How to remove ForwardLean (Mac)

What is ForwardLean

ForwardLean is a type of potentially unwanted program (PUP) that falls under the category of adware designed specifically for macOS. Unlike traditional software, adware like ForwardLean is intrusive and often deceptive, aiming to generate revenue for its developers through aggressive advertising and data collection. It typically manifests through unwanted pop-up ads, browser redirects, and the installation of dubious browser extensions or toolbars. Manual removal involves identifying and deleting adware-related files and extensions. This can be done by accessing the browser settings to remove unfamiliar extensions and checking system folders for suspicious files. However, manual removal can be complex and risky, especially for users unfamiliar with macOS’s file system. Automated removal tools are designed to simplify the process by scanning the system for adware and other threats and then removing them with minimal user intervention. These tools can be particularly effective as they are updated to recognize the latest adware variants and can remove all associated files and settings.

How ForwardLean infects Mac computers

Adware can infiltrate Mac systems through various channels. One common method is bundling, where adware is packaged with legitimate software, often without the user’s knowledge or consent. Users may inadvertently install ForwardLean when downloading applications from third-party websites or clicking on misleading advertisements. Another infection vector is social engineering tactics, such as fake software updates or system alerts. These can trick users into downloading and installing the adware. Additionally, adware operators have been known to pay promoters, such as YouTubers or website owners, to direct traffic towards malicious downloads, further spreading the adware.

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

Remove ForwardLean manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ForwardLean from Applications

Remove ForwardLean from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ForwardLean

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

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

Remove ForwardLean add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ForwardLean 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 ForwardLean


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


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

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 ForwardLean in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ForwardLean

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