Removal instructions for the LaunchBrowser adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is LaunchBrowser?
Our research team discovered LaunchBrowser while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After inspecting this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, LaunchBrowser is part of the AdLoad malware family.
LaunchBrowser adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts primarily promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether LaunchBrowser delivers adverts – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
While AdLoad apps often have browser hijacker qualities, the LaunchBrowser adware did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like LaunchBrowser on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LaunchBrowser |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined countless adware-type apps; PositiveProcessor, PrimeVersion, and TransformFusion are just a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that operational features do not serve as a definitive indicator of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did LaunchBrowser install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to proliferate adware.
Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors to these webpages access them via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Furthermore, installation must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look ordinary and innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LaunchBrowser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LaunchBrowser adware's installation is over:
LaunchBrowser 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 LaunchBrowser?
- STEP 1. Remove LaunchBrowser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LaunchBrowser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LaunchBrowser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LaunchBrowser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LaunchBrowser adware using Combo Cleaner:
LaunchBrowser adware removal:
Remove LaunchBrowser-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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also classed as a privacy threat, as adware usually collects private information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various sites, applications, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LaunchBrowser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware-type apps installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system following the adware's manual removal. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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