How to remove DefaultArchive (Mac)

What is DefaultArchive

DefaultArchive is a type of adware that has been identified as part of the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to generate revenue through intrusive advertising, often displaying various types of ads such as pop-ups, banners, and overlays on users’ screens. This adware not only compromises the browsing experience but also poses significant privacy risks by tracking user data, including browsing habits and personal information. Typically, DefaultArchive infiltrates systems via bundled software downloads from untrustworthy sources, leading to unintentional installations. Once active, it may redirect users to dubious websites and promote potentially harmful software. Removing DefaultArchive requires careful manual intervention or the use of robust antivirus tools to ensure the complete eradication of its components. Users are advised to remain vigilant and utilize legitimate sources for software downloads to prevent future infections.

How DefaultArchive infects Mac computers

DefaultArchive typically infects Macs through a method known as software bundling, where it is packaged alongside legitimate applications during the download process. Users often unknowingly install this adware when they opt for “Easy” or “Quick” installation settings, which fail to disclose the inclusion of additional software. Additionally, DefaultArchive may be distributed via deceptive pop-up ads or through malicious websites that lure users into clicking on enticing offers or misleading download links. Once installed, it can compromise user privacy by tracking browsing habits and displaying intrusive advertisements, leading to further exposure to potentially harmful content. It’s crucial for users to remain vigilant, thoroughly review installation prompts, and only download software from trusted sources to mitigate the risk of such infections. Regularly scanning for adware with reliable antivirus tools can also help in detecting and removing DefaultArchive before it causes significant damage.

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

Remove DefaultArchive manually for free

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

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

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

Remove DefaultArchive from Applications

Remove DefaultArchive from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall DefaultArchive

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

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

Remove DefaultArchive add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish DefaultArchive 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 DefaultArchive


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


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

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 DefaultArchive in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like DefaultArchive

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