How to uninstall LeadShared from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is LeadShared?
Our inspection shows that LeadShared is designed to generate advertisements, classifying it as adware. Additionally, multiple security vendors have flagged the app as malicious. Users should avoid trusting LeadShared and uninstall it if it is already present on their device.
LeadShared adware in detail
LeadShared can deliver intrusive advertisements (e.g., banners, pop-ups, and coupons), which can disrupt the user experience. These advertisements can lead users to unsafe websites that distribute malware, phishing scams, or fraudulent services. On these sites, users may be tricked into taking malicious actions.
For example, users may be deceived into paying for fake services or products, disclosing sensitive information (e.g., passwords or credit card details), or even downloading and installing unwanted and potentially malicious programs. This could lead to identity theft, monetary loss, malware infiltration, and other issues.
LeadShared may also collect browsing history, search queries, IP addresses, device details, and user interactions. This might compromise privacy, as the data could be shared with third parties and exploited for malicious purposes. Furthermore, the presence of LeadShared can slow down system performance by consuming resources and constantly running background processes.
Given its classification as adware and the risks it poses, users should immediately remove LeadShared to protect their privacy and system integrity. If LeadShared cannot be removed manually (e.g., it reinstalls itself or some components remain in the system even after removal), we advise using Combo Cleaner for complete removal.
| Name | Ads by LeadShared |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:PuAgent-H [PUP]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.49), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.A), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.g), 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. |
Conclusion
Adware, like LeadShared, poses privacy and security risks by displaying intrusive ads, tracking user activity, and potentially exposing systems to malware. Since adware often operates without user consent and can be difficult to remove, it is best to avoid installing such applications.
Here are examples of apps similar to LeadShared: PrimaryBalance, ExecutiveSection, and FeedNames.
How did LeadShared install on my computer?
Adware is often packaged with other (usually questionable or free) software. Users who quickly proceed through installations without checking the settings (e.g., "Advanced" or "Custom") may unintentionally install it on their devices. This distribution method is called bundling.
Moreover, adware can be introduced through fraudulent software updates, misleading advertisements, harmful websites, unofficial app stores, notifications from suspicious sources, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and third-party downloaders.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Always download apps and files from official sources or reputable app stores. When installing, choose the "Custom" or "Advanced" options to carefully review and reject any extra offers, such as unwanted apps. Avoid clicking suspicious links, pop-ups, buttons, or ads on untrustworthy websites, and never give notification permissions to questionable sites.
Keep your system and software up to date, and regularly perform scans using reliable security software. If your computer is already infected with LeadShared, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of LeadShared:
LeadShared'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 LeadShared?
- STEP 1. Remove LeadShared related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LeadShared ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LeadShared adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LeadShared ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
LeadShared adware removal:
Remove LeadShared-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 expose users to scams and malware, slow down computers, disrupt user experience, and cause other issues.
What does adware do?
Adware displays annoying advertisements. Sometimes, it can gather browsing-related and other information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers usually make money by promoting products, websites, or services through affiliate programs, earning revenue from user interactions, purchases, or other activities.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LeadShared adware?
Combo Cleaner will thoroughly scan your system and eliminate all adware. Manual removal may not be entirely effective, as some files could remain hidden, and certain adware components might keep running even after removal.
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