How to eliminate WindowsMegabyte adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is WindowsMegabyte?
WindowsMegabyte functions as advertising-supported software and a browser hijacker. This app generates advertisements and changes the web browser's settings to promote a fake search engine. In most cases, users install such apps inadvertently. Thus, they fall into the category of potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
WindowsMegabyte adware in detail
WindowsMegabyte displays advertisements that could lead to potentially malicious pages, various scams, pages using deception to trick visitors into downloading (and installing) PUAs, etc. Those ads could also cause unexpected downloads, installations.
WindowsMegabyte hijacks a web browser by changing its settings and not allowing users to undo those changes (while it is present/installed). It changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to a fake search engine that could include untrustworthy pages in its search results or redirect users to shady pages.
| Name | Ads by WindowsMegabyte |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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. |
WindowsMegabyte in general
The purpose of WindowsMegabyte is to show unwanted advertisements and promote a fake search engine. It could be capable of collecting browsing data or other information as well. There are plenty of examples of similar apps. Some of them are NetworkService, LinkInfo, and PathNetwork.
How did WindowsMegabyte install on my computer?
Adware is distributed by bundling it together with other programs, through ads designed to execute certain scripts, fake installers. In the first case, users download or install adware when they leave "Advanced", "Custom" or other settings available in downloaders or installers unchanged.
Fake installers usually are designed to look like installers for legitimate programs, updates. Most of them are promoted through deceptive pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to use legitimate sources such as official pages to download applications and files, not other sources. Advertisements appearing on dubious pages should not be clicked as well.
One more way to avoid unexpected downloads or installations is to check downloaders and installers for unwanted applications before downloading and installing programs.
If your computer is already infected with WindowsMegabyte, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of WindowsMegabyte adware:
WindowsMegabyte'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 WindowsMegabyte?
- STEP 1. Remove WindowsMegabyte related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove WindowsMegabyte ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove WindowsMegabyte adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove WindowsMegabyte ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove WindowsMegabyte adware using Combo Cleaner:
WindowsMegabyte adware removal:
Remove WindowsMegabyte-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 be the reason behind poor computer performance, diminished web browsing experience. Ads displayed by adware can cause unwanted downloads or installations.
What does adware do?
Adware (also known as advertising-supported software) generates advertisements. Software or this type can also be designed to collect data, change the web browser's settings/promote some fake search engine.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Individuals behind adware generate revenue mainly by promoting various products, websites, services. A big part of their revenue comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WindowsMegabyte adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. It is important to mention that manual removal may not work since some adware components might remain present even after the removal. Thus, it is recommended to eliminate adware using specialized software like Combo Cleaner.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion