How to remove PracticalDesktop (Mac)

What is PracticalDesktop

PracticalDesktop is a type of adware that targets macOS systems, known for displaying intrusive advertisements and redirecting users to dubious websites. This malicious software typically bundles with free applications, taking advantage of users who opt for default installation settings. Once installed, PracticalDesktop can significantly disrupt the browsing experience by inundating users with pop-ups, banners, and misleading offers, often promoting potentially harmful products or services. Furthermore, it has the capability to collect sensitive personal data, including browsing habits and geolocation, which poses serious privacy concerns. Security vendors have flagged PracticalDesktop as malicious, indicating its potential to compromise system performance and user security. To mitigate these risks, users are advised to avoid installing such applications and promptly remove them if detected. Regular scanning with reputable antivirus software is essential to ensure the safety and integrity of macOS devices.

How PracticalDesktop infects Mac computers

PracticalDesktop typically infects Mac systems through deceptive tactics, primarily bundled with free software or applications downloaded from untrustworthy sources. Users often unknowingly install this adware by opting for default installation settings, which do not provide the opportunity to uncheck additional offers. It can also be introduced via misleading pop-up ads or notifications claiming to offer beneficial software. Once installed, PracticalDesktop begins generating intrusive advertisements and may redirect users to questionable websites, increasing the risk of further malware exposure. Additionally, this adware can compromise user privacy by collecting sensitive data, such as browsing history and personal information, which may be sold to third parties. To prevent such infections, users should always select “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options and download software only from reputable sources.

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

Remove PracticalDesktop manually for free

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

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

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

Remove PracticalDesktop from Applications

Remove PracticalDesktop from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall PracticalDesktop

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

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

Remove PracticalDesktop add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish PracticalDesktop 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 PracticalDesktop


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


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

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 PracticalDesktop in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like PracticalDesktop

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