![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intego.com\/mac-security-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/How_to_Check_Your_Mac_for_Malware.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
If your Mac is acting strangely, that alone doesn’t mean it’s infected with malware. A good first step is checking for pending macOS updates, which often fix performance issues.<\/p>\n
If that doesn\u2019t help, think back to what felt off, whether that was a recent download or a pop-up that wouldn’t go away. This way, you have an idea of what to look for, target, or remove. Running a malware scan can then help give you a clear view of what\u2019s actually going on.<\/p>\n
Your Mac does have built-in malware protections. However, those protections work in the background. They don’t let you run a manual check when something feels off or show you detailed report logs to see what was checked.<\/p>\n
Below, we\u2019ve laid out how to check for malware on your Mac, how to remove anything harmful you find, and simple habits to help keep your Mac protected moving forward.<\/p>\n
Seeing something unusual on your Mac is usually a sign to take a closer look and make sure everything is running as it should. If you suspect malware<\/a>, keep an eye on potential signs, including:<\/p>\n Before checking for malware, ensure your Mac is up to date and set to receive Apple\u2019s latest security updates<\/a> automatically. Apple regularly uses these updates to patch security gaps and keep built-in tools like XProtect<\/a> up to date.<\/p>\n Go to System Settings<\/strong> > General<\/strong> > Software Update<\/strong> (or System Preferences<\/strong> > Software Update<\/strong> for macOS Monterey or earlier) to check for available updates. Click the information button (the small “i”) beside Automatic Updates<\/strong> and turn on Install system data files and security updates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re using macOS Tahoe 26 or later, head to System Settings<\/strong> > Privacy & Security<\/strong> > Background Security Improvements<\/strong> and confirm that Automatically Install is turned on.<\/p>\n If your Mac is fully updated but still isn’t behaving normally, here\u2019s how you can check what\u2019s going on:<\/p>\n Take a look through your Applications folder in Finder and your browser’s extension list for any apps or add-ons you don\u2019t recognize. If you find something you never intended to add, go ahead and remove it. For apps, make sure you properly uninstall the app<\/a>, so it doesn\u2019t leave small background files behind.<\/p>\n Also, check your login items for anything unfamiliar and remove it:<\/p>\n If you can identify the file or app that caused concern, don’t open it again and remove it from the list or delete it entirely.<\/p>\n Apple\u2019s built-in defenses, Gatekeeper<\/a> and XProtect, work behind the scenes, but they don’t give you a way to run a manual check or see a status report. Dedicated antivirus software, on the other hand, lets you run a virus scan for your Mac whenever you want<\/a> a clear answer. Once the scan finishes, let the results guide your next move. It\u2019s best to avoid deleting system files on a hunch, as removing an essential file can cause unexpected issues.<\/p>\n\n
How to check your Mac for malware<\/h2>\n
![\"macos-automatic-updates-settings-enabled\"](\"https:\/\/www.intego.com\/mac-security-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/01-macos-automatic-updates-settings-enabled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Background](\"https:\/\/www.intego.com\/mac-security-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/02-macos-background-security-improvements-settings.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCheck for suspicious apps and extensions<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"Login](\"https:\/\/www.intego.com\/mac-security-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03-macos-login-items-extensions-open-at-login.jpg\")
<\/p>\nUse a trusted antivirus software to scan your Mac<\/h3>\n
\nIntego ONE\u2019s virus scanner<\/a> lets you check your Mac’s entire drive or specific folders for malware. It also provides real-time protection for checking apps and files as you download or open them, helping stop threats before they affect your Mac.<\/p>\n