How to remove PixelRotator from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PixelRotator?
Upon assessment, it became clear that the primary goal of PixelRotator is to inundate users with intrusive advertisements. In essence, PixelRotator operates as adware. It is important to emphasize that applications like PixelRotator are often unintentionally installed by users due to the tactics used for their promotion and distribution.
PixelRotator adware in detail
These advertisements displayed by PixelRotator can take various forms, including pop-ups and banners. Some of these ads may direct users to unreliable or potentially unsafe websites. For instance, users may encounter ads leading to counterfeit online stores designed to steal payment information or deliver fake products or services.
Furthermore, some of these ads can direct users to phishing pages, which are crafted to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information like login credentials or credit card details. Additionally, there is a risk that certain ads may lead users to websites that distribute malware.
Moreover, users might be redirected to tech support scam pages that claim their devices are infected, attempting to persuade them to pay for unnecessary services or software. Some of the ads presented by PixelRotator could be designed to initiate unexpected downloads or even installations. Thus, it is highly advisable to remove PixelRotator from affected computers.
| Name | Ads by PixelRotator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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. |
More about adware
In some cases, adware has the ability to collect information about users' online behavior, including their browsing history, search queries, and possibly sensitive data such as credit card details and login credentials. This gathered data is often shared with (sold to) third parties, raising substantial privacy issues.
Moreover, adware can utilize browser hijacking methods to modify browser settings, forcing users to visit shady websites, including counterfeit search engines. Other applications displaying similar behavior to PixelRotator include ModernCore, ManagerMaster, and ManagerObsession.
How did PixelRotator install on my computer?
Adware is frequently bundled with free or seemingly legitimate software downloads. When users install such software, they may not be aware that adware is included as an additional or hidden component within the installation package. Unwanted installations happen when users leave the provided settings (e.g., "Advanced" or "Custom") unchanged.
Furthermore, users can unintentionally install adware by clicking on deceptive advertisements. Another risk factor is downloading and installing pirated or cracked software or similar content from untrustworthy sources, which can expose users to adware infections.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Only download software and applications from reliable sources, such as official app stores like the Apple App Store or official websites. When you are in the process of installing programs, carefully review the installation options. Choose the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings to deselect unwanted apps.
Exercise caution when encountering online advertisements. Refrain from interacting with ads that display deceptive traits or seem overly enticing. Be cautious when faced with pop-up notifications that claim system infections or demand upgrades. If your computer is already infected with PixelRotator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
The message that appears after the installation of PixelRotator adware:
PixelRotator'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 PixelRotator?
- STEP 1. Remove PixelRotator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PixelRotator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PixelRotator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PixelRotator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PixelRotator adware using Combo Cleaner:
PixelRotator adware removal:
Remove PixelRotator-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 significantly slow down your computer, leading to sluggish performance and system instability. Furthermore, it poses a threat to your privacy as it may collect sensitive information and monitor your online activities.
What does adware do?
Typically, software of this nature displays irritating advertisements to its users. Moreover, it may function as a browser hijacker.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware creators typically generate revenue by promoting various products, websites, or services, and the majority of their income is derived from participating in affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PixelRotator adware?
Combo Cleaner performs comprehensive scans of computers to detect and remove any adware-type applications that may be installed. Relying solely on manual removal may not address all instances, so it is recommended to use a reliable tool like Combo Cleaner to ensure the complete removal of adware from your system.
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