How to remove VirtualDock (Mac)

What is VirtualDock

VirtualDock is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that primarily targets Mac computers. It is categorized as adware due to its intrusive behavior, including the display of unwanted advertisements and possibly redirecting users to malicious websites. This article delves into the nature of VirtualDock, how it infects Mac systems, methods for its removal, and tips for preventing such adware infections in the future. Removing VirtualDock from a Mac involves a few steps that target the adware and its associated files. A recommended approach is to use specialized antivirus software designed for macOS, such as Spyhunter. This software can automatically detect and remove VirtualDock along with other malicious or unwanted programs. For users preferring manual removal, the process involves identifying and deleting VirtualDock-related files and folders. This can be challenging, as such files may be hidden in various system directories. Users need to exercise caution to avoid accidentally deleting essential system files. Key locations to check include the Applications folder, Library/LaunchAgents, and Library/Application Support.

How VirtualDock infects Mac computers

VirtualDock often gains entry into Mac computers through deceptive installation methods. One common tactic is software bundling, where VirtualDock is packaged with freeware or shareware applications. Users may unknowingly install VirtualDock when they install the bundled software without carefully reviewing the installation steps. This deceptive strategy exploits the users’ lack of attention during the installation process of legitimate software. Another aspect of VirtualDock’s infection process is its ability to enter Mac computers in the majority of cases by exploiting questionable software bundles. This method is particularly effective because it bypasses the usual vigilance users might apply when downloading and installing new software, leading to unintentional installation of the adware.

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

Remove VirtualDock manually for free

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

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

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

Remove VirtualDock from Applications

Remove VirtualDock from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall VirtualDock

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

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

Remove VirtualDock add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish VirtualDock 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 VirtualDock


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


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

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 VirtualDock in browsers.

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like VirtualDock

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.