Removal instructions for the ProgressLauncher adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ProgressLauncher?
Our researchers discovered the ProgressLauncher adware while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. ProgressLauncher is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious ads.
ProgressLauncher adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display advertisements on various interfaces. However, certain conditions may be required for adware to deliver adverts (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). Even if ProgressLauncher does not display ads – its presence remains a threat to device/user safety.
Advertising-supported software enables the placement of advertisements that promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that genuine products or services encountered via these ads are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, ProgressLauncher did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ProgressLauncher. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, advertising-supported software like ProgressLauncher may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProgressLauncher |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined numerous adware samples; OriginalNavigation, PublicUpdater, and QuanticFit are merely a couple of our latest finds. Advertising-supported software tends to look legitimate and offer a broad range of functionalities. However, the features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned 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 ProgressLauncher install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. This is compounded by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages through redirects generated by sites that utilize rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProgressLauncher, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProgressLauncher adware's installation is over:
ProgressLauncher 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ProgressLauncher?
- STEP 1. Remove ProgressLauncher related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProgressLauncher ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProgressLauncher adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProgressLauncher ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProgressLauncher adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProgressLauncher adware removal:
Remove ProgressLauncher-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 adverts that endorse harmful content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also force-open sites and collect vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by endorsing content. Adware developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProgressLauncher adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications present. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security software) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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