"Install" Would Like To Control This Computer POP-UP Scam (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove "Install" Would Like To Control This Computer from Mac?
What is "Install" Would Like To Control This Computer?
"Install" Would Like To Control This Computer is a deceptive pop-up window that asks Mac users to allow "Install" to control the Safari browser and computer using accessibility features. It asks for these permissions within two different pop-up windows. Typically, these windows are displayed by adware - programs that deliver various advertisements. Some examples of other fake system pop-ups include "Bash wants to control System Events", "Osascript wants to control Safari", and "Terminal would like to control this computer".
One pop-up window requests permission for the "Install" application to have access to Security & Privacy preferences, while the other asks permission to allow it to control the Safari browser. Granting these permissions will provide access to documents and data within Safari and also allow actions to be performed within this app. Pop-ups of this type are usually generated by adware-type apps or associated installers, which demand permissions to access various settings or applications. Giving these permissions can allow these apps or installers to make changes to browser settings, thus causing redirects to unwanted/untrustworthy and potentially malicious websites. Forced redirects to these websites can lead to computer infections, unwanted downloads/installations, problems relating to privacy and browsing safety, and so on. We recommend that you ignore any requests made by "Install" ("Install" Would Like To Control This Computer). If you encounter these pop-ups, check your browser for any unwanted/unknown apps (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) and remove them immediately. Also check the list of installed programs on your Mac.
Adware-type applications are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) that serve users with intrusive ads. These are usually coupons, banners, pop-ups, surveys, etc. Generally, they are displayed through tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site and conceal underlying content. Clicking them usually results in redirects to untrustworthy websites, and some might run scripts that download/install even more unwanted apps. Note that some of these unwanted apps deploy ads but also record data relating to users' browsing habits such as IP addresses, search queries, URLs of visited websites, geo-locations, etc. PUAs developers share the data with third parties (often cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.
Name | "Install" Would Like To Control This Computer virus |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady 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. |
These pop-ups might be designed for different purposes: some could ask for various permissions, whilst others might ask users to enter login and password details, and so on. In any case, potentially unwanted apps (adware-type) cause these pop-up windows. Most people are tricked into installing these apps inadvertently. Once installed, they provide none of the functionality promised or any other value. PUAs have just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than enabling the functions promised, they pose a direct threat to your privacy and browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
These apps usually infiltrate systems without users' knowledge and are installed unintentionally through clicked deceptive ads or when software developers use the "bundling" method. This is used to trick people into installing unwanted apps together with other software. These unwanted apps are usually hidden in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of the installation/download set-ups. Most people install/download these unwanted apps simply by skipping installation/download steps or leaving available settings unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download computer programs using trustworthy and official sources (websites) only. Do not use third party software downloaders/installers, P2P (peer-to-peer) networks such as torrent clients, eMule, and so on, or other similar channels. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings of the download or installation processes and deselect offers to install/download any unwanted apps. If you continually encounter advertisements or redirects that lead to dubious websites (gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.), adware (or other PUAs) might be installed on your browser or operating system. Check your browser for unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons, and remove all unwanted/unknown or suspicious entries. Also apply this to programs installed on the computer. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in both pop-up windows:
Upper pop-up window:
Accessibility Access (Events)
"Install" would like to control this computer using accessibility features.
Grant access to this application in Security & Privacy preferences, located in System Preferences.
[Open System Preferences] [Deny]
Lower pop-up window:
"Install" wants access to control "Safari".
Allowing controll will provide access to documents and data in "Safari", and to perform actions within that app.
[Don't Allow] [OK]
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is "Install" Would Like To Control This Computer?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove "Install" Would Like To Control This Computer pop-ups using Combo Cleaner:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove 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 "install" would like to control this computer virus 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
"Install" Would Like To Control This Computer virus removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove "install" would like to control this computer virus related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove "install" would like to control this computer virus related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove "install" would like to control this computer virus related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
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