How to remove the ExploreDesktop adware-type from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ExploreDesktop?
We found the ExploreDesktop application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. ExploreDesktop is adware from the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially dangerous advertisements.
ExploreDesktop adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, service, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
Note that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ExploreDesktop displays adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications may have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these qualities while testing the ExploreDesktop adware.
This rogue app likely has data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like ExploreDesktop on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExploreDesktop |
| 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.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 samples; ParameterBuffer, SimpleCache, ProfessionalView, and ExpandedControl are merely a few of our latest finds. This software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless.
Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational. It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did ExploreDesktop install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission – upon being clicked. These advertisements proliferate adware as well.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
We also advise exercising caution while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, scam-promoting, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExploreDesktop, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExploreDesktop adware's installation is over:
ExploreDesktop 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 ExploreDesktop?
- STEP 1. Remove ExploreDesktop related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExploreDesktop ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExploreDesktop adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExploreDesktop ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExploreDesktop adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExploreDesktop adware removal:
Remove ExploreDesktop-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-delivered ads can endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, adware is deemed to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening websites and gathering vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExploreDesktop adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Additionally, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware and other unwanted software must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion