How to remove PublicConsoleSearch (Mac)

What is PublicConsoleSearch

PublicConsoleSearch is a type of software categorized as adware and a browser hijacker. It is designed to display advertisements and sometimes alter browser settings. This application is often distributed by disguising its installer as the installer for Adobe Flash Player, tricking users into downloading and installing it unknowingly. This deceptive method of distribution is why PublicConsoleSearch and similar apps are referred to as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Adware-type applications typically display banners, coupons, pop-up ads, surveys, and other forms of advertisements. These ads often cover content on opened websites and can be annoying or disturbing. In some cases, they are used to distribute unwanted applications by running certain scripts that can cause unwanted downloads and installations. PublicConsoleSearch is also designed to collect information about its users. The data collected can include browsing history and user information, which can be sold to third parties.

How PublicConsoleSearch infects Mac computers

PublicConsoleSearch infects Mac systems by disguising its installer as the installer for Adobe Flash Player. Users often download and install this adware unknowingly, thinking they are installing a legitimate software. Another common method of distribution is through bundled software. Adware can come bundled with legitimate software downloaded online. It can also be disguised as fake updates for legitimate software or even the operating system. Visiting malicious websites or clicking on malicious links can also lead to the installation of adware.

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

Remove PublicConsoleSearch manually for free

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

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

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

Remove PublicConsoleSearch from Applications

Remove PublicConsoleSearch from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall PublicConsoleSearch

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

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

Remove PublicConsoleSearch add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish PublicConsoleSearch 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 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 PublicConsoleSearch


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


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

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 PublicConsoleSearch in browsers.

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like PublicConsoleSearch

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.