How to remove LauncherAdmin from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is LauncherAdmin?
During our assessment of the LauncherAdmin application, we discovered that it exhibits characteristics that categorize it as adware. When active, LauncherAdmin serves intrusive advertisements to users. Also, this app may be able to collect data. Therefore, LauncherAdmin should be uninstalled from affected devices.
LauncherAdmin adware in detail
LauncherAdmin, classified as adware, is notorious for displaying a variety of dubious advertisements that can disrupt users' browsing experiences. These ads may manifest in the form of intrusive pop-ups, banners, or sponsored content, often appearing unexpectedly and interfering with normal online activities.
LauncherAdmin has a propensity for showcasing deceptive ads that may masquerade as legitimate offers or alerts, leading users to click on them unknowingly. The websites opened via ads from LauncherAdmin could include fake online shopping platforms, fraudulent lottery or prize-winning pages, or even malicious websites hosting malware or phishing scams.
Trusting ads from LauncherAdmin can lead users into a web of potential problems. They may inadvertently disclose sensitive financial or personal information to fraudulent websites, risking identity theft or financial losses. Moreover, encounters with malicious websites can result in the installation of malicious software.
Additionally, apps like LauncherAdmin can be designed to collect user data. They may employ various tactics, such as tracking browsing habits or accessing personal information stored on devices. Such data collection practices pose risks of exploitation and misuse by developers or third parties.
Name | Ads by LauncherAdmin |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, LauncherAdmin presents the risks associated with adware, showcasing deceptive advertisements and potentially compromising user privacy and security. In order to safeguard against such threats, users are advised to prioritize security measures and exercise caution when encountering apps from unfamiliar sources.
More examples of similar apps are BounceTopics, AnalysisStyle, and LogicalTool.
How did LauncherAdmin install on my computer?
Users can inadvertently install adware through deceptive tactics such as bundled software installations, where additional unwanted programs are included alongside desired software. Users might unknowingly agree to adware installations by clicking through installation wizards without scrutinizing each step and changing settings to deselect adware or other apps.
They may also fall victim to misleading advertisements or pop-ups that prompt them to download seemingly legitimate applications. Additionally, visiting compromised websites or downloading files from untrustworthy sources (e.g., P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and shady pages) can expose users to adware installations without their awareness.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software only from reputable sources such as official app stores or developer websites and check available settings/options during the installation process to avoid agreeing to unwanted installations. Also, avoid clicking on suspicious ads, pop-ups, or links on shady pages. Regularly update software and operating systems, along with using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software.
Additionally, do not allow questionable websites to send notifications. If your computer is already infected with LauncherAdmin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of LauncherAdmin:
LauncherAdmin'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 LauncherAdmin?
- STEP 1. Remove LauncherAdmin related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LauncherAdmin ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LauncherAdmin adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LauncherAdmin ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LauncherAdmin adware using Combo Cleaner:
LauncherAdmin adware removal:
Remove LauncherAdmin-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?
Adware users can experience various problems, including intrusive advertising, compromised privacy, exposure to malware or phishing scams, browser hijacking, and diminished system performance.
What does adware do?
Adware displays intrusive advertisements to users and may collect their data and hijack browsers by changing settings.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Affiliate programs are a common revenue stream for adware developers. Through these programs, developers partner with advertisers or affiliate networks, earning commissions for driving traffic to the advertiser's site or for user actions like purchases or service subscriptions.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LauncherAdmin adware?
Combo Cleaner comprehensively scans computers and removes any installed adware. Relying solely on manual removal may not guarantee complete resolution, as remnants of files could persist within the system. For this reason, users are encouraged to utilize tools like Combo Cleaner to remove adware.
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