How to remove AddSystem adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is AddSystem?
AddSystem displays advertisements and changes web browser's settings to promote a fake search engine. This app functions as adware and a browser hijacker. A big part of apps of this kind gets installed unintentionally. Thus, AddSystem and similar apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
AddSystem in detail
AddSystem generates annoying advertisements designed to promote shady websites (for example, pages asking to provide sensitive information, encouraging to install other PUAs). Moreover, some of those ads could be designed to execute certain scripts and cause unwanted downloads or even installations.
AddSystem changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to an address of a fake search engine. It also does not allow to undo these changes until it is removed. That fake search engines could promote untrustworthy web pages and (or) show results generated by other questionable search engines.
| Name | Ads by AddSystem |
| 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. |
AddSystem in general
AddSystem is a PUA that hijacks a web browser and displays unwanted ads. It is very likely that this app is promoted/distributed using deceptive methods. More examples of applications like AddSystem are FlexInterval, AddCloud, FlexProduct.
How did AddSystem install on my computer?
Usually, adware gets installed through ads designed to execute certain scripts (when users click on those ads), via fake installers, or together with other programs. Users agree to download or install PAUs alongside other programs by leaving "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings available in downloaders or installed unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software and files from trustworthy (official) pages and avoid using other sources. Also, Avoid clicking advertisements that appear on shady websites and do not download or install programs without checking their downloaders and installers for unwanted applications.
If your computer is already infected with AddSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of AddSystem adware:
AddSystem'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
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Quick menu:
- What is AddSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove AddSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AddSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AddSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AddSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AddSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:
AddSystem adware removal:
Remove AddSystem-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 affect computer performance (slow down a computer), diminish the Internet browsing experience. It also can cause problems related to online privacy, web browsing safety.
What does adware do?
Usually, the main purpose of adware is to generate advertisements. Although, it can be designed to hijack a web browser (to promote a fake search engine) and collect various data too.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
It is common for adware to be monetized through affiliate programs. It is used to promote various products, services, web pages, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AddSystem adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and get rid of AddSystem or other installed adware. It is recommended to remove adware with a specialized program because manual adware removal might not work (some of the adware components/file leftovers may remain present and running even after the removal).
Outstanding!
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