How to uninstall ExpandedTask app/extension from Mac

What is ExpandedTask

ExpandedTask is supposed to be a program that will improve the browsing experience, but it is adware. Adware is considered by many to be synonymous with ‘malware’. It is a form of malicious software that presents unwanted ads to computer users. Some examples include popup advertisements, push notifications or unclosable windows. Adware can be installed onto your MAC system via infected webpages, when you open email attachments, anytime you download and install free programs.

Does adware steal your confidential information? Adware can analyze the location and which Web websites you visit, and then present ads to the types of content, goods or services featured there. Adware software authors can gather and sell your browsing information and behavior to third parties.

Adware is usually written in ways common to malware, spyware and hijackers. In order to remove ExpandedTask adware, you will need perform the following steps or run free adware removal utility listed below.

How does ExpandedTask get on your MAC system

Adware commonly comes on the Apple Mac with freeware. Most often, it comes without the user’s knowledge. Therefore, many users aren’t even aware that their machine has been hijacked by potentially unwanted apps and adware. Please follow the easy rules in order to protect your computer from adware and PUPs: do not install any suspicious software, read the user agreement and select only the Custom, Manual or Advanced install option, do not rush to click the Next button. Also, always try to find a review of the program on the Internet. Be careful and attentive!

Threat Summary

Name	ExpandedTask, ExpandedTask 1.0 app
Type	adware, potentially unwanted application (PUA), popup advertisements, pop-up virus, pop ups
Symptoms	pop-ups and new tab pages are loaded without your request website links reroute to web sites different from what you expected unwanted program installed without your knowledge new icons in your web browser your browser homepage has changed and you are unable to modify it back you cannot update your security software slow Internet or slow browsing your machine starts performing very slowly
Removal	ExpandedTask removal guide

How to remove ExpandedTask from Mac device

Without a doubt, the ExpandedTask adware is harmful to your Apple Mac. So you need to quickly and completely remove this unwanted software. To get rid of this adware, you can use the manual removal tutorial that are given below or free malware removal tool such as MalwareBytes Anti Malware (it is free). We advise you use automatic removal solution that will allow you to get rid of ExpandedTask easily and safely. Manual removal is best used only if you are well versed in MAC or in the case where adware software is not removed automatically. Some of the steps will require you to restart your MAC or close this web-page. So, read this tutorial carefully, then bookmark this page or open it on your smartphone for later reference.

To remove ExpandedTask, perform the steps below:

1. Remove unwanted profiles on Mac device
2. Remove ExpandedTask related apps through the Finder
3. Remove ExpandedTask related files and folders
4. Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes
5. Remove ExpandedTask from Safari, Chrome, Firefox
6. How to stay safe online
7. Finish words

Remove unwanted profiles on Mac device

ExpandedTask can install a configuration profile on the Mac system to block changes made to the browser settings. Therefore, you need to open system preferences, find and delete the profile installed by the adware.

Click the System Preferences icon ( ) in the Dock, or choose Apple menu ( ) > System Preferences.

In System Preferences, click Profiles, then select a profile related to ExpandedTask.

Click the minus button ( – ) located at the bottom-left of the Profiles screen to remove the profile.
Note: if you do not see Profiles in the System Preferences, that means there are no profiles installed on your Mac device, which is normal.

Remove ExpandedTask related apps through the Finder

Check out the Finder (Applications section) to see all installed software. If you see any unknown and questionable programs, they are the ones you need to delete.

Open Finder and click “Applications”.

It will open a list of all applications installed on your computer. Scroll through the all list, and delete any dubious and unknown apps. Right click to dubious program and choose “Move to Trash”. Another solution is drag the program from the Applications folder to the Trash.

Most important, scroll through the all list, and move to trash any unknown applications. Don’t forget, select Finder -> Empty Trash.

Remove ExpandedTask related files and folders

Now you need to try to find ExpandedTask related files and folders, and then delete them manually. You need to look for these files in certain directories. To quickly open them, we recommend using the “Go to Folder…” command.

Click on the Finder icon. From the menu bar, select Go and click “Go to Folder…”. As a result, a small window opens that allows you to quickly open a specific directory.

