"Double click to install" Adware (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Double click to install"?
If you are a Mac user and have encountered a pop-up window stating that "Double click to install" wants access to control "System" events", it is likely that an adware-type app is installed on the browser or operating system. When installed, these apps serve users with unwanted, intrusive ads and often gather information relating to browsing habits.
"Double click to install" pop-up overview
The pop-up also states that allowing to control the "System Events" will provide access to documents and data in "System Events", and perform actions within that app. We recommend that you do not grant these permissions to potentially unwanted apps (PUAs). This pop-up often appears due to installed adware.
Adware-type apps display coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, and so on. Typically, these conceal underlying content of visited websites. They are annoying and affect the browsing experience. Do not click these ads, since they open dubious websites (some might be malicious) or execute scripts designed to download and install unwanted, possibly malicious apps.
Furthermore, PUAs cause problems relating to browsing safety, privacy, and so on. Furthermore, adware-type apps often gather information such as users' IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, URLs of visited websites, etc.
Adware developers share the data with other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. If you have reason to believe that there is an adware-type app installed on your system, remove it immediately.
| Name | Ads by "Double click to install" |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (fake software crack promoting adware that delivers this pop-up) | Avast (MacOS:AdwareSig [Adw]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Application.MAC.Grader.97), Emsisoft (Gen:Variant.Application.MAC.Grader.97 (B)), Kaspersky (not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Geonei.as), 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. |
Adware examples
There are many different adware-type apps online. Developers promote them as 'useful apps' that supposedly provide features, tools, and so on. In fact, PUAs serve just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers by gathering information and delivering advertisements. Examples of other similar apps include 1 Click PDF, ApplicationWork, and TopicLookup.
How did "Double click to install" install on my computer?
Generally, people download and install adware or other PUAs inadvertently when software developers trick them using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". They hide information regarding the inclusion of PUAs in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings/options of software download/installation set-ups.
If these settings are left unchanged (and offers to download or install unwanted apps are not dismissed), PUAs are downloaded/installed with some other, intentionally downloaded/installed software. In other cases, people cause these problems by clicking intrusive advertisements that run scripts, which then download and install PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software from trustworthy, official websites only. Downloading programs using third party software downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks, unofficial pages often leads to additional, unwanted downloads/installations. Third party installers can also cause this. Furthermore, check all available "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings of any download or installation setup.
Opt-out of offers to download and install PUAs, and only then finish the download or installation. Do not click Intrusive ads, since they can open dubious websites relating to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on.
If these ads appear on most visited websites or redirects to dubious web pages occur frequently, it is very likely that there is adware or other PUAs installed on the browser or computer. We recommend that you check your browser for unwanted extensions, plug-ins, or add-ons, and remove all unwanted, unknown entries immediately.
The same applies to the programs of this kind installed on the computer (operating system). If your computer is already infected with "Double click to install", we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Text presented in the pop-up window:
"Double click to install" wants access to control "System Events". Allowing control will provide access to documents and data in "System Events", and to perform actions within that app.
Deceptive application installer promoting "Double click to install" adware:
Ouo.io website delivering intrusive ads that promote adware-type applications designed to deliver "Double click to install" pop-ups:
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 "Double click to install"?
- STEP 1. Remove "Double click to install" related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove "Double click to install" ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove "Double click to install" adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove "Double click to install" ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
"Double click to install" adware removal:
Remove "Double click to install"-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that may promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, producing redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by advertising content. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan computers and remove detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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