How to remove ModuleUpdater (Mac)

What is ModuleUpdater

ModuleUpdater is an adware application that targets macOS systems, belonging to the notorious AdLoad malware group. This type of software primarily generates revenue by displaying unwanted advertisements on users’ browsers, which can significantly degrade the browsing experience. Typically, it operates by injecting pop-ups, banners, and other forms of intrusive ads into web pages, often leading users to dubious websites. ModuleUpdater may also engage in data-tracking activities, collecting sensitive information such as browsing habits and personal details for potential misuse. Although it does not exhibit browser hijacking traits, its presence poses severe risks to user privacy and system integrity. Users may inadvertently install ModuleUpdater through bundled software or deceptive online ads, making awareness and caution essential for safe browsing practices.

How ModuleUpdater infects Mac computers

ModuleUpdater primarily infects Mac systems through bundled software installations, often packaged within legitimate-looking applications or free software downloads. Users frequently encounter this adware when they download programs from third-party websites or peer-to-peer sharing networks, where such malicious additions are not prominently disclosed. The installation process typically exploits user haste; many individuals opt for “Easy” or “Express” settings, which automatically install unwanted applications without their explicit consent. Additionally, ModuleUpdater can be promoted through deceptive pop-up ads and misleading advertisements, which may redirect users to malicious sites. Once installed, it begins to display intrusive ads, track user behavior, and may even collect sensitive information, posing serious risks to privacy and security. Awareness and caution during the downloading and installation process are crucial to preventing infections from this type of adware.

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

Remove ModuleUpdater manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ModuleUpdater from Applications

Remove ModuleUpdater from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ModuleUpdater

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

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

Remove ModuleUpdater add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ModuleUpdater 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 ModuleUpdater


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


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

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 ModuleUpdater in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ModuleUpdater

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