How to remove DisplayExplorer adware from Mac

What kind of application is DisplayExplorer?

Our research team discovered the DisplayExplorer application while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this app, we learned it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns.

DisplayExplorer adware overview

Adware delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns – typically by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. These ads are more than a mere annoyance, as they can promote scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some intrusive adverts can carry them out upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not work as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if DisplayExplorer does not deliver ads – its presence on a system threatens device and user safety.

It is pertinent to mention that while AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities – DisplayExplorer did not exhibit them during our analysis. This rogue app might also have data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for adware.

Software within this classification usually targets browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable information, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like DisplayExplorer on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Adware examples

We have written about numerous adware-type applications; WebImprovment, WebProtocol, IndexerParameter, and ArchiveAccess are merely a few of our latest articles.

Typically, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and harmless. Users can be lured into downloading/installing adware by promising various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did DisplayExplorer install on my computer?

Adware can be packed together with ordinary programs ("bundling"). The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages and is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software before downloading/installing. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DisplayExplorer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DisplayExplorer adware's installation is over:

DisplayExplorer adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is DisplayExplorer?
• STEP 1. Remove DisplayExplorer related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DisplayExplorer ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DisplayExplorer adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DisplayExplorer ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

DisplayExplorer adware removal:

Remove DisplayExplorer-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 ads promote content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Its presence on a system decreases browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive user data.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. The most common functionalities include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove DisplayExplorer adware?

Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. These remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.