How to remove malware on a Mac 2026

In our latest top antivirus recommendation article, many readers asked us how to install our top recommendation, Norton AntiVirus Plus, on their devices. Here is how to do it on a Mac.

Be sure to follow the instructions below.

First, uninstall any other antivirus already installed on your computer

Because antivirus software with real-time protection runs in the background, having two antivirus programs installed at the same time can cause conflicts and may prevent either one from working properly.

Before installing Norton AntiVirus Plus, uninstall any other antivirus software already installed on your Mac.

How to install Norton AntiVirus Plus on macOS

• Purchase Norton AntiVirus Plus here: Norton Antivirus Plus – Save 58% – $34.99 protects 5 devices for year 1
  Get Norton AntiVirus Plus
• Please note that the above product is the core antivirus product. Norton may offer additional products or upgrades during checkout. We don’t recommend the add-ons.
• After purchase, sign in to your Norton account.
• Go to your account dashboard.
• Choose the option to download or install Norton on this device.
• Open the downloaded Norton installer file.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install Norton AntiVirus Plus.
• When prompted, enter your Mac administrator password to approve installation.
• Allow any macOS system permissions Norton requests so real-time protection can work properly.
• Once installation is complete, open Norton and confirm your subscription is active.

You have now installed Norton AntiVirus Plus on your Mac.

Now that your software is installed, let’s run a scan of your computer.

How to turn on Norton Safe Web and browser protection

Norton includes web protection tools designed to help warn you about dangerous websites, phishing attempts and suspicious links before you click.

To turn on Norton’s browser protection:

1. Open Norton on your Mac.
2. Look for Safe Web, Browser Protection or a similar web protection option.
3. Follow Norton’s prompts to add the browser extension.
4. Open your browser and approve the extension when prompted.
5. Make sure the extension is turned on.

Settings may vary depending on your version of macOS, your browser and your Norton plan.

For the best protection, make sure Norton protection is active in the browser you use most often, such as Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

How to run a Quick Scan on your Mac

A quick scan checks the most common places malware is likely to hide. This is a good first step if your Mac is acting strangely or you clicked something suspicious.

To run a Quick Scan:

• Open the Norton application.
• Click Security or Device Security.
• Click Scans.
• Choose Quick Scan.
• Start the scan.
• Let Norton finish checking your Mac.
• If Norton finds a threat, follow the prompts to remove or quarantine it.

A quick scan usually takes less time than a full system scan, but timing depends on your Mac and how many files need to be checked.

How to run a Full System Scan

A full system scan checks more of your Mac and can take longer, but it is the better option if you suspect your computer may already be infected.

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To run a full scan:

• Open Norton.
• Click Security or Device Security.
• Click Scans.
• Choose Full System Scan.
• Start the scan.
• Keep your Mac plugged in if possible.
• Let the scan complete before closing Norton.
• If Norton finds malware, follow the prompts to remove or quarantine the threat.

A full scan may take much longer depending on how many files, apps and folders are on your Mac.

How to schedule malware scans

To keep your Mac protected, do not just scan once and forget about it. Set Norton to run scans automatically so it can keep checking for threats.

To schedule scans:

• Open Norton.
• Go to Settings.
• Look for Antivirus, Scans or Scan Scheduling.
• Choose how often you want Norton to scan your Mac.
• Select the type of scan you want to schedule.
• Save your settings.

For most people, automatic scans are a smart way to stay protected without having to remember to run them manually.

What to do if Norton finds malware

If Norton detects malware on your Mac:

• Follow Norton’s prompts to remove or quarantine the threat.
• Restart your Mac if Norton recommends it.
• Run another scan after restarting.
• Change passwords for sensitive accounts if you believe your information may have been exposed.
• Watch for suspicious email, banking or social media activity.
• Keep your Mac, browser and apps updated.

Other warning signs your Mac may have malware

A Mac can still get infected. Watch for these signs:

• Your Mac suddenly runs much slower than usual.
• You see frequent pop-ups.
• Your browser redirects you to strange websites.
• Your homepage or search engine changes without permission.
• Apps appear that you do not remember installing.
• You get fake security alerts telling you to call a number.
• Your Mac overheats or the fan runs constantly for no clear reason.

If you notice any of these signs, run a full scan and remove anything suspicious.

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