How to remove AssistiveMaster (Mac)

What is AssistiveMaster

AssistiveMaster is a type of adware targeting macOS devices, known for displaying intrusive advertisements and potentially compromising user privacy. Belonging to the AdLoad malware family, it generates revenue by delivering unwanted pop-ups, banners, and redirects to dubious websites. Although it primarily focuses on advertising, its presence threatens system integrity and can lead to performance degradation. This adware often arrives bundled with free software or through deceptive online ads, making it challenging to avoid without cautious browsing and installation habits. AssistiveMaster is capable of tracking sensitive user data, including browsing habits, cookies, and potentially personal information, which may be shared with third parties. Unlike some adware variants, it does not typically hijack browsers but still causes significant disruptions. Removal requires careful identification and deletion of related files and browser extensions. Security experts recommend using reputable antivirus tools, such as Combo Cleaner, to thoroughly eliminate AssistiveMaster and prevent reinfection. Staying vigilant and downloading software only from official sources are key steps in avoiding this and similar threats.

How AssistiveMaster infects Mac computers

AssistiveMaster typically infects Macs through a method known as “bundling,” where it is packaged with legitimate software installers. Users often unknowingly download this adware while obtaining free applications from unreliable sources, such as third-party download sites or peer-to-peer networks. During installation, if users opt for the default “Easy” or “Express” settings, they may inadvertently allow AssistiveMaster and other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) to install alongside the desired software. Additionally, deceptive pop-up ads and misleading websites can redirect users to malicious download links, further facilitating the adware’s infiltration. Once installed, AssistiveMaster can compromise user privacy by tracking browsing habits and displaying intrusive advertisements, which may lead to further security risks. Vigilance during the installation process and downloading software only from official sources are essential steps to mitigate the risk of such infections.

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

Remove AssistiveMaster manually for free

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

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

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

Remove AssistiveMaster from Applications

Remove AssistiveMaster from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall AssistiveMaster

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

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

Remove AssistiveMaster add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish AssistiveMaster 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 AssistiveMaster


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


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

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 AssistiveMaster in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like AssistiveMaster

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