How to remove OptionFlow adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OptionFlow?
We have learned about the OptionFlow application while reading forums. Our researchers have concluded that OptionFlow functions as adware - it generates advertisements. We have also found that this app slows down the Safari web browser and can remove apps designed to block advertisements.
OptionFlow adware in detail
Our team has tested lots of adware-type apps (many of them are virtually identical to OptionFlow) and found that most of them generate pop-ups, banners, coupons, or other types of ads. They can open download pages for questionable apps, various scams, and even malicious pages. Thus, it is strongly recommended not to trust OptionFlow (its ads).
Name | Ads by OptionFlow |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
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. |
More about adware
It is commnon that adware can hijack a web browser (change its settings) and collect data (including sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords). A big part of adware is distributed using deceptive methods. More examples of advertising-supported apps are SharedAllocate, PremiumLatest, CheckControl.
How did OptionFlow install on my computer?
The most popular ways to trick users into downloading/installing adware are deceptive advertisements, websites, fake installers, or downloaders/installers for other software. Fake installers are often distributed by disguising them as tools that are supposed to update outdated software.
Downloaders/installers used to distribute adware have "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings. Those settings must be changed before downloading/installing software to avoid unwanted downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Do not trust applications (or files) downloaded from questionable sources such as unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks, etc. Always use legitimate (official) pages and direct links to download software (or files). Also, do not click on ads and fake buttons displayed on torrent sites, adult pages, and other shady sites.
Deselect unwanted downloads and installations before downloading and installing software that has unwanted apps in its downloader and installer. If your computer is already infected with OptionFlow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of OptionFlow adware:
OptionFlow'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 OptionFlow?
- STEP 1. Remove OptionFlow related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OptionFlow ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OptionFlow adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OptionFlow ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OptionFlow adware using Combo Cleaner:
OptionFlow adware removal:
Remove OptionFlow-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?
Typically, the presence of adware causes problems such as diminished web browsing experience, a decrease in computer performance. Also, it can be the reason behind invaded privacy.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported applications are designed to generate intrusive advertisements. Additionally, they can be designed to hijack web browsers and (or) gather information about users.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They use adware to promote various products, services, web pages, etc. Their main source of income usually is affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OptionFlow adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and get rid of detected adware. It is worth mentioning that manual removal does not always work - various file leftovers remain hiding in the system even after the removal. Thus, it is recommended to remove adware automatically.
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