Remove Malware from Your Mac – Step-by-Step

Noticing strange behavior on your Mac? Sluggish performance, unexpected pop-ups, or suspicious system activity might be signs of malware. While macOS is generally secure, it’s not immune. Here’s a clear and practical way to check and remove threats manually.

🛠️ Step 1: Use Terminal to Spot Suspicious Activity

🖥️ Step 1: Open the Terminal App

Press Command (⌘) + Space to launch Spotlight Search.
Type Terminal, then press Enter to launch it.

2. Enter this command in Terminal

Copy the following command and paste it into Terminal, then press Return:

Click "Show Command" to reveal

This will list running processes. Look for anything unfamiliar or strangely named. If something stands out, search it online to verify its purpose before taking further action.

🔍 Step 2: Check Login Items

Some unwanted apps set themselves to run at startup. Go to System Settings → General → Login Items. Remove anything suspicious or that you don’t recognize.

📂 Step 3: Inspect the Applications Folder

Open Finder → Applications. Look for apps you didn’t install or ones that don’t belong. If in doubt, drag them to the Trash — but double-check their origin first.

📁 Step 4: Clear Browser Extensions

Malware often hides in browser add-ons. Check your browser’s extensions menu and remove anything you didn’t explicitly install or don’t need anymore.

♻️ Step 5: Restart in Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables non-essential processes and helps in isolating problematic software:

Shut down your Mac.
Turn it on while holding the Shift key until the login window appears.
Log in and test if issues persist in Safe Mode.

✅ Step 6: Update macOS

Security updates often patch vulnerabilities. Go to System Settings → General → Software Update and install any available updates.

Note: If you believe your system is still infected, consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service provider for a deep inspection.