Check for ExpandedTask generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchAgents

This will open the contents of the “/Library/LaunchAgents” folder. Look carefully at it and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files: macsearch.plist, ExpandedTask.plist, installapp.plist, search.plist and com.machelper.plist. Most often, adware software, PUPs and browser hijackers create several files with similar names.

Check for ExpandedTask generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/Application Support

This will open the contents of the “Application Support” folder. Look carefully at its contents, pay special attention to recently added/changed folder. Move all suspicious folders to the Trash.

Check for ExpandedTask generated files in the “~/Library/LaunchAgents” folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
~/Library/LaunchAgents

Proceed in the same way as with the “/Library/LaunchAgents” and “/Library/Application Support” folders. Look for suspicious and recently added files. Move all suspicious files to the Trash.

Check for ExpandedTask generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Carefully browse the entire list of files and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files to be deleted: com.macsearch.plist, com.machelper.plist, com.installapp.plist, com.ExpandedTask.plist and com.search.plist. In most cases, adware software, PUPs and browser hijackers create several files with similar names.

Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes

If you’re still having issues with the ExpandedTask removal or just wish to scan your Mac device occasionally for adware and other malware, then download MalwareBytes. It is free for home use, and scans for and deletes various unwanted apps that attacks your computer or degrades MAC performance. MalwareBytes can remove adware, browser hijackers, PUPs and toolbars as well as malicious software, including ransomware and trojans.

MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM) can be downloaded from the following link.

Once the download is finished, close all programs and windows on your Apple Mac. Open a directory in which you saved it. Run the saved file and follow the prompts.

Once install is done, you’ll see window as displayed in the figure below.

Now press the “Scan” button for checking your MAC for the ExpandedTask adware. While the MalwareBytes is scanning, you can see count of objects it has identified either as being malicious software.

When the system scan is complete, MalwareBytes Free will open you the results. All found threats will be marked. You can remove them all by simply click “Quarantine” button.

The Malwarebytes will now start to delete ExpandedTask .

Remove ExpandedTask from Safari, Chrome, Firefox

If you’re still seeing ExpandedTask that won’t go away, you might have malicious plugins installed on your web browser. Check your web browser for unwanted extensions using the steps below.

Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox
In the top right corner, click on Google Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three vertical dots. In the menu go to ‘More tools’, then ‘Extensions’. Click ‘Remove’ to uninstall an extension. Click ‘Remove’ in the dialog box. You can also try to delete ExpandedTask adware software by reset Chrome settings.	Click on ‘menu’ button and select ‘Add-ons’. Go to ‘Extensions’ tab. To uninstall an add-on, click on ‘Remove’ button next to it. If you are still experiencing issues with ExpandedTask adware software removal, you need to reset Mozilla Firefox browser.
Safari
On the top menu select ‘Safari’, then ‘Preferences’. Select ‘Extensions’ tab. Select an extension you want to delete and click ‘Uninstall’ button next to it.

How to stay safe online

Run an ad blocker utility such as AdGuard will protect you from malicious ads and content. Moreover, you may find that the AdGuard have an option to protect your privacy and stop phishing and spam web pages. Additionally, ad blocking programs will allow you to avoid annoying ads and unverified links that also a good way to stay safe online.

1. Please go to the following link to download AdGuard.
   
   

   AdGuard for Mac download
   3677 downloads
   Author: © Adguard
   Category: Security tools
   Update: January 17, 2018
   
2. When the download is complete, launch the downloaded file. You will see the “Setup Wizard” program window. Follow the prompts.
3. When the installation is done, click “Skip” to close the install program and use the default settings, or press “Get Started” to see an quick tutorial which will allow you get to know AdGuard better.
4. In most cases, the default settings are enough and you do not need to change anything. Each time, when you run your machine, AdGuard will start automatically and stop annoying ads, block malicious and misleading webpages.

Finish words

Now your MAC system should be free of the ExpandedTask adware. We suggest that you keep AdGuard (to help you block unwanted ads and annoying malicious web-pages) and MalwareBytes Free (to periodically scan your MAC system for new malicious software, hijackers and adware). Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for Mac OS. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new browser hijackers, harmful programs and adware are released.

If you are still having problems while trying to remove ExpandedTask from your web browser, then ask for help here.