How to eliminate the UpgradeSearchView adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is UpgradeSearchView?
UpgradeSearchView displays ads and promotes a fake search engine. It has the qualities of advertising-supported software and a browser-hijacking application. Apps like UpgradeSearchView are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). It is because the majority of users download and install them inadvertently.
UpgradeSearchView adware in detail
UpgradeSearchView generates advertisements that could open untrustworthy sites. For example, various scams designed to extract credit card details or other personal information, download pages for PUAs, potentially malicious sites, etc. Those ads could also run certain scripts to download or even install unwanted programs.
Also, UpgradeSearchView hijacks a browser by changing its settings (default search engine, homepage, and new tab page). It promotes a fake search engine and does not allow to remove its address from settings. Fake search engines can show search results containing links to potentially malicious sites.
| Name | Ads by UpgradeSearchView |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.56), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.l), 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. |
UpgradeSearchView in general
UpgradeSearchView has two purposes - to hijack a web browser and generate pop-ups, banners, coupons, or other ads. There are lots of apps like UpgradeSearchView, for example, SearchMultiplyResults, CleanSearch, and ValidNetBoost. Apps of this type can be capable of collecting various data.
How did UpgradeSearchView install on my computer?
UpgradeSearchView is distributed using a fake Adobe Flash Player installer. Typically, fake installers are promoted through deceptive websites claiming that some software is out of date, computer is infected, and so on. Sometimes, apps of this kind get downloaded, installed via ads designed to run certain scripts.
It is also common for PUAs to be included in downloaders and installers for other programs as optional downloads or installations. Users download or install PUAs alongside other programs when they do not check and change "Manual", "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings available in their downloaders, installers.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download applications from trustworthy sources (official websites, legitimate platforms). Examine downloaders and installers that have any settings or checkboxes - they could contain unwanted applications. Avoid clicking on advertisements that appear on shady, dubious pages.
If your computer is already infected with UpgradeSearchView, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the UpgradeSearchView adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.UpgradeSearchView/UpgradeSearchView
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.UpgradeSearchView Daemon/UpgradeSearchView
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.UpgradeSearchView.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.UpgradeSearchView Daemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the UpgradeSearchView website 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 (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
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 UpgradeSearchView?
- STEP 1. Remove UpgradeSearchView related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UpgradeSearchView ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UpgradeSearchView adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UpgradeSearchView ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UpgradeSearchView adware using Combo Cleaner:
UpgradeSearchView adware removal:
Remove UpgradeSearchView-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?
Advertising-supported software/adware can slow down a computer, diminish the Internet browsing experience. It also can be designed to collect various data, which might lead to problems related to online privacy or other issues.
What does adware do?
The purpose of adware is to generate intrusive advertisements. Apps like UpgradeSearchView have additional functionalities - they hijack browsers (change their settings to promote fake search engines).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is monetized by using it to promote various websites, products, services, and so on. It is worth mentioning that most adware developers make money through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove UpgradeSearchView adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate UpgradeSearchView or other detected adware-type applications. It is advisable to eliminate adware with specialized software because manual removal might not be enough (some software components might remain in the system).
Outstanding!
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