How to remove SkilledArchive (Mac)

What is SkilledArchive

SkilledArchive is a type of adware that targets macOS systems, primarily aimed at generating revenue through intrusive advertising. Operating as part of the AdLoad malware family, this software displays unwanted ads, pop-ups, and redirects users to dubious websites. Users often encounter it after installing bundled software from untrustworthy sources, where it can be packaged alongside legitimate applications. Once installed, SkilledArchive collects sensitive information such as browsing habits, cookies, and potentially personal data, posing significant privacy risks. Additionally, it can lead to a decrease in system performance and an overall frustrating browsing experience. Removing SkilledArchive typically requires a combination of manual file deletion and the use of reputable antivirus tools to ensure complete eradication.

How SkilledArchive infects Mac computers

SkilledArchive typically infects Mac systems through deceptive bundling techniques, where it is packaged alongside legitimate software during installation. Users often download free applications from unverified sources, inadvertently agreeing to install additional unwanted programs like SkilledArchive, especially when they opt for “Easy” or “Express” installation settings. Once installed, this adware begins to generate revenue for its developers by displaying intrusive advertisements on the user’s browser, which can lead to further malware infections if clicked. Additionally, SkilledArchive may exploit vulnerabilities in browsers or rely on misleading pop-up ads to prompt users to initiate its installation. Once active, it can also track users’ online activities, collecting sensitive information that poses significant privacy risks. To mitigate these threats, it’s crucial for users to adopt cautious downloading practices and regularly scan their systems with reputable antivirus software.

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

Remove SkilledArchive manually for free

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

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

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

Remove SkilledArchive from Applications

Remove SkilledArchive from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall SkilledArchive

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

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

Remove SkilledArchive add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish SkilledArchive 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 SkilledArchive


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


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

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 SkilledArchive in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like SkilledArchive

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