How to remove OperativeIndexer (Mac)

What is OperativeIndexer

OperativeIndexer is a rogue application identified by security researchers as part of the AdLoad malware family. This adware is specifically designed to generate revenue through intrusive advertising, often displaying unwanted pop-ups, banners, and redirects while users browse the internet. Its presence can significantly degrade system performance, causing slower operation and disrupting user experience. OperativeIndexer may also track user data, including browsing habits and personal information, which raises serious privacy concerns. Typically distributed via deceptive ads, bundled software, and peer-to-peer networks, it can infiltrate systems without explicit user consent. Removal of such adware is crucial to restore system integrity and protect personal data from potential exploitation.

How OperativeIndexer infects Mac computers

OperativeIndexer, classified as adware, typically infects Mac systems through deceptive methods such as software bundling and intrusive advertisements. Often, it is packaged with legitimate software available on free download sites, where users may inadvertently install it by selecting “Easy” or “Express” installation options without scrutinizing the additional components. This adware may also be distributed via malicious pop-up ads that, when clicked, execute scripts to download and install the unwanted software silently. Moreover, users can be redirected to scam websites that promote the adware under the guise of useful applications, further increasing the risk of infection. Once installed, OperativeIndexer begins to track user behavior and display intrusive ads, leading to a decline in system performance and potential privacy breaches. To mitigate the risk of such infections, users should always opt for “Custom” installation settings and remain vigilant while browsing the web.

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

Remove OperativeIndexer manually for free

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

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

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

Remove OperativeIndexer from Applications

Remove OperativeIndexer from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall OperativeIndexer

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

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

Remove OperativeIndexer add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish OperativeIndexer 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 OperativeIndexer


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


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

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 OperativeIndexer in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like OperativeIndexer

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