How to uninstall AssistiveDisplaySearch adware from the system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AssistiveDisplaySearch?
AssistiveDisplaySearch is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. Following successful installation, this app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and makes changes to browser settings to promote fake search engines. Most adware-type apps and browser hijackers collect browsing-related information.
Due to the dubious tactics employed to proliferate AssistiveDisplaySearch, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). This application has been observed being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. These bogus software updaters/installers proliferate PUAs and also malware (e.g. Trojans, ransomware, etc.).
AssistiveDisplaySearch adware overview
Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and other intrusive advertisements. Typically, these are placed on any visited website, and hence do not originate from the pages themselves. The delivered ads significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed.
Furthermore, when clicked, intrusive advertisements redirect to dubious/malicious sites, and some can even stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of fake search engines.
With this software installed, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar redirect to the promoted address. Fake search engines are rarely able to generate unique results, and so they tend to redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google and other legitimate sites.
Browser hijackers can also restrict/deny access to the browser settings and/or automatically undo any permitted changes made. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it. Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data.
They 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 collected data is then monetized by PUA developers by sharing with and/or selling to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To protect device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
| Name | Ads by AssistiveDisplaySearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Ikarus (Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload), 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. |
Adware examples
Apps classified as adware may seem legitimate and harmless. ExploreDivision, PromoteOptimization and OnlineToolSearch are some examples of software within this classification. Adware generally offers "useful" functionality, however, the features promised are seldom operational.
In fact, this information is true of most PUAs. The only purpose of these unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers. PUAs deliver intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and collect private information.
How did AssistiveDisplaySearch install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via the download/installation set-ups of other software. This deceptive marketing technique of packing normal products with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling". By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.), many users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices.
Some PUAs have "official" download sites. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation and/or purchase. Use only official and trustworthy download channels. Dubious sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders commonly offer deceptive and/or bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).
If you encounter ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect your devices and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins from them. If your computer is already infected with AssistiveDisplaySearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to AssistiveDisplaySearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.AssistiveDisplaySearch/AssistiveDisplaySearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.AssistiveDisplaySearchDaemon/AssistiveDisplaySearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AssistiveDisplaySearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AssistiveDisplaySearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote AssistiveDisplaySearch adware are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar and select "Profiles".
2) Select the "AssistiveDisplaySearch" profile and delete it.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.
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 AssistiveDisplaySearch?
- STEP 1. Remove AssistiveDisplaySearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AssistiveDisplaySearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AssistiveDisplaySearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AssistiveDisplaySearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AssistiveDisplaySearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
AssistiveDisplaySearch adware removal:
Remove AssistiveDisplaySearch-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.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. It can display ads on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open websites and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveDisplaySearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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