How to stop the "This Update requires an action" pop-up from appearing
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "This Update requires an action"?
"This Update requires an action" is the headline of a deceptive pop-up window that encourages users to update outdated software. Do not trust this pop-up or obey the instructions. Research shows that the pop-up appears due to adware that is already installed on the computer and/or browser.
Typically, people do not install adware intentionally. Therefore, apps of this type are classed as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). This particular pop-up is used to promote PUAs such as Tapufind and ChillTab - we strongly recommend that you do NOT download or install them.
In addition to unwanted, deceptive pop-ups, adware also displays other ads such as coupons, banners, surveys, etc. Typically, people who trust and click them are redirected to untrustworthy web pages or they are tricked into unwanted downloads/installations.
In this case, the deceptive pop-up tricks people into downloading and installing Tapufind and ChillTab. It could also be used to proliferate other unwanted apps. Furthermore, installed adware might operate as information tracking tools to record details such as IP addresses, geolocations, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, etc.
Adware developers often sell the details to other people (potentially cyber criminals) who misuse them to generate revenue or even steal identities. To avoid this situation and problems relating to browsing safety, we recommend that you uninstall all adware immediately. This can be done by scanning the system with Combo Cleaner and then removing all detected threats.
| Name | This Update requires an action pop-up |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Examples of adware-type apps that might be responsible for displaying the "This Update requires an action" pop-up include OpticDaemon, LightAgent, DisplayUpdate, PowerLift, and PowerLog. It can also be displayed by other adware. Typically, this software provides no 'useful features' and is designed only to help the developers to generate revenue.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Unwanted applications are downloaded or installed through intrusive ads or the set-ups of various programs (usually free). The "bundling" method is used to distribute unwanted apps through software set-ups. Developers use it to trick people into unwanted downloads/installations by hiding PUAs in setup options such as "Custom", "Advanced", and others.
In summary, information about the inclusion of unwanted apps in set-ups is not properly disclosed. Note, however, that unwanted apps are generally only downloaded/installed when people carry out the process without changing options that are included in the set-ups.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Do not use third party software downloaders, installers, download software from untrustworthy websites, using Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), or other dubious tools. Software and files should be downloaded via official and trustworthy websites, and direct download links.
Do not finish any download or installation process without checking "Custom", "Advanced", and other settings, and deselecting offers to download or install unwanted software. Avoid clicking intrusive ads, especially if they are displayed on dubious websites. If clicked, they can redirect to potentially malicious websites or cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Browsers or systems can be prevented from showing ads and opening dubious web pages by removing all unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons installed on the browser, and programs installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Text in the pop-up:
This Update requires an action:
Please check the box to complete the update
If you do nothing, this message will be closed automatically in 60 seconds.
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is "This Update requires an action"?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Outstanding!
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