How to remove MicroBrowser (Mac)

What is MicroBrowser

MicroBrowser is a rogue application identified by malware researchers as part of the AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting Mac users. This adware is designed to generate revenue through intrusive advertising, displaying unwanted pop-ups, banners, and other graphical content on users’ screens. While it may seem harmless, MicroBrowser poses significant risks to device integrity and user privacy, often collecting sensitive information such as browsing history and personal data. It is typically distributed through deceptive pop-up ads, bundled software installers, and torrent downloads, making it easy for users to inadvertently install it on their systems. The presence of MicroBrowser can lead to a decline in system performance, increased exposure to online scams, and potential financial losses. Therefore, it is crucial for users to take immediate action to remove this adware and safeguard their devices.

How MicroBrowser infects Mac computers

MicroBrowser adware typically infiltrates Mac systems through deceptive practices, primarily bundled within seemingly legitimate software installations. Users often encounter it when downloading free applications from untrustworthy websites or third-party sources that utilize bundling techniques to package multiple programs together. During the installation process, the adware may be obscured within the “Custom” or “Advanced” settings, leading users to inadvertently allow its installation by opting for quick or default installation options. Once installed, MicroBrowser begins displaying intrusive advertisements and can track user activities, posing significant privacy risks. Additionally, it may redirect users to dubious websites, further increasing the potential for exposure to malicious content. Maintaining vigilance during software downloads and installations is crucial to mitigate the risk of MicroBrowser and similar adware infections.

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

Remove MicroBrowser manually for free

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

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

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

Remove MicroBrowser from Applications

Remove MicroBrowser from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall MicroBrowser

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

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

Remove MicroBrowser add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish MicroBrowser 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 MicroBrowser


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


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

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 MicroBrowser in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like MicroBrowser

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