How to uninstall OperativeDesktop adware from the operating system

What is OperativeDesktop?

OperativeDesktop is dubious software classified as adware with browser hijacker traits. Following successful installation, this app runs intrusive ad campaigns, makes alterations to browser settings in order to promote fake search engines. OperativeDesktop promotes Safe Finder via akamaihd.net in this manner.

Additionally, most adware-type apps and browser hijackers can monitor and collect browsing-related data. Since most users download/install OperativeDesktop inadvertently, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page and other intrusive advertisements, usually on any visited website. These ads overlay web page content and significantly reduce browsing speed, thereby diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, when clicked, intrusive ads redirect to untrusted/malicious sites and some can even stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers assign the addresses of bogus search engines as the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs.

Therefore, with this software installed, each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted address. OperativeDesktop promotes Safe Finder through akamaihd.net in this way. Fake search engines are usually unable to generate search results, and so they tend to redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine sites.

Browser hijackers can limit/deny access to the browser settings and/or undo any permitted changes made. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it. As mentioned, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking capabilities.

They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).

The data is typically shared with and/or sold to third parties. In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. You are strongly advised to immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by OperativeDesktop
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Endgame (Malicious (high Confidence)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.i), Full List (VirusTotal).
Additional Information	This application belongs to the 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.

ArchimedesLookup, EngageSearch, BinarySignSearch, and DynamicAnalog are some examples of other adware infections. These apps may seem normal and harmless, and users are enticed into download/installation with a broad range of "useful" functionality, which are rarely operational.

In fact, this is true of most PUAs. The sole purpose of these unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive advertisement campaigns, make modifications to browsers, cause redirects and track private information.

How did OperativeDesktop install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed through the download/installation set-ups of other programs. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is termed "bundling". By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. skipping steps and sections, etc.), many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Some PUAs have "official" promotional web pages, from which they can be downloaded. Once clicked, intrusive ads can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' consent.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

All products should be researched prior to download/installation and/or purchase. You are advised to use only official and verified download channels. Untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive and/or bundled content.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).

If you encounter these ads or redirects, check the system and remove all suspect applications and likewise suspicious browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with OperativeDesktop, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once OperativeDesktop installation is complete:

OperativeDesktop redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

OperativeDesktop adware installation folder:

OperativeDesktop adware installed onto the Safari browser:

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 OperativeDesktop?
• STEP 1. Remove OperativeDesktop related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove OperativeDesktop ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove OperativeDesktop adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove OperativeDesktop ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

OperativeDesktop adware removal:

Remove OperativeDesktop-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.

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