How to remove ProductiveDock (Mac)

What is ProductiveDock

ProductiveDock is a form of adware that targets macOS systems, designed to generate revenue for its developers through intrusive advertisements. This malicious software belongs to the AdLoad malware family and typically manifests as unwanted pop-up ads, redirects to dubious websites, and a general decline in system performance. Users may encounter ads promoting unreliable or potentially harmful products, which can lead to severe privacy issues and financial losses. The adware often collects sensitive information, such as browsing history and personal data, which can be exploited by third parties. Installation usually occurs through deceptive bundling techniques or clicking on malicious advertisements. To safeguard against ProductiveDock, users should exercise caution when downloading software and utilize reputable antivirus tools for detection and removal.

How ProductiveDock infects Mac computers

ProductiveDock typically infects Mac systems through a method known as software bundling, where it is packaged alongside legitimate applications in free software installers. Users often inadvertently install this adware by quickly clicking through installation steps without carefully reviewing the terms and options presented. Additionally, deceptive pop-up ads and misleading advertisements on dubious websites can lead users to download the malware directly, often under the guise of offering useful functionalities. Once installed, ProductiveDock begins to display intrusive advertisements, redirect users to questionable sites, and may even track sensitive browsing data, posing significant privacy and security risks. The lack of user awareness regarding how bundled software operates further exacerbates the spread of such adware, making vigilance during software installations crucial in preventing infections. Ultimately, staying informed about the potential risks associated with downloading free software can help users avoid falling victim to ProductiveDock and similar threats.

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

Remove ProductiveDock manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ProductiveDock from Applications

Remove ProductiveDock from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ProductiveDock

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

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

Remove ProductiveDock add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ProductiveDock 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 ProductiveDock


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


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

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 ProductiveDock in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ProductiveDock

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