How to uninstall EssentialTask from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is EssentialTask?
We have tested the EssentialTask app and found that its functionality includes displaying annoying advertisements. This, we classified EssentialTask as adware. It is common for adware to be distributed using misleading tactics. As a result, users often install it unintentionally.
EssentialTask adware in detail
EssentialTask can generate various intrusive pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other advertisements. These ads are not only annoying but can contain deceptive content. Thus, users who interact with such ads can land on dubious websites or trigger unexpected downloads and installations.
Ads originating from EssentialTask can take users to phishing websites, technical support scams, fake lotteries, giveaways, pages hosting unwanted (and even malicious) software, and other shady sites. As a result, users may become victims of identity theft, pay for fake or unnecessary services (or lose money in other ways), download potentially malicious software, or encounter other consequences.
Also, having EssentialTask installed on computers can pose privacy risks. It is common for adware-type apps to be designed to gather browsing-related details and sometimes even sensitive information, such as credit card details and passwords. The collected data might be misused for malicious purposes.
Additionally, adware can slow down computers by consuming system resources and running background processes. Overall, it is highly advisable to avoid installing apps like EssentialTask and uninstall any that are already installed. Our adware removal guide can be found below.
| Name | Ads by EssentialTask |
| 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. |
More about adware
In conclusion, adware not only inundates users with intrusive advertisements but also has the potential to collect personal information without consent. Software of this type can also affect a computer's performance. Users should avoid installing apps from unreliable sources to avoid adware installation.
Some more examples of adware-type apps are TrustedBrowser, TechEnumerator, and ValueInterface.
How did EssentialTask install on my computer?
Users can install adware together with dubious or free software. During installations, users may not notice optional installations (typically mentioned in "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings) and agree to install adware or other unwanted apps.
Also, users may be tricked into installing adware via P2P networks, unofficial app stores (or websites), third-party downloaders, fake software updates, misleading advertisements, notifications from shady web pages, and similar channels.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Avoid clicking on pop-ups, ads, buttons, or links when visiting suspicious websites, and do not allow such sites to send notifications. Use reputable app stores and official websites for downloading programs and files. When installing software, thoroughly review installers and decline any unwanted offers/applications.
Furthermore, use a trusted antivirus program and perform regular scans to detect and remove unwanted applications or potential threats. Additionally, ensure all software and the operating system are kept up to date with the latest updates and patches.
If your computer is already infected with EssentialTask, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of EssentialTask:
EssentialTask'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 EssentialTask?
- STEP 1. Remove EssentialTask related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EssentialTask ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EssentialTask adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EssentialTask ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EssentialTask adware using Combo Cleaner:
EssentialTask adware removal:
Remove EssentialTask-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?
In most cases, adware disrupts browsing, poses privacy and security risks, and (or) diminishes computer performance by using up system resources.
What does adware do?
Adware is created to deliver ads and can also be programmed to hijack browsers and gather user data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by endorsing products, websites, or services through affiliate programs, which compensate them for directing traffic and generating sales.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EssentialTask adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate any installed adware-type software. However, manual removal may not always be thorough, leaving behind hidden leftover files in the system. Combo Cleaner ensures complete removal of adware without leaving any data.
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