How to remove PanelCharge from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PanelCharge?
After downloading and installing the PanelCharge application, we learned that it is an advertising-supported application that bombards users with unwanted and intrusive advertisements. We discovered it while examining deceptive websites claiming that certain installed software is outdated.
PanelCharge adware in detail
PanelCharge shows annoying banners, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, etc. Clicking on ads displayed by this app can open websites designed to trick visitors into providing personal information, downloading questionable apps, and other dubious sites. Also, those ads can be designed to cause unexpected downloads or installations.
In some cases, apps like PanelCharge can read sensitive information. Our team tested plenty of similar apps and found that they can read credit card details, passwords, browsing history, and other information. Such data can be misused for malicious purposes, especially if collected by adware like PanelCharge.
| Name | Ads by PanelCharge |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27132), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.a), 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. |
Adware in general
Adware is unwanted software that generates annoying advertisements that can open untrustworthy websites and cause unexpected downloads/installations. In addition to that, adware can be designed to hijack web browsers and gather data about users. Either way, adware should not be installed on any browser or operating system.
More adware examples are SpaceEnergy, StepWarrior, and CacheOptimization.
How did PanelCharge install on my computer?
One of the most popular ways to distribute apps like PanelCharge is to trick users into using fake Adobe Flash Player installers. Typically, these installers are downloaded from deceptive pages claiming that it is required to update the installed software.
It is also common for adware to be distributed using shady ads and software bundles. When adware is bundled with other software, installers have settings that can be used to deselect unwanted apps. Adware gets installed after finishing the installation processes without changing "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual", or similar settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download files and applications from official websites and stores. It is strongly recommended not to use unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources to download them. Also, do not click on advertisements appearing on questionable pages (or allow such pages to deliver notifications). Always deselect unwanted apps before downloading and installing software.
If your computer is already infected with PanelCharge, 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 PanelCharge adware:
PanelCharge'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 PanelCharge?
- STEP 1. Remove PanelCharge related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PanelCharge ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PanelCharge adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PanelCharge ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PanelCharge adware using Combo Cleaner:
PanelCharge adware removal:
Remove PanelCharge-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?
It can slow down a computer and diminish the web browsing experience. In some cases, it can access data that can be misused for malicious purposes.
What does adware do?
Usually, the purpose of adware is to show unwanted advertisements. Sometimes, software of this type can manipulate the settings of a web browser to promote a fake search engine and gather information about users.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most adware developers participate in affiliate programs to monetize adware. They promote various products, services, web pages, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PanelCharge adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware from the operating system. It will not leave any files or other components belonging to adware which can be difficult to achieve by removing adware manually.
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