Get Rid Of Chrome App Launcher Mac

  1. Get Rid Of Chrome App Launcher Mac 2017
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  3. App Launcher Pc
  4. Chrome App Launcher

If you use Google Chrome to browse the web or to work in Google Docs, and it starts behaving erratically, or you start seeing lots of intrusive adverts, it’s likely the browser has been infected with malware.

In Chrome’s search bar, enter chrome://flags. Next, locate and enable the “App Launcher OSX App Bundle.” Then, restart Chrome. Now you’re ready to check out the apps. Head over to the web store to download, manage and launch apps. After you launch an app, you’ll be able to locate it in the Applications folder of Chrome App Launcher.

While it’s frustrating, and sometimes alarming, it’s not necessarily harmful to your Mac. Nevertheless, it’s best to get rid of it as soon as you realize it’s there.

Malware can take a number of different forms:

1. Adware

This type of malware downloads itself to your Mac, usually in the form of a browser extension, or hidden in a file you’ve downloaded. It displays adverts in a web browser or on your desktop.

2. Pop-up windows

These are a bit like adware. Examples, like a Chrome pop up virus, appear when you use a web browser, either on top of your current browser window, or behind it and take you to a website you haven’t chosen to go to.

3. Hyperlinks

This is more difficult to spot. This type of malware, or Chrome redirect virus, turns regular text on a web page into hyperlinks. If you click on one of the links, it will take you to a web page selling something, or urging you to download a file.

4. Spyware

Spyware is often hidden in a trojan, disguised to look like a legitimate file — perhaps a movie or a software update — but when you download it, it immediately starts stealing personal data, including financial details, web pages you’ve visited, passwords, and even the keys you press on your keyboard.

How to know if Google Chrome has a virus

There are a number of signs that you have Chrome malware on your Mac.

  • Chrome starts running very slowly and using up lots of processor cycles. Often, the first sign is that your Mac’s fans start running loudly when you’re not doing anything that’s processor intensive. If that happens, you can use Activity Monitor to confirm that it’s Chrome that’s stressing the CPU.
  • You start seeing adverts unrelated to any site you’ve visited or search term you’ve used.
  • A browser toolbar you didn’t deliberately download appears in your copy of Chrome.
  • Pop up windows appear frequently on sites that don’t normally use pop-ups.
  • You discover an application in your Applications folder that you didn’t download.

How to remove adware and malware from Chrome

The easy way: Scan your Mac with CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac X is a powerful app for protecting your Mac from all kinds of malware threats. It can detect and neutralize adware, spyware, worms, ransomware, and other vulnerabilities and hazards. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download CleanMyMac X and launch the app.
  2. Click Malware Removal tab.
  3. Click Scan.

If CleanMyMac finds something suspicious, it will offer the immediate removal.

The manual way

Get Rid Of Chrome App Launcher Mac 2017

1. Uninstall suspicious apps

Google recommends that when you discover adware or other malware, the first thing you should do is identify and get rid of any applications in your Applications folder that you suspect may be malicious.

  1. Open a Finder window and go to Applications.
  2. Look through the list of applications and identify any you didn’t download deliberately.
  3. If you find one, you should remove it. However, just dragging the app to the Trash won’t get rid of every trace of the application. To do that, you need to remove every file associated with the app.

How to safely remove every trace of an application

You can safely remove unwanted apps, along with their leftovers, with the help of an app we’ve mentioned above — CleanMyMac X. It knows where to look for files that are installed by apps and searches for them there, then lists them when it finds them, allowing you to easily delete them.

If you’ve already downloaded and installed CleanMyMac, start using it right away. Go to the Uninstaller module and check the box next to the app you want to delete, and click Uninstall. That’s it!

Repeat the process for every app you suspect is malware.

2. Reset Chrome settings

If you don’t find any apps in your Applications folder that look like they’re malware, or if removing them doesn’t solve the problem, the next step is to reset Chrome’s settings.

  1. Open a Finder window, go to Applications and launch Chrome.
  2. At the top right of the window, click the ‘More’ icon (three dots stacked vertically).
  3. At the bottom of the menu, click Settings.
  4. At the bottom of the browser window that opens, click Advanced.
  5. Scroll to the bottom again and click Reset settings.
  6. Read the information in the box that appears, then click Reset.

