How to remove ExpandedDivision (Mac)

What is ExpandedDivision

ExpandedDivision is classified as adware, which stands for advertising-supported software. It is part of the AdLoad malware family, known for its aggressive advertising tactics and potential to compromise system security. Unlike legitimate advertising software, ExpandedDivision infiltrates systems without explicit user consent, displaying unwanted ads, redirecting browser searches, and potentially exposing users to further malware infections. ExpandedDivision is a type of adware that specifically targets Mac computers, becoming a nuisance for users by delivering intrusive advertising campaigns and potentially compromising system security. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of ExpandedDivision, including its nature, methods of infection, impact on systems, and guidance on prevention and removal. ExpandedDivision adware poses a significant nuisance and potential security risk to Mac users. By understanding how it operates and the methods by which it can infect systems, users can take proactive steps to prevent infection. If infected, following the outlined removal steps can help users reclaim their system’s integrity and security.

How ExpandedDivision infects Mac computers

ExpandedDivision typically gains access to Mac systems through deceptive practices. Users may unknowingly install ExpandedDivision when downloading and installing free software from the internet, as it is often bundled with other applications. These bundles do not always clearly disclose the inclusion of additional software like ExpandedDivision, leading to unintentional installation. Another common method of infection is through visiting infected websites or clicking on malicious ads that download the adware directly onto the system. Once installed, ExpandedDivision may inject a browser extension or program to control the browser’s behavior, including changing the homepage and redirecting search queries to generate ad revenue.

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

Remove ExpandedDivision manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ExpandedDivision from Applications

Remove ExpandedDivision from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ExpandedDivision

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

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

Remove ExpandedDivision add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ExpandedDivision 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 ExpandedDivision


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


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

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 ExpandedDivision in browsers.

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ExpandedDivision

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.