Mac Cleanup Pro: what it is and how to remove it
Mac Cleanup Pro is a potentially unwanted application (PUP) that looks legitimate and handy while gathering various sensitive information about its user. Just like Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Auto Fixer, and similar viruses, this tool appears to be a good Mac OS optimizing program.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps checked against Apple's current documentation and the security vendors' reports. We have not run the malware on a Mac. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Mac Cleanup Pro: summary
| Distribution | Software bundling, deceptive ads offering the fake Adobe Flash Player and similar software/updates |
|---|---|
| Name | Mac Cleanup Pro |
| Type | Potentially unwanted application |
| Symptoms | Delivers questionable scan results; promotes its full version; redirects to Bing |
| Affects | MacOS |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Removal | Scan the Mac with security software to find the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect for Mac scans for malware and unwanted programs. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 5 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | Mac Cleanup Pro |
| First seen | 17 January 2019 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Is Mac Cleanup Pro safe? Why it is flagged
From our report of Jan 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Mac Cleanup Pro
- Use for fixing virus damage
How Mac Cleanup Pro got installed
From our report of Jan 2019 · not reviewed since
Mac Cleanup Pro is a fake Mac optimizer that spreads with the help of the fake Adobe Flash Player
Mac Cleanup Pro is a potentially unwanted application (PUP) that looks legitimate and handy while gathering various sensitive information about its user.
Just like Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Auto Fixer, and similar viruses, this tool appears to be a good Mac OS optimizing program. However, the program has been using deceptive techniques to spread around and then delivering deceptive advertisements to convince its victims that they have numerous issues on their computers. At the moment, the virus is spreading as a Flash Player update by using such and similar notifications:
- Flash Player Update!
- Adobe Flash Player is out of date
- similar
Beware that these ads are fake and you should take care of Mac Cleanup Pro removal. The virus is also associated with adware trying to infect the system with a totally useless app. To sum up, you should never invest in such tools if you don't want to lose your money.
While the term "Mac Cleanup Pro virus" is not entirely accurate, users have been actively using it to describe their struggle with this program. The biggest concern is its intrusive behavior that has been frustrating people for several months now. After infiltrating its target computers with the help of bundling, the PUP has also been causing havoc on the system and also failing to leave the system when being asked.
The main activity of Mac Cleanup Pro relies on fake system scanners that are displayed each time the system is rebooted. Additionally, the app starts reporting numerous issues and offers to purchase its license to fix all of them. All these scanners can significantly diminish the time you spend on your device and make your computer or browser run slow.
You may also notice that your Safari, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers have started displaying numerous ads while browsing the Internet. This promotional content is used to promote either this tool or similar applications that are supposed to:
However, this list is used just to trick you into installing even more PUPs on your computer. Additionally, these programs can not only start interrupting you with their fake ads but can also trick you into purchasing their useless full versions.
Another big problem with programs like Mac Cleanup Pro and other suspicious tools is the relation with advertisers and sponsors. This association leads to data gathering and sharing the accumulated information with third-party companies. Your IP address, location, browsing history, most viewed sites, and other online preferences can be tracked. Later on, this information can be used to generate more commercial content on your screen.
There are tons of similar programs that look legitimate and useful but provide no real value. Unfortunately, they can also affect the performance of your device, its speed, and even security. You need to remove Mac Cleanup Pro as soon as you notice any of these signs showing that you are affected by the PUP:
Mac Cleanup Pro removal can be performed by using your antivirus tool or manual removal method which is described below. Later on, use programs like to fix the damage caused by these silent infections.
There is a possibility that, during the infiltration, additional threats got on your computer and affected significant parts of the system. If your Safari or other web browser keeps redirecting you to Bing, reset the affected browser
To uninstall Mac Cleanup Pro from the system, use the guide at the end of this post. However, the full system scan is still considered more reliable as the virus has been spreading together with "OperatorMac" and similar components.
At the moment of writing, is considered the easiest way to get rid of this virus. If you want to use your own tools, rely only on reputable ones to clean your system thoroughly.
- fix errors;
- improve computer's speed;
- disable ads on your computer;
- remove malware;
- make your PC run faster.
- constant redirects to commercial sites;
- pop-up ads delivered to your screen;
- promotional content;
- messages about your device being infected;
- suggestions purchasing a license key of Mac Cleanup Pro.
From our report of Jan 2019 · not reviewed since
Software bundling is a deceptive technique used to distribute PUPs
Various fake error messages promote or distribute rogue system optimization tools as capable to fix virus damage.
