What is Google LLC Running on Mac Background and How to Remove it
Since last November, Mac users have seen the vague Google LLC running in the background even though they aren’t permitted such an application. So, an obvious question arises – Google LLC running in the background, what is it?
In this article, we will discuss what is Google LLC on my Mac. Is it a virus? Is it getting my information without authorization? After reading this article, you will get all the related answers on Google LLC. We want to make it clear in the starting itself, that this is different from the Google Updater.
What is Google LLC Running on My Mac Background
Google LLC is Google’s product that associates all Google-related products and services. It automatically logs in to services like Gmail, Google Drive, Chrome, etc for the user’s convenience. When you start the Mac device, it ensures that the user is connected with all products and syncs them on your behalf.
For example, if you have installed Google Chrome on your Mac device, at the start of Mac, Google LLC ensures that you are connected well and automatically log in to the Chrome ID. Even if your Chrome is old or does not have a new security feature for smooth running, the LLC running on a Mac background, update it.
It must be noted that most of the users complain that Google LLC keeps running in the background even if they haven’t opted in. The complaints have become more frequent after November, probably Google has made any policy changes.
Is Google LLC Running on My Mac without the Permission?
Probably yes, according to the most of reports, Google won’t ask for any specific consent before running LLC on Mac. Though it is not explicit why Google running it without permission, I think it is part of Google’s services and we all always click on the “I agree” button without reading it.
So, if not directly, Google has taken your permission accidentally when users authorize Google for its services like Chrome, Gmail, YouTube, etc. There is no reason to say no to Google LLC, however, we agree that not having explicit authorization will lead to a breach of privacy.
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Should I remove Google LLC from My Mac Device?
Till now, you understand what is Google LLC on my Mac, but it raises another related question – Should I keep using Google LLC while I haven’t permitted it to install? You should keep running Google LLC in the background if you are an extensive user of Google and Google-related services, there is no harm.
However, if you aren’t a regular Google service user, it leads to privacy concerns because this automatically logs you into all Google services even though you aren’t willing to do so. In this case, keep reading this post, we have a solution for you in the next section.
Meanwhile, it also be noted that the Google LLC icon is not merely to log in and sync you with Google service, it’s more than that. It ensures that all the services are run smoothly, stay up to date, avoid crashes, functionalities, etc.
Is Google LLC a Virus?
We have found tons of queries if Google LLC, running on my Mac background, is a virus. Absolutely not, LLC running on MacOS is not a virus, it is a product of the largest tech and reputable company, Google. The LLC auto-installed on Mac devices is to make the user experience better and smooth access to related services.
However, we exactly don’t know behind the scenes or if Google has taken your permission accidentally. Google should have asked for clear permission as it connects all the services with a single product. But at the same time, we assure you that Google LLC is not a virus.
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How to Remove Google LLC on Mac
It is very irritating to see Google LLC running on a Mac background that too without permission. You have two methods to remove Google LLC on Mac as mentioned below. However, you can’t permanently remove it but can prevent unauthorized access.
- Disable Google Apps at Startup
- Go to your Mac settings
- Head to the System Preferences and select Users & Groups
- Select your user account and click on the Login Items tab
- You can see the services that Google automatically logged in
- Uncheck all the items or services that you are currently logged in
- Save the settings, it will prevent any unauthorized login automatically when you next time login
- Uninstall the Google Services
Uninstalling Google services permanently could be a hard decision but this is the most effective especially if you aren’t a regular Google Apps user. However, if extensively uses Google products, we recommend running Google LLC in the background of Mac.
To uninstall and delete any Google Service, just drag and select the uninstall or trash option. If you aren’t getting that option, just long press on the application which leads to app info, then select the disable and delete option.
Conclusion
This is all about what is Google LLC on my Mac and why Google LLC running a Mac background. As we previously explained, Google created the LLC that is displayed on your Mac device to ensure the seamless operation of their linked services. However, if you want to get rid of it, we have also discussed how to remove Google LLC on Mac. Hope this article helps you.
