How to remove the EssentialDesktop adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is EssentialDesktop?
EssentialDesktop is an adware-type application with browser hijacker qualities. This software operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., delivering various ads) and promoting fake search engines through modification of browser settings.
Furthermore, apps of this kind usually have data tracking abilities, which are employed to spy on users' browsing activity. Due to the questionable techniques used to distribute EssentialDesktop, it is also categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
This piece of software has been noted being promoted through fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is worth mentioning that illegitimate updaters/installers may proliferate trojans, ransomware, and other malware.
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on any visited website and/or other interfaces. The intrusive advertisements delivered - severely diminish the browsing quality by overlaying webpage content and slowing down the browsing speed.
Additionally, these ads pose a threat to device and user safety. Upon being clicked, intrusive adverts redirect to untrustworthy/malicious websites, and some can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) without user permission.
Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. Hence, every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Illegitimate search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers.
Alternatively, they can restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
What is more, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Targeted information includes (but is not limited to): visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, IP addresses, geolocations, and personally identifiable details.
The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices - can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
To protect device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by EssentialDesktop |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (.system) | Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), Fortinet (Adware/Cimpli!OSX), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), 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), 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. |
QuicklookPI, ConfigProgress, SearchForWords, and PublicConsoleSearch are some examples of adware-type apps. They appear ordinary and offer "useful" functionalities.
However, the promised functions are seldom operational. In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs. The only goal of unwanted software is to generate profit at user expense.
Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advert campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and gather vulnerable information.
How did EssentialDesktop install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via downloaded/installation setups of other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is named "bundling".
By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.) - users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices.
PUAs can also have "official" download webpages.Once clicked on, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to download/install these applications stealthily.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources.
Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer dangerous and bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features, etc.
Intrusive adverts appear legitimate and harmless; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so forth). Should users experience ads and/or redirects of this type, they must inspect their devices and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected.
If your computer is already infected with EssentialDesktop, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when EssentialDesktop adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"EssentialDesktopd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting EssentialDesktop adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the EssentialDesktop adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.EssentialDesktop.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.EssentialDesktop.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.EssentialDesktop.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.EssentialDesktop.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like EssentialDesktop alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 EssentialDesktop?
- STEP 1. Remove EssentialDesktop related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EssentialDesktop ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EssentialDesktop adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EssentialDesktop ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EssentialDesktop adware using Combo Cleaner:
EssentialDesktop adware removal:
Remove EssentialDesktop-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.
Outstanding!
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