How to remove ValidWindow (Mac)

What is ValidWindow

ValidWindow is a type of adware that primarily targets macOS systems, belonging to the notorious AdLoad malware family. This software is designed to generate revenue through intrusive advertisements that appear on user interfaces, including web pages and desktops. Once installed, ValidWindow can significantly degrade the browsing experience by displaying unwanted pop-up ads and redirecting users to dubious websites. In addition to its disruptive advertising, ValidWindow may also engage in data-tracking activities, gathering sensitive information such as browsing habits and personal details. Users often unknowingly install this adware through bundled software or deceptive online advertisements. The presence of ValidWindow poses serious risks, including potential privacy breaches and financial losses, making it essential for affected users to remove it promptly. To mitigate the risks associated with such applications, employing robust antivirus solutions and practicing cautious browsing habits is highly recommended.

How ValidWindow infects Mac computers

ValidWindow typically infects Mac systems through deceptive methods that exploit user behavior and unguarded online practices. One common method is bundling, where the adware is packaged with legitimate software and installed unintentionally by users who opt for quick installation settings. Additionally, it can be delivered via intrusive pop-up ads, malicious websites, and rogue advertising networks that trick users into clicking on seemingly innocuous links. Once installed, ValidWindow can alter browser settings, redirect users to dubious websites, and display unwanted advertisements, effectively diminishing the user experience and posing significant privacy risks. Moreover, the adware may track user data, capturing sensitive information such as browsing habits and personal details, which can be sold or misused by third parties. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should exercise caution when downloading software, carefully read installation prompts, and avoid engaging with suspicious online advertisements.

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

Remove ValidWindow manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ValidWindow from Applications

Remove ValidWindow from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ValidWindow

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

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

Remove ValidWindow add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ValidWindow 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 ValidWindow


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


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

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 ValidWindow in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ValidWindow

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