How to uninstall EssentialModule from a computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is EssentialModule?
While surfing deceptive pages, we discovered an application called EssentialModule. Our team tested this app and found that it displays annoying advertisements. Thus, we classified EssentialModule as adware. It is worth mentioning that users do not normally download and install adware knowingly.
EssentialModule adware in detail
EssentialModule shows advertisements that can open websites designed to extract sensitive information, distribute questionable or malicious software, lure visitors into calling fake technical support numbers, etc. Also, those ads can cause unexpected downloads and installations.
Another reason not to trust EssentialModule is that it may be tracking users. We inspected many apps like EssentialModule and found that they often can read sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords, and other personal data. Their developers can misuse obtained data to hijack online accounts, steal money, make fraudulent purchases, steal identities, etc.
Also, adware can hijack a web browser. In such cases, adware changes the web browser's settings (default search engine, homepage, and new tab page) to promote shady search engines and (or) other untrustworthy websites.
| Name | Ads by EssentialModule |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Symantec (OSX.Trojan.Gen), 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. |
Adware in general
The purpose of advertising-supported software is to display intrusive advertisements (often to promote shady websites and apps). Also, it can function as a browser hijacker and track users/collect various data. A big part of adware is promoted and distributed using questionable and often deceptive methods.
More adware examples are ModuleUpgrade, GeneralOperation, and ConnectedField.
How did EssentialModule install on my computer?
Apps like EssentialModule are often distributed via fake installers (e.g., deceptive installers mimicking Adobe Flash Player installers). These installers are promoted on deceptive pages suggesting that some software is outdated, installation of an application is required to perform certain actions, etc.
Also, users install adware via deceptive advertisements and alongside other software (when adware is bundled with other software). Installers containing adware usually have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings. Adware gets installed after finishing installations without changing those settings (or unticking checkboxes).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from legitimate (official) websites and stores. It is not safe to use P2P networks, third-party downloaders, stores, unofficial websites, etc., to download apps and files. Also, check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps and deselect them using the provided settings before downloading and installing programs.
Do not trust advertisements on dubious pages (e.g., torrent sites, illegal movie streaming pages) or agree to receive notifications from such sites. If your computer is already infected with EssentialModule, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up window that appears after the installation of EssentialModule adware:
EssentialModule'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 EssentialModule?
- STEP 1. Remove EssentialModule related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EssentialModule ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EssentialModule adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EssentialModule ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EssentialModule adware using Combo Cleaner:
EssentialModule adware removal:
Remove EssentialModule-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 problem with adware is that it diminishes the web browsing experience by showing ads that conceal the contents of visited pages. Also, software of this type can slow down a computer and cause issues related to online privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware displays various advertisements. Additionally, it can be designed to hijack a web browser and track users (collect various data).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Typically, adware is monetized via affiliate programs and in similar ways. It is used to promote various pages, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialModule adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and completely remove adware. It is worth mentioning that adware can be persistent - it can be difficult to remove adware manually without leaving any of its data in the operating system. Therefore, it is recommended to eliminate adware with specialized software such as Combo Cleaner.
Outstanding!
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