowAmaze adware:

A message that appears after the installation of WillowAmaze adware

WillowAmaze's installation folder:

WillowAmaze'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:

Video showing how to remove WillowAmaze adware using Combo Cleaner:

WillowAmaze adware removal:

Remove WillowAmaze-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 brings about various issues. It can inundate users with bothersome and frequently deceptive ads, leading to a frustrating browsing experience. Furthermore, it can track users' online actions and gather personal data, resulting in privacy violations and potential identity theft. Adware could also steer users towards harmful websites or scams.

What does adware do?

Adware showcases disruptive ads on users' devices, typically as pop-ups, banners, and other ad formats. Also, it can be involved in browser hijacking.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate income by promoting various products, web pages, services, and more. A significant portion of their earnings is derived from participating in affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove WillowAmaze adware?

Combo Cleaner scans your computer and eliminates all adware-related applications. Manual removal might not always work due to potentially hidden leftover files in the system. Some components could persist and remain active even after uninstalling the software.

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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.

QR Code
Ads by WillowAmaze QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by WillowAmaze on your mobile device.
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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.