How to remove GoWebSearch adware from your browser and computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is GoWebSearch?
GoWebSearch functions not only as adware but also as a browser hijacker. I.e., it serves advertisements and promotes fake search engine addresses by changing browser settings. Additionally, this app might be designed to gather browsing-related information and other details.
Apps of this type are classified as unwanted applications, since users often download and install them unintentionally. This particular app is distributed through a fake installer for Adobe Flash Player.
More about GoWebSearch
Some examples of advertisements served by GoWebSearch are pop-ups, banners, surveys, and coupons. Commonly, ads served by adware promote (open) dubious pages and, in some cases, cause download/installation of unwanted apps by running certain scripts.
Furthermore, GoWebSearch promotes the address of a fake search engine by assigning it as the default search engine, homepage, and address of a new tab. In this way, the app ensures that users are forced to visit a certain address when they enter search queries into the URL bar, open a browser, or new tab.
Note that fake search engines do not generate any unique results (they provide results generated by other, usually legitimate, search engines), or generate misleading results. Users cannot remove the bogus addresses from browser settings unless they uninstall the apps that promote them.
Additionally, GoWebSearch could be designed to function as an information tracking tool - it might target details such as geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites, IP addresses and other data. In some cases, these apps can access (and collect) sensitive details as well.
The developers could sell the data to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misuse it to generate revenue in other ways, which would put users at risk of problems relating to online privacy and browsing safety, and other issues such as identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GoWebSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| 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. |
More examples of apps like GoWebSearch are UltraSearchSystem, MultiplySearch, and SmartFunctionSearch. Most generate revenue for the developers by serving ads, promoting dubious addresses, and collecting various data. They are useless to regular users, even if they are advertised as useful, legitimate applications.
You are strongly advised not to download or install apps such as GoWebSearch
How did GoWebSearch install on my computer?
This particular app is distributed through a deceptive installer designed to install Adobe Flash Player. These installers are often used to trick users into installing malware such as ransomware and Trojan-type malware. Rogue apps are also spread by including them into the download/installation set-ups of other programs as extra offers.
This distribution method is known as "bundling". It works when users fail to check and change "Advanced", "Custom", and other settings, and not unticking checkboxes that are available in the set-ups. Leaving default settings unchanged allows included unwanted apps to be downloaded and installed.
In some cases, these downloads and installations are caused through clicking deceptive advertisements that execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications
Check all "Custom" and "Advanced" settings and decline offers to download or install included apps. Download software and files from official, trustworthy websites and via direct download links. Avoid other sources, tools such as third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks (for example, torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, etc.
Third party installers should also be avoided. Do not click advertisements that appear on dubious pages, since they can open potentially malicious websites or even cause download/installation of unwanted applications. Remove all unwanted, suspicious extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons that are already installed on the browser.
This also applies to software of this kind that is installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with GoWebSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to GoWebSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.GoWebSearch/GoWebSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.GoWebSearchDaemon/GoWebSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.GoWebSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.GoWebSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote GoWebSearch 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 "GoWebSearch" 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/browser hijacker.
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 GoWebSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove GoWebSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GoWebSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GoWebSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GoWebSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GoWebSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
GoWebSearch adware removal:
Remove GoWebSearch-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 cause various harms, slow system performance, privacy breaches, and potential exposure to malicious content or scams.
What does adware do?
Adware displays unwanted advertisements. Additionally, it can serve as a tool for browser hijacking and data harvesting.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers commonly earn money by endorsing different products, websites, or services, with a significant origin of revenue coming from participation in affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GoWebSearch adware?
Combo Cleaner scans computers and eradicates installed adware-type applications. It is important to note that relying solely on manual removal may not be enough, as certain file remnants could persist in the system. Thus, users are advised to employ a reliable tool for adware removal.
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