How to remove NetUpdate (Mac)

What is NetUpdate

NetUpdate is a type of adware that targets macOS systems, designed to display intrusive advertisements while users browse the internet. This malicious program often infiltrates computers through deceptive methods, including bundled software installations and misleading pop-up ads. Once installed, NetUpdate can generate various forms of ads, such as pop-ups, banners, and coupons, which can lead users to potentially harmful websites. These ads pose significant risks, as they may promote phishing attempts, scams, or other malicious content aimed at stealing personal information. Furthermore, NetUpdate can slow down system performance by consuming valuable CPU and memory resources. Users are advised to exercise caution and avoid interacting with any ads generated by this adware to safeguard their privacy and security. Regular scans with reputable antivirus software, like Combo Cleaner, can help detect and remove such unwanted applications effectively.

How NetUpdate infects Mac computers

NetUpdate typically infects Mac systems through deceptive practices associated with software bundling. Users often inadvertently install this adware by accepting default installation settings during the setup of free applications or utilities, which may include unwanted adware components. Additionally, it can be distributed through dubious pop-up ads, torrent file downloads, and unofficial websites that lure users into downloading compromised software. Once installed, NetUpdate begins to generate intrusive advertisements, compromising user experience and potentially exposing sensitive information. Furthermore, its presence can lead to browser redirects, where users are sent to malicious or phishing sites designed to harvest personal data. To prevent such infections, users should exercise caution when downloading software and always opt for manual installation options that allow them to deselect any bundled applications.

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

Remove NetUpdate manually for free

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

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

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

Remove NetUpdate from Applications

Remove NetUpdate from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall NetUpdate

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

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

Remove NetUpdate add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish NetUpdate 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 NetUpdate


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


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

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 NetUpdate in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like NetUpdate

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