Resetting Chrome, among other things, turns off extensions. If you need to use extensions, you’ll need to turn them back on again. However, before you do, it’s a good idea to go through them and check that you intended to download them. If you find any that you didn’t intentionally download or that you no longer need, you should delete them.

3. Remove extensions or turn them on again

  1. In Chrome, click on the More button again.
  2. Click More Tools, about halfway down.
  3. Click Extensions.
  4. Look through the installed extensions. If you see any you didn’t intend to download or no longer need, click Remove.
  5. If you suspect it’s malware, check the Report abuse box.
  6. Click Remove.
Chrome

To turn an extension back on again, click on the toggle switch at the bottom right-hand corner of the extension box.

How to protect Chrome from malware

Malware, whether it’s adware, spyware, or any other kind of nasty, malicious code, can arrive on your Mac win a number of different ways. Usually, though it’s downloaded when you click on a link in an email or website that you thought was safe. It could be that the link takes you to a site that then infects your Mac, or that you download what you think is software update, and it then turns out to be a virus.

By the way, one of the most common ways that malware is disguised is as updates to Adobe Flash. Given that most websites no longer use Flash, it’s safest to remove it from your Mac altogether. That way you won’t be tempted to download a spoof update. You won’t be surprised to learn that clean my Mac can remove Flash quickly and easily. You’ll find the tool in the Preference Panes section of the Extensions utility.

There are a number of other steps you can take to stop your Mac being infected with malware.

1. Don't click suspicious links

Never click a link in an email unless you know who the email is from and where the link is going to take you. That means you have to be 100% sure. If you’re not, don’t risk it.

2. Make sure your Mac’s Firewall is turned on

You’ll find the switch in the Firewall tab in the Security&Privacy pane in System Preferences.

3. Be careful when installing extensions

Don’t install a browser extension unless you’re absolutely sure it’s safe. If you’re unsure about it, Google its name and see what comes up at the top of the results.

4. Keep your browser up to date

Google Chrome can be set to update itself automatically, which is the safest way to do it. If you don’t want it to do that, make sure you install updates manually as soon as Chrome alerts you it’s out of date.

5. Keep macOS up to date

Apple issues security updates for the current version of macOS and for older versions. If you see one on the App Store or if macOS alerts you that an update is available, install it.

6. Watch out for bogus warnings

One of the biggest scams on the internet is pop-ups telling you that your computer has a virus. If you see one, ignore it.

In addition to preventing malware, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the damage malware will do.

  • Keep your personal data safe. Never store sensitive data like usernames and passwords, or credit card details as plaint text. Use a password manager, which will encrypt everything.
  • Back up your Mac regularly. If you use Time Machine to backup your Mac and the worst happens, you can roll back to a point just before your Mac was infected. Or you can recover individual files that have become corrupt.

As you can see, it’s not too difficult to remove malware from Chrome or remove adware from Chrome. And using CleanMyMac makes it even easier. However, it’s much better if you avoid download malicious code at all. If you follow the steps at the end of this article, you’ll make sure your Mac and the Chrome browser are both as safe as they can be.

These might also interest you:

How to remove DataSearchLauncher from Mac?

What is DataSearchLauncher?

DataSearchLauncher is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) which has traits of both adware-type app and a browser hijacker. To be more precise, it serves advertisements and changes certain browser's settings (promotes address of a fake search engine). Such apps are cateogorized as PUAs mostly because users often download and install them unknowingly, accidentally. Research shows that users install DataSearchLauncher through a deceptive Adobe Flash Player installer. Another detail about such PUAs is that they often are designed to gather certain data.

