How to remove ControlMachine (Mac)

What is ControlMachine

ControlMachine is classified as adware, often referred to as a potentially unwanted application (PUA). This malicious software is designed to generate revenue through intrusive advertising methods, impacting user experience by bombarding them with unwanted ads. Typically, ControlMachine infiltrates Mac systems bundled with third-party software or freeware, leading to unintentional installations. Once active, it may alter browser settings, including the homepage and default search engine, without user consent. The adware also poses privacy risks by monitoring web browsing activities, potentially exposing sensitive data. Immediate removal is crucial to prevent further complications and safeguard personal information. Users are advised to utilize reputable security tools to eliminate this threat effectively.

How ControlMachine infects Mac computers

ControlMachine typically infects Mac computers through deceptive distribution methods, often bundled with third-party software or free applications that users download from the internet. When users install these seemingly benign programs, ControlMachine is silently installed alongside, often without their consent or knowledge. Additionally, users may inadvertently install ControlMachine while attempting to download what they believe to be legitimate software updates, as many malicious updates masquerade as essential system enhancements. Once installed, ControlMachine can manipulate browser settings, inject advertisements, and monitor user activity, all while generating revenue for its creators through intrusive advertising schemes. The stealthy nature of its installation process makes it crucial for Mac users to exercise caution during software installations and to regularly check for unwanted applications. Awareness of these tactics can significantly reduce the risk of infection by adware like ControlMachine.

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

Remove ControlMachine manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ControlMachine from Applications

Remove ControlMachine from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ControlMachine

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

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

Remove ControlMachine add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ControlMachine 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 ControlMachine


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


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

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 ControlMachine in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ControlMachine

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