In the initial stages of web browsing using a Mac, one would encounter windows containing ads that would randomly pop-up on the screen. Users were forced to close the ads repeatedly while browsing. Then came the invention of block Pop-up windows, which was a great relief. A tick in the check box and one could get rid of the nuisance.
However, this problem resurfaced again. And this time with strong messages and pop-ups that instill fear of virus or cyberspace crimes on your systems/Mac. While using Mac is a feeling of pride in itself, there is no guarantee of it being safe from malware at all times. However, staying careful and not falling for scammers can keep your Mac free from hazardous impacts. Internet is full of entities showing up fake and suspicious software to protect your Mac.
Safeguarding you Mac OS is important and hence, Mackeeper was introduced as a collection of utilities, apps and services that could help you keep your Mac clean and protected against viruses and in top-notch state. It has a number of software programs that claim to erase files securely, perform backups, and many such utilities.
However, many users complain that it has caused more problems than it has fixed. A question that is asked more frequently in relation to this is how to uninstall Mackeeper. It is said to be a horrendous task to get rid of Mackeeper after you have installed it. So much so that, people have re-installed the whole Mac OS in order to get rid of the Mackeeper.
Steps to uninstall Mackeeper in Mac
Step 1:
According to Mackeeper’s website, there are a few simple steps that you need to follow in order to uninstall the Mackeeper. You need to quit the app and then drag the app to the trash. In case you are using an older version, you have to first remove its menu bar icon first. Follow the steps given below.
- From the menu, click Go>Applications, then double click the Mackeeper icon.
- From the Mackeeper menu choose Preferences, and then click general.
- Uncheck the box for show Mackeeper icon in menu bar.
- From the Mackeeper menu click Quit.
- Drag the App icon to the trash. And then add administrator password 2 times when prompted. You may take the online survey asking reasons for uninstalling the app.
Step 2:
Hold back, you aren’t done yet. Like every other Mac app, the Mackeeper has several support files spread across your computer, at different locations. The uninstallation process of Mackeeper does not remove all of those files. In order to get rid of all the files left behind by Mackeeper you can either install Malwarebytes’ Anti-malware for Mac or do it manually.
Anti-malware for Mac- Download and install the app and click SCAN button. When a sheet appears, ticks the boxes for the software that you want to delete and click CONFIRM. Once done, you should restart your Mac.
Step 3:
MANUAL WAY- There are chances that the Malware app may still leave behind some of the Mackeeper’s files. You can check your Library folder in the home directory for the left over files.
- Finder’s Go Menu> Go to Folder
- In the dialog box, type library and click GO. The library folder will open. It is usually hidden in the home directory.
- See for Mackeeper Backups files, if any and drag them to trash.
- Take a look in the library folder and open APPLICATION SUPPORT, CACHE FOLDER, LAUNCH DAEMONS and LAUNCH AGENTS folder. If there are Mackeeper files, drag them to trash. You may also open the PREFERENCES folder and see for any Mackeeper files.
- Last, but not the least, FINDER MENU>EMPTY TRASH.
Step 4:
CLEANING SAFARI FOR MACKEEPER
Installing the Mackeeper results in Safari extensions and cookies also being installed on its own. The most annoying thing about them? They keep appearing & reappearing time and again. To relieve users of this, the latest Mac OS comes with a built-in tool to remove unknown and unwanted malware when you restart your Mac. If restarting does not help, then you can try the following:
- From the menu choose FORCE QUIT, and then select SAFARI and click FORCE QUIT.
- Launch safari while holding down the shift key
- Select PREFERENCES from the safari menu
- In the preference window, select the EXTENSIONS ICON
- Remove extensions that you think are unfamiliar.
- Once you’re done, quit safari and launch the app normally. It should now open without displaying any ads for Mackeeper.
