Remove EssentialDesktop Adware From Mac

EssentialDesktop: Simple Delete Process

EssentialDesktop is a browser-based application that displays commercial content and interferes with online searches. This is the adware-type program that gets installed on the browser first, and then starts redirecting online traffic to useless commercial sites. The app is categorized as a potentially unwanted program because it comes to the device without users’ approval and intrusively. The shady tool is classified adware by users and victims for a reason because it appears out of nowhere, and it is difficult to remove the extension completely when there is no particular program added on the Mac.

EssentialDesktop Displays Intrusive Advertisements:

Like Searchmy.co and other PUPs, EssentialDesktop also relies on advertising display and page visit collection. This redirects routine ensures that third-party pages collect views and pay-per-click revenue can get generated. Such rogue applications also can record and access information about victims’ habits online. It is common for unwanted programs to access searched items, IP addresses, most viewed sites, commonly visited social media and shopping pages. So creators of commercial material can rely on such details and deliver more personalized ads. The sooner you delete this infection, the better because you can avoid this excessive commercial content delivery.

If you find this EssentialDesktop adware or receive messages, ads on different browsers like Explorer, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, you should go through the guide and clear all possible intruders. It is nothing but an unwanted application, so there is no need to keep it on the Mac. This is the browser-based intruder that controls various activities online and tries to redirect surfing through sponsored material. Once you receive those ads and pop-ups with indication of changes, redirects, make sure to check the security state of the computer.

EssentialDesktop removal procedure appears too problematic for some of the victims, but the intruder can trigger multiple alterations and lead to damage, so it is crucial to terminate the suspicious application as soon as possible. When adware reads, changes, or gathers information and details about websites you visit, you might end up in the malevolent cycle of redirects to dubious pages. Any pop-ups with an indication that this program is altering preferences or settings should be taken seriously. You need to consider EssentialDesktop useless and hazardous and get rid of it.

Ways To Spread EssentialDesktop:

This nasty PUP may be disguised under legitimate software update prompts, such as Flash Player, Java, Media Player, web browser, etc. Such popular apps are usually misused by cyber criminals and exploited for the distribution of potentially unwanted programs. So, it is important to update any software from official sites only and avoid interacting with suspicious third-party tools.

In other cases, it may be bundled with third-party programs. Therefore, when you decide to install any freeware, irrespective of how trustworthy it looks, avoid Quick, Recommended or Express installation. Instead of it, always opt for the Advanced or Custom installation option and cautiously check if it has additional components or not. If you find unfamiliar add-on, extension, toolbar, etc., make sure that you opt-out of it without any consideration. In case your Mac is already infected with this PUP, you must remove EssentialDesktop from the device without wasting any time.

Remove Files and Folders Related to EssentialDesktop

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove EssentialDesktop from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete EssentialDesktop add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to EssentialDesktop. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.