How to uninstall DesktopInput app/extension from Mac (Virus removal guide)

What is DesktopInput

DesktopInput is an adware application. Adware is a form of malicious software. DesktopInput is designed to bombard you with unwanted advertisements and pop up windows that could potentially be dangerous for your MAC. It can modify web-browser settings and install malicious browser extensions.

Another reason why you need to get rid of the DesktopInput adware is its online data-tracking activity. It can install a component that enables its author to track which web sites you visit, which products you look at upon those pages. They are then able to select the type of ads they display you. So, if you had DesktopInput on your MAC, there is a good chance you have another that is gathering and sharing your personal data with third parties, without your knowledge.

In this blog post we will discuss how can you remove DesktopInput adware from the MAC OS manually or with free adware removal utilities compatible with compatible with modern operating systems.

How does DesktopInput get on your MAC system

These days some free programs authors bundle PUPs or adware with a view to making some money. These are not free programs as install unwanted apps on to your computer. So whenever you install a new program that downloaded from the Net, be very careful during installation. Carefully read the EULA (a text with I ACCEPT/I DECLINE button), select custom or manual installation option, disable all bundled software.

Threat Summary

Name	DesktopInput, DesktopInput 1.0 app
Type	adware, potentially unwanted application (PUA), Mac virus, Mac malware
Detection Names	Adware/Adload!OSX, Program:MacOS/Vigram.A, MacOS.Agent-MT, ApplicUnwnt, Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload, OSX.Trojan.Gen, Osx.Adware.Cimpli and Adware.MAC.Generic
Distribution	Freeware installers, shady popup advertisements, torrent downloads and fake update tools
Symptoms	When you go to a web site, you’re often redirected to another webpage that you do not intend to visit, you experience lots of of unexpected advertisements, there is an unexpected application in the ‘Applications’ section of the Finder, unwanted browser add-ons or toolbars keep coming back, unexpected changes in your browser such as using a new default search provider, fast Internet but slow browsing speeds.
Removal	DesktopInput removal guide

How to remove DesktopInput from Mac device

Without a doubt, the DesktopInput adware is harmful to your MAC OS. So you need to quickly and completely remove this adware. To get rid of adware software, you can use the manual removal instructions which are given below or free adware removal utility such as MalwareBytes (it is free). We recommend you use automatic removal method which will allow you to remove DesktopInput easily and safely. Manual removal is best used only if you are well versed in machine or in the case where adware software is not uninstalled automatically. Certain of the steps will require you to reboot your MAC or exit this web-site. So, read this guidance carefully, then bookmark this page or open it on your smartphone for later reference.

To remove DesktopInput, complete the following steps:

1. Remove unwanted profiles on Mac device
2. Uninstall DesktopInput associated software by using the Finder
3. Remove DesktopInput related files and folders
4. Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes
5. Remove DesktopInput from Safari, Chrome, Firefox
6. How to stay safe online

Remove unwanted profiles on Mac device

DesktopInput can make changes to the Mac system such as malicious changes to browser settings, and the addition of malicious system profiles. You need to check the system preferences, find and remove malicious profiles and ensure your settings are as you expect.

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

In System Preferences, click Profiles, then select a profile associated with DesktopInput.

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, which is normal.

Uninstall DesktopInput associated software by using the Finder

Go to the Finder and remove dubious applications, all applications you don’t remember installing. It’s important to pay the most attention to applications you have recently installed. If you don’t know what a program does, look for the answer on the World Wide Web.

Open Finder and click “Applications”.

Carefully browse through the list of installed apps and remove all suspicious and unknown programs.

After you’ve found anything questionable that may be the DesktopInput adware or other potentially unwanted program, then right click this application and select “Move to Trash”. Once complete, Empty Trash.

Remove DesktopInput related files and folders

Now you need to try to find DesktopInput 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.

DesktopInput creates several files, these files must be found and removed. Below is a list of files associated with this unwanted application.

• /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.DesktopInput.system.plist
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.DesktopInput.service.plist
• /Library/Application Support/.(RANDOM)/System/com.DesktopInput.system
• ~/Library/Application Support/.(RANDOM)/Services/com.DesktopInput.service.app

Some files created by DesktopInput are hidden from the user. To find and delete them, you need to enable “show hidden files”. To do this, use the shortcut CMD + SHIFT + . Press once to show hidden files and again to hide them. There is another way. Click Finder -> Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal. In Terminal, paste the following text: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES

Press Enter. Hold the ‘Option/alt’ key, then right click on the Finder icon in the dock and click Relaunch.

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 DesktopInput 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: com.google.defaultsearch.plist, , search.plist, installapp.plist, com.machelper.plist, macsearch.plist, com.net-preferences.plist and com.DesktopInput.service.plist. Most often, adware, PUPs and browser hijackers create several files with similar names.

Check for DesktopInput 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 folders and files. Check the contents of suspicious folders, if there is a file with a name similar to com.DesktopInput.system, then this folder must be deleted. Move all suspicious folders and files to the Trash.

Check for DesktopInput 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 DesktopInput 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.machelper.system.plist, com.installapp.system.plist, com.search.system.plist, com.macsearch.system.plist and com.DesktopInput.system.plist. In most cases, adware, browser hijackers and PUPs create several files with similar names.

Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes

We recommend using MalwareBytes Free. You can download and install MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) to detect and get rid of DesktopInput associated programs from your Mac. When installed and updated, the malware remover automatically detects and removes all security threats present on the machine.

MalwareBytes can be downloaded from the following link.

Once downloading is done, run it and follow the prompts. Press the “Scan” button to search for DesktopInput adware software. This task may take some time, so please be patient. When a malware, adware or potentially unwanted programs are detected, the count of the security threats will change accordingly. When you’re ready, press the “Quarantine” button.

The MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM) is a free program that you can use to remove all detected folders, files, malicious services and so on.

Remove DesktopInput from Safari, Chrome, Firefox

Annoying DesktopInput adware or other symptoms of adware in your internet browser is a good reason to find and delete harmful plugins. This is an easy method to restore web browsers settings and not lose any important information.

Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox
In the top-right corner, expand the Google Chrome menu. 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 get rid of DesktopInput adware software by reset Google 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 problems with DesktopInput adware removal, you need to reset 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

By installing an adblocker application like AdGuard, you’re able to block malicious web sites, stop autoplaying video ads and delete a lot of distracting and unwanted ads on web-pages.

Download AdGuard on your Apple Mac from the following link.

When the downloading process is done, run the downloaded file. You will see the “Setup Wizard” screen. Follow the prompts.

Each time, when you launch your Apple Mac, AdGuard will start automatically and stop unwanted pop ups, block harmful and misleading webpages.

Finish words

Now your MAC system should be clean of the DesktopInput adware. We suggest that you keep AdGuard (to help you stop unwanted pop-up ads and unwanted malicious web-sites) and MalwareBytes (to periodically scan your MAC OS for new malicious software, hijackers and adware software). Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for Mac operating system. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new browser hijackers, malicious apps and adware are released.

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