How to Remove HorizonsHost Adware on Mac [Quick Guide]

author avatarTodor Pichurov Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

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Adware is one of the most frustrating nuisances for Mac users. It clutters your browsing experience with intrusive ads, redirects you to dubious websites, and can even expose your system to additional security risks.

One such offender is HorizonsHost, an adware application that belongs to the AdLoad family—a cluster of similar Mac adware variants distributed under different names.

If you’ve encountered an uptick in ads or suspicious browser behavior, HorizonsHost may be the culprit.

This guide will walk you through what HorizonsHost is, how it impacts your Mac, and how to safely remove it step-by-step.

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What is HorizonsHost Adware?

HorizonsHost is a type of adware designed to generate revenue for its creators by spamming users with advertisements, pop-ups, and browser redirects.

It typically infiltrates systems through deceptive methods like fake software updates, bundled downloads, or misleading advertisements.

As a member of the AdLoad adware family, HorizonsHost is more than a mere annoyance—it can compromise your online security and make your Mac vulnerable to further threats.

The software may also exploit push notification systems to spam users or install additional rogue extensions without their knowledge.

How adware affects your computer

HorizonsHost and similar adware variants can cause a range of problems:

  • Intrusive ads and pop-ups: Frequent interruptions with ads that are often irrelevant or dubious.
  • Browser hijacking: Redirects search queries to fake search engines or untrustworthy websites.
  • Exploitation of push notifications: Misleading websites trick you into subscribing to spammy notifications.
  • Gateway for malware: Opens pathways for other malicious software, phishing attacks, or identity theft.

Removing HorizonsHost promptly is critical to protecting your Mac and ensuring a smooth, secure user experience.

How to Remove HorizonsHost Adware

Below, we’ve outlined a comprehensive process to eliminate HorizonsHost and its remnants from your Mac.

Step 1: Remove HorizonsHost from Applications

  1. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
  2. Look for HorizonsHost or any suspicious applications you don’t recognize.
  3. Drag the application to the Trash and then empty the Trash to delete it permanently.
  4. Restart your Mac to ensure no lingering processes are running.
delete a program from applications using finder

Step 2: Delete residual files from system directories

  1. Open Finder, then select Go > Go to Folder from the menu bar.
  2. Enter each of the following paths one at a time, and look for suspicious files:
    • /Library/LaunchAgents/
    • /Library/Application Support/
    • /Library/LaunchDaemons/
    • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
    • ~/Library/Application Support/
  3. Search for files and folders associated with HorizonsHost.
  4. Delete any files you identify as part of the adware and empty the Trash.
delete files and folders from the library folder

Step 3: Remove unwanted login items

HorizonsHost may configure itself as a login item, ensuring it launches whenever your Mac starts. Removing these items is essential.

  1. Open System Settings and navigate to General > Login Items & Extensions.
  2. Look for any login items you don’t recognize or that are labeled suspiciously.
  3. Select the item and click the minus button to remove it.
remove malicious login items from macos

Step 4: Clean your Mac using SpyHunter

For a thorough cleanup and to ensure no hidden traces of HorizonsHost remain, use reliable anti-malware software like SpyHunter.

  1. Download the app here and install it.
  2. Open SpyHunter and run a scan for malware.
  3. Review the scan results and remove all identified adware and malware.
remove HorizonsHost with spyhunter
  1. Restart your Mac to finalize the removal process.
remove malware, viruses, and potentially unwanted programs with spyhunter for mac

SpyHunter provides a user-friendly interface and robust detection capabilities, making it an excellent tool for securing your Mac against adware.

Tips to prevent malware infections on your Mac

Prevention is the best defense against threats like HorizonsHost. Follow these simple tips to protect your Mac in the future:

  • Download applications only from trusted sources, such as the Mac App Store or official websites.
  • Avoid interacting with suspicious ads, pop-ups, or links, especially on unknown websites.
  • Be wary of fake software updates and avoid downloading apps from unverified prompts.
  • Keep your macOS and apps updated to close security vulnerabilities.
  • Regularly scan your Mac with a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Mac stays secure and adware-free.

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author avatar

Todor has over a decade of experience in creating content about cybersecurity. He specializes in making complex security topics understandable for all. As part of the SpyHunter team, Todor uses his expertise to educate users, empowering them to better understand and manage their digital environments securely and efficiently.

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