How to remove ExpandedSection (Mac)

What is ExpandedSection

ExpandedSection is a form of adware targeting macOS devices, designed to deliver intrusive advertisements and unwanted pop-ups to users. This application belongs to the AdLoad malware family, which is notorious for generating revenue through aggressive advertising tactics. ExpandedSection typically infiltrates systems via deceptive software bundling or misleading pop-up ads, often accompanying free downloads from untrustworthy sources. Once installed, it can slow down system performance and compromise user privacy by tracking browsing habits and collecting sensitive information. Although it does not exhibit traditional browser hijacking behaviors, its data-tracking capabilities pose significant risks, including exposure of personal and financial details. Ads displayed by ExpandedSection frequently redirect users to dubious websites, increasing the chances of encountering scams or malware. Removing this adware manually can be challenging due to its tendency to hide components deep within the system. Security experts recommend using reputable antivirus tools, such as Combo Cleaner, to thoroughly detect and eliminate all traces of ExpandedSection. Maintaining vigilance during software installations and avoiding suspicious sites are crucial to preventing infection by this type of adware.

How ExpandedSection infects Mac computers

ExpandedSection typically infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods, primarily bundled software installations. Users often unknowingly download this adware when installing legitimate programs from unofficial or sketchy sources, such as freeware sites or peer-to-peer sharing networks. During the installation process, ExpandedSection may be packaged alongside desired applications, and if users opt for “Easy” or “Quick” installation settings, they inadvertently allow the adware to infiltrate their systems. Additionally, intrusive advertisements and rogue websites can redirect users to download links that facilitate the installation of ExpandedSection without their explicit consent. Once installed, the adware begins to generate unwanted advertisements, compromising user privacy and system performance. Awareness and vigilance during software installation are crucial in preventing such infections.

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

Remove ExpandedSection manually for free

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

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

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

Remove ExpandedSection from Applications

Remove ExpandedSection from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ExpandedSection

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

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

Remove ExpandedSection add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ExpandedSection 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 ExpandedSection


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


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

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 ExpandedSection in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ExpandedSection

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