Removal instructions for DefaultWindow adware

What kind of application is DefaultWindow?

DefaultWindow is a rogue application classified as adware. We discovered this app while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. DefaultWindow is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have additional harmful abilities. This piece of advertising-supported software belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

DefaultWindow adware overview

Adware displays advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited webpages, desktops, etc.). The ads can be pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, surveys, and so on.

These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

It is noteworthy that any legitimate products/services encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain commissions.

If the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable – advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns. However, even if DefaultWindow does not display adverts – its presence on a system continues to be a threat to device/user safety.

Since AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking abilities, this might be true of DefaultWindow – although the app did not exhibit any such traits during testing.

DefaultWindow likely gathers sensitive information. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following data: URLs visited, webpages viewed, such queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.

To summarize, software like DefaultWindow may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DefaultWindow
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), 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), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

LauncherIndex, ExpandedBrowser, and SkilledModuleSearch are merely a couple examples of adware-type apps we have examined recently.

Advertising-supported software entices users into download/installation with its seemingly legitimate appearance and promises of various useful functionalities. However, the features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did DefaultWindow install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Adware often has "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most visitors to such pages access them via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of these adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears ordinary and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

Should you keep experiencing ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DefaultWindow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DefaultWindow adware's installation is over:

DefaultWindow adware'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 DefaultWindow?
• STEP 1. Remove DefaultWindow related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DefaultWindow ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DefaultWindow adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DefaultWindow ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove DefaultWindow adware using Combo Cleaner:

DefaultWindow adware removal:

Remove DefaultWindow-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. This software displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Adware is also classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functionalities can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and/or collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultWindow adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.

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