Removal instructions for PrimaryLauncher adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is PrimaryLauncher?
PrimaryLauncher is an adware-type app discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This piece of software belongs to the AdLoad malware family. PrimaryLauncher runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful capabilities.
PrimaryLauncher adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on various interfaces. It is pertinent to mention that adware might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if PrimaryLauncher does not deliver ads – its presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements are capable of executing scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed in this manner by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking capabilities, PrimaryLauncher did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Advertising-supported software typically gathers private information, and this might be true of PrimaryLauncher. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like PrimaryLauncher on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PrimaryLauncher |
| 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.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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; IdeaWindow, QueueNetworks, and ResearchMacMatrix are just a few of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It lures users into download/installation by promising various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Note that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did PrimaryLauncher install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users mainly access these webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The danger of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps and sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online contact usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look ordinary and innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering 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 PrimaryLauncher, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PrimaryLauncher adware's installation is over:
PrimaryLauncher 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 PrimaryLauncher?
- STEP 1. Remove PrimaryLauncher related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PrimaryLauncher ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PrimaryLauncher adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PrimaryLauncher ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PrimaryLauncher adware using Combo Cleaner:
PrimaryLauncher adware removal:
Remove PrimaryLauncher-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-displayed adverts endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also generate redirects and gather vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by promoting content. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PrimaryLauncher adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal. In some cases, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion