How to remove NetworkFormat (Mac)

What is NetworkFormat

NetworkFormat is a type of adware that primarily targets macOS systems, belonging to the notorious AdLoad malware family. This advertising-supported software infiltrates devices to display intrusive advertisements such as pop-ups, banners, and surveys, which can severely disrupt the browsing experience. While its primary function is to generate revenue through aggressive ad placements, it also poses significant privacy risks by collecting sensitive user data, including browsing histories, login credentials, and even credit card information. Although NetworkFormat does not typically hijack browsers, its presence can lead to redirects to dubious websites that may host scams or malicious content. Infection often occurs through deceptive pop-up ads, bundled software installers, or downloads from untrustworthy sources like torrent files. Users may notice their Mac slowing down, frequent unwanted ads, and suspicious browser behavior as indicators of infection. Removal can be challenging due to leftover files and processes that persist after manual deletion, making professional tools like Combo Cleaner highly recommended. Aside from performance and privacy concerns, NetworkFormat also contributes to financial risks by promoting fraudulent products and services through affiliate marketing schemes. Vigilance during software installation and avoiding unofficial download channels are key preventative measures against this adware.

How NetworkFormat infects Mac computers

NetworkFormat typically infects Macs through deceptive software bundling practices, where it is packaged with legitimate applications downloaded from unofficial sources, such as third-party websites or torrent platforms. Users often inadvertently install the adware by opting for “Quick” or “Easy” installation settings, neglecting to review the terms and additional components included in the installation process. Once installed, NetworkFormat can also be propagated through intrusive pop-up ads and misleading download prompts that appear to be legitimate. Additionally, it may exploit browser vulnerabilities, allowing it to execute scripts that facilitate unauthorized downloads without user consent. Once inside the system, NetworkFormat begins to display intrusive advertisements, track user data, and potentially redirect users to harmful websites, presenting serious risks to privacy and device security. Consequently, vigilance during software installations and cautious browsing habits are crucial to prevent such infections.

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

Remove NetworkFormat manually for free

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

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

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

Remove NetworkFormat from Applications

Remove NetworkFormat from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall NetworkFormat

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

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

Remove NetworkFormat add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish NetworkFormat 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 NetworkFormat


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


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

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 NetworkFormat in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like NetworkFormat

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