How to uninstall Macfaster Pro unwanted app from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove Macfaster Pro from Mac?
What is Macfaster Pro?
Macfaster Pro is a piece of untrustworthy application. It presented as a system cleaner and optimizer for Mac operating systems. However, the threats and issues it detects are fake. The use of nonexistent problem detection is intended to trick users into purchasing Macfaster Pro. Furthermore, most users download/install this app inadvertently, it is classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
Once Macfaster Pro is installed and used to run a system scan - it finds numerous fake threats. However, to remove the supposed issues, this application must be activated (i.e. purchased). Yet even after activation, such unwanted apps (e.g. fake anti-virus tools) are usually unable to perform the promised functionalities. This is highly likely to apply to Macfaster Pro as well. Additionally, many PUAs have unmentioned, heinous functions. Some unwanted applications can force-open sale-oriented/promotional (of both legitimate and illegitimate products), rogue, deceptive, compromised, scam and malicious websites. Adware-types deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, they enable the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons and other intrusive ads - typically, on any visited webpage. The adverts diminish the browsing experience and pose a threat to device/user safety. Once clicked on, intrusive advertisements redirect to various unreliable/dangerous sites and some can even stealthily download/install software.
Another PUA type called browser hijackers modify browsers settings and limit/deny access to them - in order to promote (i.e. cause redirects to) fake search engines. The promoted web searchers are rarely able to provide search results, so they tend to redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo and other genuine search engines. What is more, most PUAs (regardless of type) have data tracking abilities. They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The collected data usually contains personally identifiable information. PUA developers monetize this information by sharing it with and/or selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to financial losses, system infections, severe privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
Name | Macfaster Pro potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application), Mac malware, Mac virus |
Supposed Functionality | System cleaning and optimizing |
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. |
PowerMyMac, Wise Mac Care, PowerSuite and Umate Mac Cleaner are some examples of other unwanted apps similar to Macfaster Pro. PUAs appear legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation and/or purchase with offers of various "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, despite how good the advertised functionalities may sound - they are seldom operational. The only goal of unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant. Instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can cause redirects, run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers and collect private data.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs (e.g. Macfaster Pro) have "official" promotional sites, from which they can be downloaded. However, these applications are more commonly downloaded/installed together with other programs. This deceptive marketing method of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g. ignored terms, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive adverts proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research software products to verify their legitimacy, before download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads must be done from official and trustworthy sources. Since dubious channels, like: unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) websites, P2P sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders - often offer harmful and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features and other additions. Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary, however they redirect to highly unreliable and questionable sites (e.g. gambling, adult-dating, pornography, and so on). In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of Macfaster Pro application (GIF):
Macfaster Pro installation setup:
Website promoting Macfaster Pro application:
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 "Macfaster Pro"?
- 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 adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
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 macfaster pro potentially unwanted application 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.
Macfaster Pro potentially unwanted application removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove macfaster pro potentially unwanted application 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 macfaster pro potentially unwanted application 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 macfaster pro potentially unwanted application 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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