Unfortunately, these tools cannot fix issues on your computer. Silent intruders that come to the computer without consent and permission give the opposite effect.
According to researchers , the most common method used to spread this fake Mac optimization program is fake ads offering Abobe Flash Player, Mojave, and similar updates. . We can assure you that Apple has nothing in common with this virus. That's why it has always been recommended using official sources while looking for updates.
Additionally, this tool can come into the system together with other freeware bundles distributed during insecure installations. If you opt for Default or Quick method you may get additional tools and programs installed on the system. This is the silent method that affects the performance of your computer.
Choosing Advanced or Custom options everytime you install any program can beneficial because you can de-select unwanted applications and install the tools you need only. Also, getting your software and updates from reputable sources helps in avoiding these silent cyber infections.
How to uninstall Mac Cleanup Pro
How to remove Mac Cleanup Pro from a Mac
Remove the app and what starts it, then check the browsers.
Step 1: Delete apps and downloads you did not intend to install
Open the Applications folder and your Downloads folder. Drag any app you did not install, and any disk image (
.dmg), installer (.pkg) or archive (.zip) that came from Mac Cleanup Pro or a site you do not trust, to the Bin, then empty the Bin.Also check
~/Library/Application Supportfor a folder with the same name as the app you removed.Step 2: Remove unknown login items and background items
Open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions. Under Open at Login and Allow in the Background, switch off or remove anything you do not recognize, especially items whose developer is shown as an unknown name or that appeared on the day you ran the command.
Then open Finder, choose Go > Go to Folder and check
~/Library/LaunchAgents,/Library/LaunchAgentsand /Library/LaunchDaemons for property list (.plist) files you did not add. Drag suspicious ones to the Bin, then restart the Mac.Step 3: Check the browsers for extensions and changed settings
In Safari open Settings > Extensions and General (homepage). In Chrome open
chrome://extensions, in Firefoxabout:addons.Remove any extension you did not add, and reset the homepage and search engine if they changed. Browsers hold saved passwords and cookies, which is why the password step comes first.
Step 4: Quit what is running that you do not recognize
Open Activity Monitor (in Applications > Utilities, or search for it with Command + Space).
In the CPU or Network tab, look for a process you did not install or whose name is random, select it, click the stop button (the octagon with an X) and choose Quit or Force Quit.
Note the name first: you will look for the same name in the next steps. Malware that comes back after a restart is handled in the next two steps.
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Remove from Google Chrome
If Chrome keeps redirecting you to Bing or a similar site, use this guide to reset your web browser:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Fix Firefox with the help of this guide:
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Delete from Safari
Get rid of Mac Cleanup Pro from Safari completely by following these instructions:
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Delete from macOS
To uninstall Mac Cleanup Pro from Mac, get rid of its entry. You should also delete the fake Flash Player and similar apps that seem suspicious. Finally, make sure you check Library/Application Support and similar locations:
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Reset IE to refresh your web browser and stop redirects to unwanted websites:
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
From our report of Jan 2019 · not reviewed since
Mac Cleanup Pro removal should be followed by a full system scan
You need to remove Mac Cleanup Pro from the system as soon as possible and since this is an aggressive program which can install other tools, lead its victims to financial damage and lead to other issues. It roots deep inside the system, so make sure you don't waste your time with this threat.
Having in mind that the PUP has been using different techniques to prevent its removal, you should use automatic anti-spyware software. Such programs will not only help you get rid of this virus but will also improve the performance of your device by eliminating browser helper objects and similar malware-related components.
Mac Cleanup Pro removal can also be performed manually. To uninstall the virus and fix issues related to it, carefully follow the guide given below. However, a thorough system scan is also recommended as a way to terminate this PUP completely.
Questions about Mac Cleanup Pro
Is Mac Cleanup Pro a virus?
Most programs that appear the way Mac Cleanup Pro did are not viruses in the strict sense. They are potentially unwanted programs:
- real software that arrives bundled with other downloads and then shows offers
- changes browser settings
- starts with Windows
Some are harmless, some are annoying and a few carry adware. What makes it worth removing is that you did not choose it.
Uninstall it from Installed apps and check the startup list and the browsers for anything added the same day. If it refuses to uninstall or returns after a restart, treat it as more serious and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan.
Mac Cleanup Pro will not uninstall. What can I do?
First restart the PC and try again, because the program may have been running and locked its own files. If the uninstaller is missing or fails, start Windows in Safe Mode, where most third-party programs do not start, and remove Mac Cleanup Pro from Installed apps there.
If it still refuses, delete its startup entry and its scheduled task, restart, and try once more. A program that actively prevents removal is behaving like malware, so finish with a Microsoft Defender offline scan. Avoid third-party uninstallers offered on search ads; several of them are unwanted programs themselves.
Is Mac Cleanup Pro a virus?
Not in the strict sense. Nothing reported so far shows Mac Cleanup Pro copying itself, encrypting files or stealing passwords, which is what security companies mean by a virus.
What people see is mac Cleanup Pro in the list of installed apps, which fits an unwanted program: software that arrives bundled with something else and keeps running without being asked for. Many antivirus programs label such software PUP or PUA rather than malware.
That label does not make it harmless. It still uses your PC and connection, may collect data and is often bundled with other programs, so removing it is the right call. Uninstall it from Installed apps, then check startup items and browser settings for its companions.
Mac Cleanup Pro came back after I removed it. Why?
Something reinstalls it:
- another program from the same bundle
- a scheduled task that downloads it again
- a browser extension restored by sync
Look in Installed apps for anything from the same publisher or installed on the same date, and in Task Scheduler for tasks with the program's name or random names. Remove extensions while signed in to the browser so sync deletes them on every device.
Remove everything in one session and restart. If Mac Cleanup Pro still returns, a full scan and a Microsoft Defender offline scan usually find the part that brings it back.
The uninstaller for Mac Cleanup Pro keeps asking me to stay. Is that normal?
It is a common tactic, not a technical requirement. Uninstallers of unwanted programs often show discounts, warnings that the PC will be at risk, or a choice between "repair" and "remove" designed to confuse. Choose the option that removes the program completely and decline everything else.
If the uninstaller closes without removing anything, end its processes in Task Manager and try again, or use Safe Mode. Check Installed apps afterwards; if Mac Cleanup Pro is still listed, the uninstall did not finish.
Can Windows block unwanted programs automatically?
Yes, with one setting. Windows Security has Potentially unwanted app blocking under App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings. Block apps stops flagged programs from installing, and Block downloads works in Microsoft Edge.
On some PCs this was not switched on, which is how programs like Mac Cleanup Pro got through. It does not catch everything, so read installer screens, choose Custom setup and decline offers. Removing free tools you no longer use also helps, because their updates are a common route for new bundles.
Do I need special software to remove Mac Cleanup Pro?
No. Windows has everything needed:
- Installed apps for the uninstall
- the Startup list and Task Scheduler for what restarts it
- Windows Security for a scan afterwards
The steps in this guide take about fifteen minutes. A dedicated tool is a convenience when you would rather not check each place yourself or when the program keeps coming back.
Whatever you use, finish by confirming that mac Cleanup Pro in the list of installed apps is gone after a restart, and avoid downloading removal tools from pages that promote them through scary warnings.
Will removing Mac Cleanup Pro speed up Windows?
It often helps a little and sometimes a lot, depending on how many programs came in the same bundle. Every unwanted program that starts with Windows adds to boot time and uses memory. The one behind mac Cleanup Pro in the list of installed apps is no exception.
Remove it, check the Startup list for others, restart and compare. If the PC is still slow, look at disk space, Windows updates and the processes at the top of Task Manager. A clean PC should sit almost idle when no programs are open.
Why does my antivirus call Mac Cleanup Pro a PUA or PUP?
These labels mean potentially unwanted application or program. They are used for software that is legal but uses deceptive distribution, aggressive ads, misleading claims or a hard removal. Microsoft's PUA categories include advertising software, bundlers, download managers, torrent clients, marketing software and miners.
A PUA detection is a warning, not proof of infection, and you decide whether to keep Mac Cleanup Pro. Other vendors use their own labels for the same idea, such as PUP.Optional or not-a-virus. Read more in our guide to potentially unwanted programs.
Will Fortect remove Mac Cleanup Pro?
Fortect for Mac scans for malware and unwanted programs, and its free scan shows what it finds on your Mac before you decide anything.
For Mac Cleanup Pro, follow the plan on this page as well: removing a launch item or an app is done in macOS itself, and a scanner cannot undo what was typed or entered on the infected Mac, such as saved passwords that were copied.
Change your passwords from another device first, and if the page tells you to erase the Mac, a scan is not a substitute. The free scan costs nothing and the full-featured product needs a license.
Sources
- Hackreads: New adware attack bombard phones & prevent users from disabling ads (read October 7, 2026)
- Digitaltrends: How much do online advertisers really know about you? (read October 7, 2026)
- Apple discussions: Mac Cleanup Pro - Scam? (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)