How to remove ProgressInitiator (Mac)

What is ProgressInitiator

ProgressInitiator is an adware application that targets macOS systems, generating intrusive advertisements and potentially compromising user privacy. It belongs to the AdLoad malware family, which is known for creating various advertising-supported software that displays unwanted ads, such as pop-ups and overlays, while users browse the internet. This adware can significantly degrade system performance by slowing down the device and redirecting users to dubious websites. Additionally, ProgressInitiator collects browsing data and personal information, which may lead to privacy breaches and financial losses. Users often encounter this adware through deceptive pop-up ads, bundled software installations, or by downloading applications from unreliable sources. To mitigate its impact, it is crucial to remove ProgressInitiator promptly using reliable antivirus solutions. Preventive measures, such as careful downloading practices and using custom installation settings, can help avoid future infections.

How ProgressInitiator infects Mac computers

ProgressInitiator typically infects Mac systems through deceptive methods that exploit user behavior and software distribution practices. It often arrives bundled with legitimate applications downloaded from unofficial or third-party websites, where users may inadvertently allow the installation of additional unwanted software by opting for “Quick” or “Easy” installation settings. Furthermore, it can be propagated through intrusive pop-up ads and misleading advertisements that lure users into clicking on them, triggering unwanted downloads. Once installed, ProgressInitiator integrates itself into the system, displaying intrusive advertisements and potentially compromising user privacy by tracking browsing habits and collecting sensitive information. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should only download software from reputable sources and remain vigilant during the installation process by selecting “Custom” or “Advanced” options to avoid bundled offers. Regularly scanning the Mac with reliable antivirus tools can also help detect and remove such adware threats promptly.

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

Remove ProgressInitiator manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ProgressInitiator from Applications

Remove ProgressInitiator from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ProgressInitiator

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

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

Remove ProgressInitiator add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ProgressInitiator 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 ProgressInitiator


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


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

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 ProgressInitiator in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ProgressInitiator

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