How to remove ParameterPortal (Mac)

What is ParameterPortal

ParameterPortal is an adware application that belongs to the AdLoad malware family, designed to generate revenue through intrusive advertising practices. This software typically inserts third-party ads such as pop-ups, banners, and overlays on web pages, often leading users to dubious websites. While it may initially appear harmless, ParameterPortal can severely compromise user privacy by tracking browsing habits and collecting sensitive information. The adware is usually bundled with legitimate software, making it easy to install unintentionally. Users may experience slower system performance and persistent unwanted advertisements as a result of this infection. Effective removal often requires legitimate antivirus solutions, such as Combo Cleaner, to ensure all traces of the malware are eliminated from the system.

How ParameterPortal infects Mac computers

ParameterPortal adware typically infects Mac systems through deceptive tactics such as bundled software installations, where it is packaged with legitimate applications. Users often unknowingly install it by downloading free software from untrustworthy sources, ignoring the fine print during the installation process. Additionally, intrusive advertisements and rogue pop-ups can trigger downloads without users’ consent, leading to inadvertent installations of this adware. Once installed, ParameterPortal can generate unwanted ads, redirect users to dubious websites, and even track personal data, compromising user privacy. The adware’s ability to blend in with legitimate software makes it particularly insidious, as it often masquerades as a harmless application while delivering harmful content. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should exercise caution when downloading software and always opt for custom installation settings to avoid inadvertently allowing such threats.

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

Remove ParameterPortal manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ParameterPortal from Applications

Remove ParameterPortal from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ParameterPortal

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

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

Remove ParameterPortal add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ParameterPortal 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 ParameterPortal


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


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

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 ParameterPortal in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ParameterPortal

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