How to remove ValidQueue (Mac)

What is ValidQueue

ValidQueue is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that typically manifests as adware on Mac computers. It often infiltrates systems through harmful third-party applications or deceptive software bundles, frequently bundled with seemingly legitimate downloads. Once installed, ValidQueue can alter browser settings, hijacking search queries and redirecting users to unwanted search engines. This adware is designed to create a facade of enhancing the browsing experience while secretly compromising user privacy and security. Ignoring its presence can lead to further malware infections and a decline in system performance. Users are strongly advised to remove ValidQueue promptly to safeguard their devices and personal information.

How ValidQueue infects Mac computers

ValidQueue adware typically infects Mac computers through deceptive distribution methods that exploit user behavior and software vulnerabilities. One common avenue for infection is the bundling of ValidQueue with third-party applications, where users unknowingly install the adware while installing seemingly legitimate software. Additionally, cybercriminals may employ tactics like malicious email attachments or fake software updates, enticing users to click on links that lead to the download of the adware. Visiting compromised websites or interacting with dubious advertisements can also result in the inadvertent installation of ValidQueue. Once installed, the adware takes control of browser settings, redirecting user searches to unwanted engines and displaying intrusive advertisements, which further compromises user experience and security. To mitigate such infections, users should exercise caution when downloading software and regularly update their security measures.

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

Remove ValidQueue manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ValidQueue from Applications

Remove ValidQueue from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ValidQueue

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

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

Remove ValidQueue add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ValidQueue 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 ValidQueue


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


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

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 ValidQueue in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ValidQueue

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