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How to remove MacBooster from your computer

Also Known As: MacBooster potentially unwanted application
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is MacBooster?

The MacBooster (MacBooster 6 and MacBooster 7) application claims to provide various system optimization tools. Many users believe that MacBooster is legitimate and useful, however, developers proliferate this app using the "bundling" method. Therefore, it often infiltrates systems without permission and is categorized as unwanted application.

MacBooster Unwanted Application

More about MacBooster

As mentioned above, MacBooster infiltrates systems without permission. Therefore, although MacBooster claims to enhance overall system performance by cleaning junk files, removing viruses, and so on, its presence might affect performance. Note that MacBooster can infiltrate systems that are optimized and virus-free.

It runs in the background, uses system resources, and occupies memory, thereby affecting system performance. Although this app is technically legitimate, in many cases it is categorized as an unwanted application. Therefore, you might want to consider removing it.

In most cases, criminals "bundle" several rogue applications at once, and so there is a high probability that MacBooster was delivered  with adware or browser-hijacking apps. These programs deliver intrusive advertisements, cause unwanted redirects, and gather sensitive information.

This poses a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety and they should be eliminated immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name MacBooster potentially unwanted application
Threat Type PUP (potentially unwanted program), unwanted application, Mac malware, Mac virus
Supposed Functionality System cleaning and performance enhancement.
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Bundlore-CX [PUP]), BitDefender (Trojan.MAC.Generic.7484), DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.MacBooster.3), Emsisoft (Trojan.MAC.Generic.7484 (B)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment to eliminate the supposedly found errors.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance.
Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Conclusion

Dozens of potentially unwanted applications (such as UnzipPro, MyShopcoupon, and Any Search Manager) infiltrate systems without users' permission. Unlike MacBooster, however, most are not legitimate. By offering many "useful features", unwanted apps attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, and yet their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.

Rather than giving any real value for regular users, potentially unwanted applications deliver intrusive advertisements, gather sensitive information, cause unwanted redirects, and promote in-app purchases.

How did unwanted programs install on my computer?

As mentioned, developers promote MacBooster using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps. Developers do not adequately disclose installation of potentially unwanted applications.

Therefore, they "bundle" unwanted apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps - behavior that often leads to inadvertent installation of unwanted apps. In this way, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

As well as using the "bundling" method, criminals proliferate potentially unwanted applications via intrusive advertisements (which redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that download/install malware or unwanted apps). To prevent this situation, be very cautious when downloading/installing software, and browsing the Internet.

Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. We advise you to download your programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party download/installation tools are monetized using the "bundling" method, and thus these tools should never be used.

Intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, however, they redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites. They are often delivered by adware-type apps. Therefore, if you experience suspicious redirects, remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior - caution is the key to safety. If your computer is already infected with unwanted apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Deceptive installer that "bundles" MacBooster:

Rogue installer that proliferates MacBooster

Screenshot of the official MacBooster's installation setup:

MacBooster installation setup

Screenshot of a website promoting MacBooster unwanted applications:

MacBooster unwanted application promoting website

Appearance of MacBooster performing a system scan:

MacBooster performing a system scan

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:

Video showing how to remove MacBooster unwanted application using Combo Cleaner:

Potentially unwanted programs removal:

Remove PUP-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac adware removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of an unwanted application?

Undesirable applications are specifically engineered with the primary goal of generating revenue through multiple methods. They achieve this by promoting in-app purchases to users, enticing them to spend money on virtual goods, features, or services within the app. Additionally, these applications often employ aggressive strategies by delivering intrusive and disruptive advertisements, which can significantly disrupt the user experience.

Is MacBooster unwanted application legal?

In the majority of cases, unwanted applications are legally permissible because they typically include End User License Agreements (EULAs) that explicitly inform users about the potential behaviors of the application. These EULAs serve as a form of disclosure, outlining the app's intended functionalities and any associated risks, thus allowing users to decide whether to proceed with the installation.

Is having MacBooster installed on my computer dangerous?

MacBooster is not a malicious application. However, it may be distributed alongside unwanted apps like browser hijackers, advertising-supported apps, and similar undesirable programs.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove MacBooster unwanted application?

Combo Cleaner will conduct a thorough computer scan to remove all undesirable and potentially harmful applications. It is important to recognize that relying solely on manual removal may not yield a flawless solution, as remnants of files could persist within the system, even if the primary software has been uninstalled.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
MacBooster potentially unwanted application QR code
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