How to remove HorizonFlower adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is HorizonFlower?
HorizonFlower is the name of an application we discovered after using a fake installer downloaded from an untrustworthy page. We found that HorizonFlower is useless (does not have any features) and displays unwanted (intrusive) advertisements. Thus, we concluded that HorizonFlower is an advertising-supported application (adware).
HorizonFlower adware in detail
While installed, HorizonFlower displays banners, pop-ups, coupons, and other advertisements. Those ads open shady websites (including various scams) and download pages for untrustworthy applications. It is important to mention that ads delivered by adware, if clicked, can cause unwanted downloads/installations by running certain scripts.
Our team has tested many apps virtually identical to HorizonFlower and found that some of them can read sensitive information. They can read credit card details, passwords, and other personal info. Thus, having such apps installed can cause problems related to online privacy.
| Name | Ads by HorizonFlower |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26878), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Symantec (OSX.Trojan.Gen.2), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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
Another common problem with adware is that it can change the settings of web browsers to promote fake search engines. It can hijack a web browser by changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to another address.
More adware examples are GenesisOdyssey, PixelUnlimited, and ConnectionInteractive.
How did HorizonFlower install on my computer?
Typically, apps like HorizonFlower get installed via shady ads and fake installers downloaded from deceptive pages. In other cases, it is distributed using software bundles. In such cases, adware gets installed after finishing software installation without deselecting unwanted apps.
Usually, unwanted installations (or downloads) can be deselected using "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings provided in installers (or downloaders).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not click on ads appearing on questionable websites (for example, illegal movie streaming or torrent sites). Do not agree to receive notifications from such pages as well. Download applications (and files) from trustworthy/official websites and stores.
Also, check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps (and deselect those apps) before downloading or installing software. If your computer is already infected with HorizonFlower, 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 HorizonFlower adware:
HorizonFlower'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 HorizonFlower?
- STEP 1. Remove HorizonFlower related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HorizonFlower ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HorizonFlower adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HorizonFlower ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove HorizonFlower adware using Combo Cleaner:
HorizonFlower adware removal:
Remove HorizonFlower-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 slow down a computer and diminish the Internet browsing experience (by showing ads that conceal the contents of visited websites). In some cases, adware can invade privacy.
What does adware do?
As a rule, the purpose of adware is to bombard users with annoying pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc. Also, it can be used to promote fake search engines and collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They promote various products, services, websites, etc. Usually, they participate in affilate programs to monetize adware.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HorizonFlower adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type applications. Note that manual removal can be difficult since various file leftovers may remain in the system even after the removal. Combo Cleaner does not leave any files or other components belonging to adware.
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