OSMessageTracer on Mac
OSMessageTracer on Mac is a file that is part of the macOS operating system, located in the /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/OSAnalytics.framework/Versions/A/Support/OSMessageTracer folder. It is a binary executable file that has a size of about 1.1 MB and is used by the OSAnalytics framework, which is a system that collects and analyzes various types of data from the Mac, such as crash reports, performance metrics, diagnostics, and usage statistics.
If you’ve recently updated your Mac to macOS Ventura, you might see OSMessageTracer on Mac in your settings, but you should not worry as this is not something harmful. It is a file from a previous update that was supposed to be removed but got left behind. If you find it bothersome, you can easily remove it without affecting your Mac’s performance. It’s safe to delete, since it doesn’t serve any purpose in the current macOS version.
Is OSMessageTracer safe?
Yes, OSMessageTracer is safe, but it can also be a privacy concern for some users since it is used by the Apple’s OSAnalytics framework to collect that that can improve the quality and functionality of the macOS operating system and the Mac hardware. Apple claims that this data is anonymous and does not contain any personal or sensitive information. However, some users may not want to share it with Apple, or may prefer to have more control over what data is collected and sent from their Mac.
What is OS Message Tracer?
OS Message Tracer is a file responsible for sending the data collected by the OSAnalytics framework to Apple’s servers. OS Message Tracer runs periodically in the background, and it can be triggered by various events, such as system startup, shutdown, sleep, wake, or user login.
What is OSMessageTracer on Mac?
OSMessageTracer on Mac is not a malicious or harmful file, but it can sometimes cause problems for users. For example, some people may experience high CPU usage, slow performance, or battery drain because of this file. This can happen due to various reasons, such as corrupted files, outdated software, or malware infections. Users who encounter these problems should try to fix them by updating their software, scanning their Mac for malware, or deleting the OSMessageTracer file.
OSMessageTracer for MacOS
If OSMessageTracer for MacOS is disturbing you, getting rid of it is not a difficult task. Just head to System Preferences, click on Users & Groups, find your user account, and hit up the Login Items section. Once there, uncheck the box next to OSMessageTracer, click the minus (–) button at the bottom to give it the boot, and don’t forget to restart your Mac to apply your changes.
Another method to remove OSMessageTracer for Mac is to open Finder, head to Go > Go to Folder, type in /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/, press Enter, spot the file named com.apple.installer.osmessagetracing.plist, and toss it into the Trash. Don’t forget to empty the Trash and give your Mac a restart. If, by any chance, these simple steps do not work, or you have a reason to believe that you are dealing with some kind of malware, take a look at the step-by-step guide below and use the recommended removal tool to scan your system.
OSMessageTracing
OSMessageTracing is a term that refers to the process of sending the data collected by the OSAnalytics framework to Apple’s servers. OSMessageTracing is performed by the OSMessageTracer file and is not a malicious or harmful process, but it can be a privacy concern for some users as it runs without their explicit consent or knowledge. Those who are concerned about the process can opt out of sending this data to Apple by following these steps:
1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Analytics & Improvements
2. Uncheck the boxes for Share Mac Analytics, Share iCloud Analytics, Share App Analytics, and Share Crash Data with App Developers
3. Click on the lock icon to save the changes.
SUMMARY:
Name | OSMessageTracer |
Type | PUP |
Danger Level | Medium (nowhere near threats like Ransomware, but still a security risk) |
Detection Tool |
How to Remove OSMessageTracer from Mac
For a quick way to remove OSMessageTracer try to do this inside your Mac browser:
- Open your Mac browser.
- Go to Preferences.
- Now navigate to the extensions sub-menu.
- Look for any unfamiliar entries, including OSMessageTracer.
- Remove OSMessageTracer from your Mac as well as any other suspicious-looking items by clicking on the trash bin icon.
If this does not help, then continue reading this article for more detailed instructions on how to get rid of OSMessageTracer!
The first thing you need to do is to Quit Safari (if it is opened). If you have trouble closing it normally, you may need to Force Quit Safari:
You can choose the Apple menu and click on Force Quit.
Alternatively, you can simultaneously press ⌘ (the Command key situated next to the space bar), Option (the key right next to it) and Escape (the key located at the upper left corner of your keyboard).
If you have done it right a dialog box titled Force Quit Applications will open up.
In this new dialog window select Safari, then press the Force Quit button, then confirm with Force Quit again.
Close the dialog box/window.
WARNING! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
Start Activity Monitor by opening up Finder, then proceed to
Once there, look at all the processes: if you believe any of them are hijacking your results, or are part of the problem, highlight the process with your mouse, then click the “i” button at the top. This will open up the following box:
Now click on Sample at the bottom:
Do this for all processes you believe are part of the threat, and run any suspicious files in our online virus scanner, then delete the malicious files:
The next step is to safely launch Safari again. Press and hold the Shift key while relaunching Safari. This will prevent Safari’s previously opened pages from loading again. Once Safari is opened up, you can release the Shift key.
On the off chance that you are still having trouble with scripts interrupting the closing of unwanted pages in Safari, you may need to take some additional measures.
First, Force Quit Safari again.
Now if you are using a Wi-Fi connection turn it off by selecting Wi-Fi off in you Mac’s Menu. If you are using a cable internet (Ethernet connection), disconnect the Ethernet cable.
Re-Launch Safari but don’t forget to press and hold the Shift button while doing it, so no previous pages can be opened up. Now, Click on Preferences in the Safari menu,
and then again on the Extensions tab,
Select and Uninstall any extensions that you don’t recognize by clicking on the Uninstall button. If you are not sure and don’t want to take any risks you can safely uninstall all extensions, none are required for normal system operation.
The threat has likely infected all of your browsers. The instructions below need to be applied for all browsers you are using.
Again select Preferences in the Safari Menu, but this time click on the Privacy tab,
Now click on Remove All Website Data, confirm with Remove Now. Keep in mind that after you do this all stored website data will be deleted. You will need to sign-in again for all websites that require any form of authentication.
Still in the Preferences menu, hit the General tab
Check if your Homepage is the one you have selected, if not change it to whatever you prefer.
Select the History menu this time, and click on Clear History. This way you will prevent accidentally opening a problematic web page again.
How to Remove OSMessageTracer From Firefox in OSX:
Open Firefox, click on (top right) ——-> Add-ons. Hit Extensions next.
The problem should be lurking somewhere around here – Remove it. Then Refresh Your Firefox Settings.
How to Remove OSMessageTracer From Chrome in OSX:
Start Chrome, click —–>More Tools —–> Extensions. There, find the malware and select .
Click again, and proceed to Settings —> Search, the fourth tab, select Manage Search Engines. Delete everything but the search engines you normally use. After that Reset Your Chrome Settings.
If the guide doesn’t help, download the anti-virus program we recommended or try our free online virus scanner. Also, you can always ask us in the comments for help!
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