How to eliminate AddCloud adware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AddCloud?
AddCloud is a rogue application classified as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. Since most users unintentionally download/install apps of this type, they are also considered to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
AddCloud adware overview
Adware can deliver pop-ups, banners, surveys, and other intrusive advertisements. They can be displayed on any visited website and/or different interfaces. These ads endorse various sale-oriented, untrustworthy, rogue, scam, and even malicious sites. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - once they are clicked on.
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Therefore, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted search engine's address.
Illegitimate web searchers are typically unable to provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can reset any changes users try to make to their browsers or outright deny access to the browser settings.
Adware and browser hijackers usually have data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes (but is not limited to) - browsing activity, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, and finance-related data. This sensitive data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AddCloud |
| 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.j), 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
FlexProduct, FocusGuide, and LatestStructured are a few examples of adware-type apps. They appear legitimate and promise "handy" features, which are rarely operational. In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs. The only goal of unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant.
How did AddCloud install on my computer?
PUAs are proliferated using the "bundling" method - packing regular programs with various supplements. By rushing through downloads/installations, users risk allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements are used to spread PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. PUAs may also have "official" download sites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software and download from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - can offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all additions. Intrusive ads appear innocuous; however, they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
Should users experience such advertisements and/or redirects, they must inspect their devices and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected. If your computer is already infected with AddCloud, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AddCloud adware's installation is over:
AddCloud adware's installation 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 AddCloud?
- STEP 1. Remove AddCloud related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AddCloud ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AddCloud adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AddCloud ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AddCloud adware using Combo Cleaner:
AddCloud adware removal:
Remove AddCloud-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 negatively affect browsing quality and system performance. This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause other serious problems.
What does adware do?
Adware (advertising-supported software) is designed to display various ads on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers primarily generate profit through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AddCloud adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications present. On the other hand, manual removal might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various files remain hidden in the system. What is more, the leftover components can continue running and causing issues.
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