How to remove RunningProgram (Mac)

What is RunningProgram

RunningProgram is a type of adware that belongs to the AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting macOS systems. This malicious software operates by delivering intrusive advertisements and can significantly disrupt the user experience. Once installed, it generates unwanted pop-up ads and may redirect users to dubious websites, posing a threat to both system security and user privacy. RunningProgram can also collect sensitive information, including browsing histories and personal data, which may be sold to third parties. The adware typically infiltrates systems through deceptive pop-up ads, bundled software downloads, and torrent file downloads. Users experiencing issues related to RunningProgram should take immediate action to remove it and protect their devices from further harm.

How RunningProgram infects Mac computers

RunningProgram typically infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods that exploit user behavior and common software installation practices. Often masquerading as legitimate applications, it is bundled with free software installers, making it easy for unsuspecting users to inadvertently install it alongside desired programs. Additionally, it can spread via torrent downloads and malicious pop-up ads that redirect users to dubious sites. Once installed, RunningProgram generates intrusive advertisements, compromises user privacy by tracking browsing habits, and may lead to further malware infections. Users often fail to notice its presence until they encounter persistent pop-ups and redirects, highlighting the importance of cautious browsing and thorough software vetting. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should opt for custom installation settings and avoid downloading software from unverified sources.

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

Remove RunningProgram manually for free

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

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

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

Remove RunningProgram from Applications

Remove RunningProgram from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall RunningProgram

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

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

Remove RunningProgram add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish RunningProgram 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 RunningProgram


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


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

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 RunningProgram in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like RunningProgram

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