How to remove CharacterSoftware (Mac)

What is CharacterSoftware

CharacterSoftware is an adware application belonging to the notorious AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting macOS systems. This software operates by generating revenue for its developers through intrusive advertising practices, including pop-up ads and redirects to dubious websites. Users may experience a decline in system performance, as CharacterSoftware can slow down their Mac while displaying unwanted advertisements. Additionally, this adware often tracks user data, potentially compromising privacy by collecting sensitive information such as browsing history and personal details. Installation typically occurs via deceptive software bundling or misleading advertisements, making it essential for users to exercise caution when downloading applications. To remove CharacterSoftware, utilizing a reputable antivirus solution like Combo Cleaner is highly recommended for effective malware eradication.

How CharacterSoftware infects Mac computers

CharacterSoftware, a type of adware from the AdLoad malware family, typically infects macOS systems through deceptive methods such as bundled software installations and malicious advertisements. Users may inadvertently install this adware when downloading free software from untrustworthy sources, where it is often bundled with legitimate applications. Additionally, intrusive pop-up ads and misleading downloads can trigger the installation process without the user’s consent. Once installed, CharacterSoftware may generate unwanted advertisements, track user data, and redirect users to dubious websites, posing significant privacy and security risks. Its presence can lead to a decline in system performance and an increased likelihood of further infections. To safeguard against such threats, users are advised to download software exclusively from reputable sources and maintain a vigilant approach during installations.

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

Remove CharacterSoftware manually for free

Note: CharacterSoftware 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 “CharacterSoftware” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: CharacterSoftware 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 CharacterSoftware in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

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

Remove CharacterSoftware from Applications

Remove CharacterSoftware from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall CharacterSoftware

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

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

Remove CharacterSoftware add-on from your browsers

Removing CharacterSoftware 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 CharacterSoftware 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 CharacterSoftware 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 CharacterSoftware 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 CharacterSoftware extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish CharacterSoftware 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 CharacterSoftware


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


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

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 CharacterSoftware in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like CharacterSoftware

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