How to eliminate the PathPanel adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is PathPanel adware?
PathPanel is classified as adware because it delivers advertisements. PathPanel also falls into the category of browser hijackers - it changes the web browser's settings to promote a fake search engine. Most users download and install apps of this type inadvertently. Thus, PathPanel and similar apps are called potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
PathPanel adware in detail
PathPanel displays advertisements in pop-ups, banners, coupons, or other forms. If clicked, those ads could open websites designed to trick users into installing PUAs, providing sensitive information, paying for unnecessary software or services, and so on. Also, those ads could run certain scripts to download or install unwanted apps.
PathPanel also changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to a fake search engine (its address) in the affected web browser's settings. It forces users to browse the web using a search engine that could include links to untrustworthy pages in its search results or display results generated by other dubious search engines.
| Name | Ads by PathPanel |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.24098), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
PathPanel adware in general
PathPanel displays annoying ads and promotes a fake search engine. It is noteworthy that this application could be collecting various information (from browsing data to banking information, passwords). PathPanel is not a trustworthy app. More examples of similar apps are ForceGuide, DeployService, and IndexSearch.
How did PathPanel install on my computer?
Adware, browser hijackers, and other PUAs are distributed through certain advertisements that can execute specific scripts, fake installers, and downloaders and installers for other programs. The last distribution method is known as bundling.
Users download or install PUAs alongside other programs when they do not check and change settings available in downloaders or installers for those programs. As a rule, optional downloads or installations can be deselected using "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software (or files) from legitimate sources (official websites, platforms) and avoid using other sources. Check downloaders and installers for optional downloads or installations and deselect them. Do not trust (click) advertisements while visiting questionable websites.
If your computer is already infected with PathPanel, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after installation:
PathPanel's Contents folder:
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 PathPanel?
- STEP 1. Remove PathPanel related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PathPanel ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PathPanel adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PathPanel ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PathPanel adware using Combo Cleaner:
PathPanel adware removal:
Remove PathPanel-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 is a type of software that can diminish the Internet browsing experience, affect computer performance. It also can cause problems related to online privacy, web browsing safety. Ads displayed by software if this type can be designed to download or install unwanted software.
What does adware do?
Adware displays advertisements. Also, it can be used to promote fake search engines and collect various information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is monetized by promoting various products, services, web pages, and so on. Usually, it is achieved through various affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PathPanel adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate PathPanel and other detected adware-type applications. Adware should be eliminated using specialized software (not manually). Otherwise, some of its components may remain hiding in the system even after the removal.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion