Guide to Getting Rid of Viruses on a Mac

While a virus on a Mac is not something you have to worry about generally, it is possible that you may start experiencing performance issues after downloading an app, clicking on a link, or using a plugin.

You might notice your system lagging, weird pop-ups, apps closing abruptly, or your screen freezing.

But there are some easy hacks to remove the virus, and they are entirely free.

Let’s dive in.

Hack #1: Remove malicious apps

There are programs that help you to detect the root cause, but if you don’t have one, go to your Launchpad and start deleting apps that you do not recognize or never use.

You can also remove apps that open and close without warning. This is usually a sign that there is something wrong with the app.

Once you remove it from your Applications, you should empty your Trash to make sure the app has been booted from your system.

Hack #2: Remove suspicious browser plugins

Based on the browser you’re using, these software components may be called plugins or extensions. Try disabling them all and enabling them one by one to identify the root cause.

Or, get rid of all of them if you’re in a rush. These plugins can be reinstalled whenever you do need them.

Hack #3: Disable login items

There are some apps and processes that start up as soon as you turn on your laptop or desktop. There could be a potential virus hiding here. To deal with this, go to your ‘System Preferences’ and then ‘Users & Groups’ and finally ‘Login Items.’ Here, you can uncheck an app that you do not recognize or just remove them all if you do not need login items as soon you turn on your device.

Hack #4: Clean up your storage

There may be a hidden virus in one of the files you downloaded or an unused app that is impossible to get to instantly. In these cases, it is best to attack the problem using a wide-scale clean up.

You can empty your trash, optimize storage, and delete all duplicate files. You can also look at your system storage and clean it up quickly to remove all unnecessary files.

What else can you do to remove the virus?

• Invest in cleaning software - These are not the same as antivirus software. You don’t typically need an antivirus software on Macs. These cleaning programs can find the root cause and eliminate it for you on your behalf. They also routinely check your system to make sure you do not run into any performance issues. While some can be expensive, it will cost you less to go and get your device serviced if your Apple care has lapsed.
• Routinely backup your Mac - Use a mix of the in-built Time Machine and cloud storage services to backup all your data and try not to keep any sensitive data on your system. If you back up your system, you can always restore the last version if you do have to delete files on a large scale.
• Reinstall a clean version of the OS - If you are not sure about the root cause and your system does not allow you to download a cleaning program, your best bet is to wipe your device and do a ‘clean install.’
• Get some professional help - If everything fails, you need to consider going to a Genius bar or calling an expert that will enable you to navigate through the process so that your data is protected and you can start using your device as soon as possible.