How to remove AssistiveLibrary (Mac)

What is AssistiveLibrary

AssistiveLibrary is an adware-type application that has been identified as part of the AdLoad malware family. This software generates revenue for its developers by displaying intrusive advertisements, such as pop-ups, surveys, and overlays, on users’ devices. While it may appear harmless at first glance, AssistiveLibrary poses significant risks to user privacy and device security. It collects sensitive information, including browsing habits and personal data, which can be monetized or exploited by third parties. Users often encounter this adware through deceptive downloads, bundled software, or clicking on malicious advertisements. Therefore, removing AssistiveLibrary promptly is crucial to maintaining system integrity and protecting personal information. Regular scans with reputable antivirus software can help identify and eliminate this threat effectively.

How AssistiveLibrary infects Mac computers

AssistiveLibrary, a member of the AdLoad malware family, typically infiltrates macOS systems through deceptive tactics that exploit user behavior. This adware often bundles itself with legitimate software found on dubious websites or during the installation of free applications, where users may inadvertently grant permission for its installation by opting for “Easy” or “Express” settings. Once installed, AssistiveLibrary generates intrusive advertisements, redirects users to questionable websites, and can even lead to further malware downloads. Additionally, the adware can track user activity by collecting sensitive data, such as browsing history and personal information, which is then monetized through third-party sales. Its stealthy nature and ability to masquerade as benign software make it a persistent threat to user privacy and system integrity. To mitigate the risk of infection, users are advised to be vigilant about their downloads and to opt for custom installation settings whenever possible.

1. Download AssistiveLibrary Removal Tool
2. Remove AssistiveLibrary from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall AssistiveLibrary from Applications
4. Remove AssistiveLibrary from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove AssistiveLibrary files and folders
7. Block AssistiveLibrary ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like AssistiveLibrary

Remove AssistiveLibrary manually for free

Note: AssistiveLibrary sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “AssistiveLibrary” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: AssistiveLibrary won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose AssistiveLibrary in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full AssistiveLibrary removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of AssistiveLibrary installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove AssistiveLibrary from Applications

Remove AssistiveLibrary from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. AssistiveLibrary might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall AssistiveLibrary or AssistiveLibrary Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag AssistiveLibrary from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall AssistiveLibrary

If you can’t uninstall AssistiveLibrary using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of AssistiveLibrary. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag AssistiveLibrary from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with AssistiveLibrary.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove AssistiveLibrary add-on from your browsers

Removing AssistiveLibrary from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the AssistiveLibrary extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find AssistiveLibrary extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find AssistiveLibrary extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose AssistiveLibrary extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish AssistiveLibrary removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of AssistiveLibrary


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.AssistiveLibrary.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AssistiveLibrary.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.AssistiveLibrary.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AssistiveLibrary.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote AssistiveLibrary

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting AssistiveLibrary in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like AssistiveLibrary

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac