Maftask on Mac: what it is and how to remove it
Maftask is a process that users an find running in their Activity Monitor on macOS/Mac OS X which resides in the following location /Users/test/Library/Application Support/maf/maftask. app/Contents/MacOS/maftask. While there are many background processes running on computers all time times, Maf task is the one that users should not ignore, as its existence indicates the infection of a potentially unwanted application Mac Auto Fixer.
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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Maftask: summary
| Distribution | In some cases, users may be tricked by fake updates or install the PUP intentionally while looking for legitimate system repair tools |
|---|---|
| Name | Maftask |
| type | Process |
| Related software | Users who see Maftask process running are infected with Mac Auto Fixer – a potentially unwanted application that shows false positives in order to make users buy its full version |
| Location | /Users/test/Library/Application Support/maf/maftask.app/Contents/MacOS/maftask |
| Target operating system | All macOS and Mac OS X system versions that support Mac Auto Fixer app |
| 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 9 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | Leftover program file |
| Symptoms | A process with a Windows name running from the wrong folder |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| File name | Maftask |
| What it is | Of unknown origin |
| First seen | 9 October 2019 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
How to check the Maftask file
- File:
Maftask
From our report of Oct 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Maftask
- can successfully deal with all suspicious content
- /Applications/Mac Auto Fixer.app /Library/Application Support/maf /Library/hlprmaf/mafgset.plist /Library/LaunchAgents/com.techyutil.maftask.plist /Library/LaunchAgents/com.techyutil.mafuninstaller.plist /Volumes/MacAutoFixer/.hlpr/Mac Auto Fixer /Volumes/MacAutoFixer/.hlpr/maf ~/Applications/Mac Auto Fixer.app ~/Library/Application Support/Mac Auto Fixer ~/Library/Application Support/maf ~/Library/Caches/com.techyutil.macautofixer ~/Library/Caches/com.techyutil.maftask ~/Library/Caches/com.techyutil.maftaskreviser ~/Library/Caches/com.techyutil.mafuninstaller ~/Library/Caches/com.techyutils.cleaner ~/Library/hlprmaf ~/Library/hlprmaf/mafgset.plist ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.techyutil.maftask.plist ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.techyutil.mafuninstaller.plist ~/Library/Logs/Mac Auto Fixer.log ~/Library/Logs/maftask.log ~/Library/Mac Auto Fixer ~/Library/Preferences/com.techyutil.macautofixer.plist ~/Library/Preferences/com.techyutil.maftask.plist ~/Library/Preferences/com.techyutil.mafuninstaller.plist ~/Library/Preferences/com.techyutils.cleaner.plist
What to do with Maftask
How to remove Maftask 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 Maftask 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
You can successfully clean Google Chrome from all questionable-looking objects. This action can be completed by using these simple guidelines:
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 Mozilla Firefox (FF)
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
All suspicious objects that you have not downloaded or all unexpected changes that you do not remember performing need to be permanently removed from Safari. Use these guidelines to achieve such goal:
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
Terminate all adware-related processes from your infected Mac computer by using the below-provided helping instructions:
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
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.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
From our report of Oct 2019 · not reviewed since
Maftask is a Mac Auto Fixer-related process that prevents users from uninstalling the potentially unwanted program
Maftask is a process that users an find running in their Activity Monitor on macOS/Mac OS X which resides in the following location /Users/test/Library/Application Support/maf/maftask.app/Contents/MacOS/maftask.
While there are many background processes running on computers all time times, Maf task is the one that users should not ignore, as its existence indicates the infection of a potentially unwanted application Mac Auto Fixer.
The dubious system optimization tool has earned itself a bad name over the years, as it posses typical signs of scareware: it gets deceptively installed with freeware or fake updates and then spams users with fake notifications prompting them to buy a full version of the app. On top of that, users have been struggling to remove Maftask from Mac, and Apple forums are filling with pleads for help.
Due to questionable distribution techniques and deceptive behavior, the process is often called Maftask virus. While it is not an entirely correct statement (viruses attach itself to other apps to spread further), it is understandable from the users' point of view. In short, if you are looking at how to get rid of Maftask, you should check the bottom section of this post - we provide a detailed guide.
In this case, if you have been experiencing bogus alerts from Maftask, the only way to stop them is by removing the rogue system tool together with this questionable process, which is the source that the software is running from.
You can remove Maftask either manually or automatically. The first option requires precision, as moving the Mac Auto Fixer to Trash is not enough. For more details, refer to the bottom section below.
However, if you want a quick solution, do not delay and download automatic Maftask removal software, such as , or any other reputable security tool. Note that, by choosing anti-malware software, you will ensure that all the adware or other potentially malicious programs are eliminated from your device.
Maftask is a component of Mac Auto Fixer, which means that you installed scareware on your computer. In most of the cases, it is likely to occur without your intention, as potentially unwanted applications are usually bundled with third-party software. While it is highly recommended to refrain yourself from downloading apps from unofficial sources, sometimes users just want a particular application that does not exist on the App Store.
In such a case, make sure you check the installation process carefully and get rid of any unwanted optional components offered to you during the installation.
Nevertheless, Maftask virus might have also been installed after you have been tricked by fake Flash updates. This is a common technique used by malware developers in order to mislead users, claiming that Flash Player needs updating.
What users end up installing, however, only becomes clear after the act. Without a doubt, some such downloads can infect your machine with nasty malware, and you might be facing much more serious ramifications, such as money loss or even identity theft.
Once on the Mac system, Maf task creates various entries, which are scattered all over the system. This particular feature is what makes Maftask removal particularly difficult, especially if users try to perform it manually. Nevertheless, if you choose such a method, below, we indicate which files you need to eliminate to get rid of this malware once and for all.
From our report of Oct 2019 · not reviewed since
Distribution techniques of potentially suspicious content
Technology experts from Virusai.lt claim that suspicious programs and their additional components infiltrate systems through various different sources.
However, the most popular distribution techniques are bundled software, unprotected domains, infectious hyperlinks or third-party advertisements. You can prevent the installation of ad-supported programs and other questionable content by following this guide:
- Always have reputable antivirus protection running on your machine. Also, make sure that your software includes a safe browsing feature that will stop you every time you try to enter a suspicious domain.
- Do not use third-party downloaders or installers. Always download your programs from trusted sources (App Store, Amazon, etc.) and use the Custom configuration mode to track all incoming software.
- Avoid entering suspicious websites. If you ever see a page that looks suspicious to you, do not risk your computer's safety by entering that page as you might get infected with something more developed and dangerous than adware.
- Keep all of your apps updated. If you have any software or antivirus programs running on your system, make sure that you regularly perform all required updates, otherwise, the tools might contain errors which allow developers to infiltrate their potentially unwanted apps much easier.
From our report of Oct 2019 · not reviewed since
Elimination guidelines for Maftask virus on macOS and web browsers
As we have already said, Maftask is the name of a process which is responsible for launching a rogue system optimization tool known as Mac Auto Fixer.
The termination of this process is necessary if you want to eliminate the system program from your machine and prevent it from bombarding false security alerts.
Maftask removal can be completed by using our below-given step-by-step guide that has been created to help users through the entire elimination process. These instructions include steps for cleaning macOS and browser apps such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari. If you are choosing this method, however, you also need to get rid of the following files that are likely to reside on your system:
Also, you can easily and effectively remove Maftask virus by downloading and installing reliable anti-malware equipment. Once you launch this software on your system, it will initiate a full system scan, detect all potential threats, and start performing the removal. This way you will sure that all locations in your computer are clean of adware.
Questions about Maftask
Why do I have two Maftask processes?
Some Windows processes run in several copies, and that is normal as long as every copy comes from the Windows folder and is signed by Microsoft. If one copy of Maftask runs from AppData, Temp, ProgramData or another unusual folder, it is not part of Windows.
Malware uses system names so it blends in with the real processes. Use Open file location on each copy in Task Manager's Details tab to see where they live, and check the Digital Signatures tab of the suspicious file before you remove it.
The fake Maftask is gone. Am I safe now?
Not necessarily. A disguised Maftask is usually one part of a larger infection: something downloaded and installed it, and that installer may have added other files, tasks or a password stealer.
Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan, check Task Scheduler and Startup apps for leftovers, and look in Windows Security for exclusions or disabled protection. If the PC was used for banking or saved passwords while the impostor ran, change those passwords from another device and turn on two-step verification.
How did Maftask get onto my PC?
Files like Maftask, which is of unknown origin, usually arrive with a free program whose installer added extra offers that were ticked by default. They can also stay behind after you uninstall such a program, because the uninstaller removes the main part only.
Sort Installed apps by date and look at what was installed around the time the file appeared; that is usually the source. Next time, choose Custom or Advanced in installers and untick additional software. Read each screen before clicking Next.
Can I rename or move Maftask to stop it?
Do not. Renaming or moving a genuine file breaks the program or the Windows feature it belongs to, and Windows may restore it anyway. Renaming a malicious copy does not make it harmless either: whatever starts it may still find it, or download a fresh copy.
The right tools are the program's uninstaller for unwanted software, a full scan and the offline scan for malware, and System File Checker for damaged Windows files. Each removes or repairs the related entries as well.
Can I just delete Maftask?
Not right away. If the file is running or something restarts it, deleting fails or the file returns. First check what it is:
- open Properties
- look at the publisher and the signature
- note the folder
A file that matches A copy of Maftask running from outside the Windows folder and has no publisher is not part of Windows.
End its process in Task Manager, remove the startup entry or scheduled task that points to it, then delete the file and restart. If it comes back, an offline scan with Microsoft Defender removes what keeps restoring it.
Is a single scan enough to trust Maftask?
For a genuine file in its normal folder with a valid signature, yes: a clean scan confirms what the location and signature already told you. For a file in an odd folder or without a signature, a clean result is less reassuring, because new malware is not always detected at once.
In that case update Windows Security, scan again a day later and keep an eye on the file. If it comes back after deletion or uses CPU while the PC is idle, treat it as malicious.
How can I find out what Maftask does?
Look at what it touches. In Task Manager, check its CPU, memory and network use; in Resource Monitor, see which files and connections it opens; in Task Scheduler and the Startup list, see what starts it. The report here is A copy of Maftask running from outside the Windows folder.
You can also upload the file to an online multi-engine scanner to see whether security vendors already detect it. Do not run it again to test it, and do not download tools offered on pages that promise to explain such files.
Can I stop Maftask from starting?
If it belongs to Windows, not safely. If it belongs to a third-party program, yes, in Task Manager > Startup apps or in the program's own settings, if you do not need its background features.
If it is malware or a leftover, remove it instead; disabling startup alone leaves it on the disk. Before changing anything, find out what the file is for. If you only want a faster start, the Startup impact column in Task Manager shows which entries slow it most.
Why are there several Maftask processes?
Windows and many programs run separate instances for different tasks, tabs or users, so several copies in Task Manager can be normal. Right-click each one and choose Open file location: they should all point to the same genuine folder.
Many copies alone are not a sign of infection. A copy that points to another folder, or one with no publisher on the Details tab, is the one to check further. If the count keeps growing, a program may be starting new instances in a loop.
Will Fortect remove Maftask?
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 Maftask, 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
- Apple discussions: how to fully get rid of a virus-maftask (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Adware (read October 7, 2026)
- Virusai: Virusai.lt (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)