What is OperativeDesktop? Why does it load on your Mac? How to get rid of the undesired app OperativeDesktop and secure your macOS?
OperativeDesktop Adware
OperativeDesktop is an app for macOS that behaves as a typical adware. Adware is a type of potentially unwanted program that invades different operating systems with the goal to generate revenue for its developers. It tricks people into installing it inadvertently. Such an issue may occur during the installation of other typically free programs. Once started on a Mac device, OperativeDesktop adware establishes its files on the system, performs system settings modifications, and gains persistence. It may attempt to escalate its privilege by showing a system notification pop-up. The unnoticed installation of OperativeDesktop can lead to undesired changes of main preferences in installed web browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox. etc.). and applies some significant changes without users’ knowledge.
In the event that OperativeDesktop adware running on your macOS, it is recommendable that you remove it completely as soon as possible. Otherwise, the undesired program will keep the system more vulnerable to malware intrusions and privacy violations.
OperativeDesktop Adware Summary
| Name | OperativeDesktop / Operative Desktop |
| Type | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP), Adware |
| Short Description | An undesired program that gets installed on your Mac without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Main browser settings are affected. Lots of ads flood your preferred web browser. It becomes sluggish and sometimes unresponsive. Certain details are recorded by the program and sent to remote servers. |
| Distribution Method | Software Bundling, Freeware Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss OperativeDesktop Adware. |
OperativeDesktop Mac – What is It All About?
OperativeDesktop is a program that gets installed on Mac via shady techniques. These techniques deliver it on Mac devices without users’ knowledge and trick them to install it unnoticeably. Many users think that it is a virus/malware due to its strange unexpected appearance. In fact, it is a potentially unwanted program – adware.
The installation of OperativeDesktop enables it to access and alter browser and system settings without asking for permission. Changes it applies may enable it to hijack target web browsers by setting a strange search engine like Search Baron or sometimes a legitimate one like Bing. Such an issue may endanger your overal online security as search engines pushed by PUPs may be configured to display results to bogus poorly secured or even hacked websites. That’s why it is recommendable to perform a removal process and restore the default browser settings.
Typically, programs like OperativeDesktop have the goal to generate revenue for their developers. These apps attempt to complete the goal by flooding affected systems and browsers with lots of annoying ads including coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, redirects, and other types of ads. The bad news is that these ads can sometimes be designed to open malicious websites or even be connected to scripts that cause download and installation of some unwanted/malicious software. Last but not least, we should inform you that OperativeDesktop adware may be designed to activate different tracking technologies in order to spy on your online behavior.
Considering all issues which OperativeDesktop adware may cause, we recommend that you remove it from your Mac as soon as possible.
Remove OperativeDesktop Mac Adware
In order to remove OperativeDesktop along with all its files, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below you presents all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of this particular undesired program and strengthen the security of your Mac we recommend you to combine the steps. Have in mind that files associated with this PUP may be detected with names different than OperativeDesktop.
In case you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove OperativeDesktop Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OperativeDesktop Adware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall OperativeDesktop Adware and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to OperativeDesktop Adware:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to OperativeDesktop Adware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to OperativeDesktop Adware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove OperativeDesktop Adware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as OperativeDesktop Adware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove OperativeDesktop Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OperativeDesktop Adware-FAQ
What is OperativeDesktop Adware on your Mac?
The OperativeDesktop Adware threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like OperativeDesktop Adware?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from OperativeDesktop Adware?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the OperativeDesktop Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OperativeDesktop Adware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on OperativeDesktop Adware?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the OperativeDesktop Adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.