Typically, adware is designed to display banners, coupons, pop-ups, surveys, and/or other types of ads. Displayed ads not only cover contents of websites thats users visit but also tend to open untrustworthy pages or even cause downloads, installations of unwanted applications by executing certain scripts. Therefore, such ads should not be clicked. Additionally, DataSearchLauncher changes certain browser's settings to an address of a fake search engine. Typically, apps of this type promote fake search engines by changing settings such as address of a default search engine, homepage and new tab and do not allow users to undo these changes as long as they are installed. The problem with fake search engines is that they are designed either to generate misleading results or display results generated by some other, legitimate (or questionable) engine. Furthermore, it is very likely that DataSearchLauncher is designed to collect various data. For example, addresses of visited pages, entered search queries, geolocations, IP addresses and other details of this kind. Although, in some cases such apps can access sensitive information as well. People behind PUAs can misuse gathered data to generate revenue in various ways, for example, by selling it to third parties (potentially cyber criminals). Having DataSearchLauncher installed on a browser and/or computer may lead to problems related to online privacy, browsing safety or even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
NameAds by DataSearchLauncher
Threat TypeAdware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Additional InformationThis application belongs to Adload malware family.
SymptomsYour Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methodsDeceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
DamageInternet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.

Some examples of other apps like DataSearchLauncher are LookWebResults, SearchMainInfo and ResultsSearchTool. Quite often such apps are advertised as legitimate and useful. Nevertheless, not many of them include any features or are useful in any other way. On the contrary, they are designed only to display ads and gather various information which could be the reason behind various issues.

How did DataSearchLauncher install on my computer?

It is very likely that most users install DataSearchLauncher via deceptive Adobe Flash Player installer which installs this PUA instead the actual Adobe Flash Player. It is common that such installers are used to distribute not only PUAs but also malware like ransomware, Trojan-type programs, etc. Also, PUAs often get downloaded and/or installed through download and/or installation setups of other programs - when they are included in their setups as additional offers. This distribution method is known as 'bundling', it is used to trick users into downloading and/or installing PUAs together with some other, intentionally downloaded and/or installed programs. In most cases information about additional downloads and/or installations can be declined in settings of setups like 'Custom', 'Advanced'. Although, not all users check and change them and that is exactly how they agree with offers to download and/or install included unwanted apps. In some cases PUAs can be downloaded and/or installed by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to run certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Programs, files should be downloaded only from official websites and through direct links. Other channels, sources like third party downloaders, installers, unofficial websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), etc., should not be used as tools to download and/or install any software. Quite often they are used to distribute various unwanted, potentially malicious applications. Download and/or installation setups that include settings like 'Custom', 'Advanced' should be always checked for offers to download and/or install additional software. Additionally, it is not recommended to click intrusive ads that are displayed on questionable websites. Those ads often are designed to promote (open) untrustworthy pages or even download, install unwanted, potentially malicious software. If there are any suspicious, unwanted extensions, plug-ins and/or add-ons installed on a browser or programs of this kind installed on the operating system, then they should be uninstalled right away. If your computer is already infected with DataSearchLauncher, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Files related to the DataSearchLauncher adware that need to be removed:

  • ~/Library/Application Support/com.DataSearchLauncher/DataSearchLauncher
  • ~/Library/Application Support/com.DataSearchLauncherDaemon/DataSearchLauncher
  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.DataSearchLauncher.plist
  • ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.DataSearchLauncherDaemon.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the DataSearchLauncher adware are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the 'Preferences' icon in the menu bar and select 'Profiles'

2) Select the 'DataSearchLauncher' profile and delete it.

3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.

After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware/browser hijacker.

Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.

Quick menu:

  • STEP 1. Remove DataSearchLauncher related files and folders from OSX.
  • STEP 2. Remove DataSearchLauncher ads from Safari.
  • STEP 3. Remove DataSearchLauncher adware from Google Chrome.
  • STEP 4. Remove DataSearchLauncher ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

DataSearchLauncher adware removal:

Remove DataSearchLauncher-related potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX', 'NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.

Remove ads by datasearchlauncher related files and folders:

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Get Rid Of Chrome App Launcher Mac

Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents


In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support


In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:


In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents

In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.

Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:


In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons


In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Get rid of chrome app launcher mac 2017

Ads by DataSearchLauncher removal from Internet browsers:

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Remove ads by datasearchlauncher related Safari extensions:

Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences...'.

In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Remove ads by datasearchlauncher related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:

Chrome App Launcher Download

Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.

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Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Remove ads by datasearchlauncher related Google Chrome add-ons:

Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.

In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

Chrome App Launcher

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.