How to remove ProjectSet (Mac)

What is ProjectSet

ProjectSet is an adware application that targets macOS systems, originating from the notorious AdLoad malware family. This software primarily functions by displaying intrusive advertisements, which can lead to a range of issues for users, including privacy concerns and potential financial losses. While it may claim to offer useful features, the reality is that it often undermines system performance and user experience by overwhelming devices with unwanted pop-ups and redirects. Distribution methods for ProjectSet typically involve deceptive pop-up ads, bundled software installations, and downloads from unreliable sources. Once installed, it may track browsing habits and sell collected data to third parties, further compromising user safety. To remove ProjectSet, it is crucial to employ reliable antivirus software and follow comprehensive malware removal steps. Users should also adopt preventive measures by downloading software only from trusted sources and carefully reviewing installation options to avoid unwanted applications like ProjectSet.

How ProjectSet infects Mac computers

ProjectSet adware typically infects Macs through deceptive distribution methods, most notably software bundling. This technique involves packaging the adware within the installation files of seemingly legitimate applications, which users often download from third-party websites or peer-to-peer networks. During the installation process, users may inadvertently allow ProjectSet to install by rushing through the setup and selecting “Easy” or “Express” options, which often hide additional unwanted software. Users may also encounter ProjectSet via intrusive advertisements or rogue pop-ups that lure them into clicking on malicious links. Once installed, the adware can display unwanted advertisements, track user behavior, and compromise privacy by collecting sensitive data. Therefore, exercising caution during software installations and maintaining awareness of potential threats is crucial for preventing ProjectSet infections.

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

Remove ProjectSet manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ProjectSet from Applications

Remove ProjectSet from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ProjectSet

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

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

Remove ProjectSet add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ProjectSet 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 ProjectSet


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


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

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 ProjectSet in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ProjectSet

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