How to eliminate EssentialWindow adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is EssentialWindow?
Our researchers found the EssentialWindow app while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. EssentialWindow runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and collects private data. This application belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
EssentialWindow adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. These ads endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations.
It must be mentioned that any legitimate content encountered through these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to fraudulently acquire commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver ads if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Even if EssentialWindow does not run intrusive advertisement campaigns – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking abilities, and this might be true of EssentialWindow. However, this application did not exhibit such qualities during testing.
Furthermore, EssentialWindow has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like EssentialWindow on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EssentialWindow |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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 examples
StackMist, OperativeInfluence, WorldWideProjector, and LaserMacroKnowledge – are just some examples of adware-type apps that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
How did EssentialWindow install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users typically enter these webpages through redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements are used to spread this software. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. It is essential to approach installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all additions.
We advise being cautious when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you keep experiencing ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EssentialWindow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EssentialWindow adware's installation is over:
EssentialWindow adware's installation folder:
EssentialWindow adware installed onto a Safari browser:
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 EssentialWindow?
- STEP 1. Remove EssentialWindow related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EssentialWindow ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EssentialWindow adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EssentialWindow ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EssentialWindow adware using Combo Cleaner:
EssentialWindow adware removal:
Remove EssentialWindow-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It often has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy. Additionally, this software displays deceptive and malicious advertisements that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., display advertisements on various interfaces. Some types also force-open websites and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialWindow adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It is worth noting that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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