How to remove CommonBoost (Mac)

What is CommonBoost

CommonBoost is a type of adware that targets Mac users, designed to generate intrusive advertisements and disrupt online experiences. Once installed, it floods users with unwanted pop-ups, coupons, and banners that often contain misleading or deceptive content. Clicking on these ads can lead to potential scams, phishing sites, and other malicious web pages, putting users at risk of financial loss and identity theft. Additionally, CommonBoost may collect sensitive personal information, such as browsing habits and login credentials, which can be exploited or sold to third parties. This adware can also slow down system performance and hijack browser settings, making it essential for users to remove it promptly. To safeguard against such threats, using reliable antivirus software is highly recommended.

How CommonBoost infects Mac computers

CommonBoost typically infects Macs through deceptive tactics, often bundled with legitimate software during installation. Users may inadvertently install it by overlooking “Advanced” or “Custom” installation options, allowing unwanted applications to slip through. The adware may also be distributed via torrent downloads, untrustworthy websites, or through enticing pop-up ads that promise free software or services. Once installed, CommonBoost generates intrusive advertisements, which not only disrupt the user experience but can also direct users to potentially harmful websites, including phishing sites. Additionally, it may harvest sensitive data such as browsing history, login credentials, and personal information, leading to further privacy risks. Thus, maintaining vigilance during software installations and avoiding suspicious downloads are key to preventing CommonBoost infections.

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

Remove CommonBoost manually for free

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

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

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

Remove CommonBoost from Applications

Remove CommonBoost from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall CommonBoost

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

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

Remove CommonBoost add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish CommonBoost 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 CommonBoost


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


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

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 CommonBoost in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like CommonBoost

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