How to remove SystemDev (Mac)

What is SystemDev

SystemDev is an adware-type application that falls under the AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting macOS users. This software is designed to generate revenue for its developers by displaying intrusive advertisements and redirecting users to dubious websites. Users may experience a significant decrease in system performance, unwanted pop-up ads, and potential privacy issues as SystemDev can track browsing habits and collect sensitive information. Often installed through deceptive software bundling or rogue advertising networks, it can easily infiltrate a system without proper user consent. Removal of SystemDev is crucial to maintaining device security and privacy, as lingering components can continue to affect performance and user safety. Employing a reputable antivirus solution, such as Combo Cleaner, is recommended for effective removal and protection against future threats.

How SystemDev infects Mac computers

SystemDev typically infects Mac systems through deceptive practices known as software bundling, where it is packaged alongside legitimate applications in a way that deceives users into installing it unknowingly. This often occurs when users download software from unreliable sources, such as third-party websites or peer-to-peer sharing networks, where bundled adware is included in the installation process. During installation, users may inadvertently allow SystemDev to be installed by selecting default or “Quick” settings, which do not provide an option to decline additional offers. Additionally, aggressive advertising tactics, such as pop-up ads and misleading links, can redirect users to malicious sites that promote the download of SystemDev. Once installed, the adware integrates itself into the system, tracking user behavior and displaying intrusive advertisements, which can further lead to privacy concerns and security risks. To mitigate the risk of infection, users are advised to download software exclusively from official sources and to scrutinize installation processes closely, opting for custom installation settings whenever possible.

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

Remove SystemDev manually for free

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

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

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

Remove SystemDev from Applications

Remove SystemDev from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall SystemDev

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

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

Remove SystemDev add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish SystemDev 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 SystemDev


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


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

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 SystemDev in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like SystemDev

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