How to remove EssentialOperation (Mac)

What is EssentialOperation

EssentialOperation is a type of adware that targets macOS systems, belonging to the notorious AdLoad malware family. This advertising-supported software generates revenue for its developers by displaying intrusive advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, and overlays on various websites. Users may experience a decline in system performance, as well as unwanted redirects to dubious websites, posing significant privacy and security risks. In addition to delivering ads, EssentialOperation may engage in data-tracking activities, collecting sensitive information such as browsing history, login credentials, and even financial details. Despite its seemingly benign nature, the presence of this adware can lead to severe consequences, including identity theft and financial loss. Effective removal often requires the use of professional antivirus tools, such as Combo Cleaner, to ensure all traces of the software are eliminated.

How EssentialOperation infects Mac computers

EssentialOperation adware typically infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods, often bundled with legitimate software. Users may unknowingly download this adware when they opt for “Easy” or “Express” installation settings, which fail to disclose additional applications included in the installation package. Additionally, it can be propagated via rogue advertisements, misleading pop-ups, and torrent file downloads that lure users into clicking on seemingly harmless links. Once installed, EssentialOperation integrates itself into the system, compromising browser settings and initiating a barrage of intrusive ads. Its ability to track user data heightens the risk of privacy breaches, making awareness of safe browsing practices and cautious software installations crucial for prevention. Ultimately, vigilance during the installation process and using trusted sources for software downloads are essential in thwarting the infiltration of EssentialOperation adware.

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

Remove EssentialOperation manually for free

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

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

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

Remove EssentialOperation from Applications

Remove EssentialOperation from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall EssentialOperation

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

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

Remove EssentialOperation add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish EssentialOperation 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 EssentialOperation


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


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

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 EssentialOperation in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like EssentialOperation

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