How to uninstall HorizonElite from a computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is HorizonElite?
After examining HorizonElite, we learned that it is a useless application that generates intrusive advertisements. Apps that show ads are classified as adware. We discovered HorizonElite while analyzing deceptive web pages suggesting that installed software is outdated. This app is distributed via a fake installer.
More about HorizonElite adware
HorizonElite shows pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and (or) other ads that can open phishing pages, technical support scam sites, pages promoting potentially malicious applications, and other untrustworthy websites. Moreover, some ads generated by HorizonElite can be designed to execute certain scripts to start downloading or installing unwanted software.
It is important to mention that we examined many apps similar to HorizonElite and found that they can read sensitive information. They can read credit card details, passwords, telephone numbers, browsing data, and other information. Adware developers may misuse such information for various purposes, which can cause users various problems.
| Name | Ads by HorizonElite |
| 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. |
Adware in general
Adware is a type of software that bombards users with intrusive advertisements. In addition to displaying ads and collecting data, adware can hijack web browsers (modify their settings) to promote fake search engines. A big part of advertising-supported apps is promoted/distributed using deceptive methods.
More examples of advertising-supported apps are AdjustableRotator, VibeProfile, and OpticalTransaction.
How did HorizonElite install on my computer?
It is common for apps like HorizonElite to be distributed via deceptive pages offering to install updates for the Adobe Flash Player or other software. Users install them after completing the installation steps provided in fake installers. In other cases, adware is distributed via software bundles and deceptive advertisements.
When adware is included in installers, users agree to install it after they complete installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings. Advertisements can cause unwanted downloads/installations when designed to run certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not download applications from questionable sources (e.g., unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks). Download them from official/legitimate pages and stores. Also, do not click on advertisements displayed on torrent sites, adult pages, illegal movie streaming sites, and other dubious pages (or allow such pages to show notifications).
Deselect unwanted applications (by changing the available settings) before downloading and installing software. If your computer is already infected with HorizonElite, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that shows up after the installation of HorizonElite adware:
HorizonElite'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 HorizonElite?
- STEP 1. Remove HorizonElite related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HorizonElite ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HorizonElite adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HorizonElite ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove HorizonElite adware using Combo Cleaner:
HorizonElite adware removal:
Remove HorizonElite-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?
The most common problems caused by adware are diminished Internet browsing experience and slow computer performance.
What does adware do?
The purpose of adware is to generate advertisements. Additionally, it can hijack a web browser and read various information (including sensitive data).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, they get paid for promoting various products, services, websites, etc. One of the most popular ways to generate revenue using adware is to participate in affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HorizonElite adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware from the operating system. This application will completely remove adware. It is worth mentioning that manual removal does not always work - files (or other components) belonging to adware remain in the system even after the removal.
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