How to uninstall the DesktopInput adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is DesktopInput?
DesktopInput is an adware-type app with browser hijacker traits. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and promoting fake search engines through modifications to browser settings. Additionally, such software usually has data tracking abilities.
Due to the questionable methods used to distribute adware and browser hijackers, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). DesktopInput has been observed being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that fraudulent updaters/installers are used to proliferate PUAs and even malware.
DesktopInput adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphic content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on any visited webpage and/or various other interfaces. The displayed advertisements severely diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety.
Intrusive adverts endorse sale-based, unreliable, misleading, rogue, scam, and malicious websites. Furthermore, some of these ads can be triggered by being clicked on - to execute scripts designed to stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, with this piece of software installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Fake search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers can restrict/deny access to the browser settings and/or undo any permitted changes made. Hence, 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. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth.
The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties. In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues, and even identity theft. Therefore, it is crucial to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by DesktopInput |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (.system) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Fortinet (Adware/Cimpli!OSX), 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. |
Adware in general
ConfigAccess, OriginalSearchTech, ConnectSystem, AccessDefault, and UpgradeFilter are some examples of apps within the adware classification. They appear legitimate and offer various "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised.
Practically all PUAs lure users into download/installation and/or purchase with promises of nonexistent functionalities. The sole aim of unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers; it has no real value to users. PUAs are designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect private data.
How did DesktopInput install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via downloaders/installers of other products. "Bundling" is the name of this false marketing technique - packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements are used to spread PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. PUAs may also have "official" promotional webpages from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).
In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with DesktopInput, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when DesktopInput adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"DesktopInputd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting DesktopInput adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the DesktopInput adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.DesktopInput.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.DesktopInput.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.DesktopInput.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.DesktopInput.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like DesktopInput 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 DesktopInput?
- STEP 1. Remove DesktopInput related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DesktopInput ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DesktopInput adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DesktopInput ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DesktopInput adware using Combo Cleaner:
DesktopInput adware removal:
Remove DesktopInput-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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