System Extensions still "Running" after uninstalling their parent application

Randall_2023 wrote:

Thanks for the reply. I've been using FAF for about a year. Love it. Thanks for the tip. I found where these reside:

/Library/SystemExtensions/

but am hesitant to delete them as I fear it might break something else.

No need to worry. You won't be able to delete them. 😄

You haven't been using any kind of "clean up" or "app zapper" have you? Most people rave about them, recommend them at every opportunity, and scoff me when I say to avoid them. Where are those people in situations like this? Nowhere to be found.

These new System Extensions are baked into the operating system at a very low level. They are protected by System Integrity Protection. The official method to uninstall a System Extension is to drag the app to the trash. You will get a dialog box asking if you want to uninstall the bundled System Extension. If you want to continue, then it will leave the app in the trash and remove the System Extension at your next restart. But if you use any other method, "rm" on the command line, "app zapper", you'll be left with a very low-level system modification running totally out of control.

There is also a method available for 3rd party developers to integrate into their own uninstallers. But to be honest, I've rarely seen any 3rd party developers use that method successfully.

And finally, there is another method intended only for developers. This method is difficult, dangerous and can't be mentioned in polite dinner parties like this end-user tech support forum.

Your antivirus system extension looks expected. Antivirus apps are notable for providing non-functional uninstallers.

The other app is more interesting. It seems like the only way for that app to get stuck like that is with an "app zapper".

But how to fix? That's your question, isn't it. You'll need to erase the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. When you restore, make sure to restore only user accounts and user data files. Do not restore apps, software, or "other files" as this will reinstall the system extensions.

Here are some Apple Support documents to help: Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon - Apple Support

Note that the first part is grossly incorrect. It says:

Before erasing your Mac

1) Install the latest macOS updates.

2) If using macOS Monterey, follow the steps to erase all content and settings instead of these steps. You should also erase all content and settings when selling, giving away, or trading-in your Mac.

3) These steps cause Bluetooth devices to disconnect (unpair) from your Mac. To complete these steps with a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or trackpad, connect it with a USB cable, if possible.

4) Make a backup of any files that you want to keep. Erasing your Mac permanently deletes its files.

It should be obvious that #4 should be done first.

And then reinstall: How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

The reinstall includes a step to restore your data. You'll follow these instructions: Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support

The important part is step #7 "Select the information to transfer." The screenshot shows all options checked. Don't do that. Check only the option corresponding to your account.

Ouch regarding CleanMyMac aka " BrickMyMac " to quote a More Learned Colleague

Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS,  is an invitation for disaster and comprising the Operating System

Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a portion on each sale. What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase

Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions

This will include CleanMyMac 

Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.

Specific to CMM, MacKeeper and Dr Cleaner Pro Plus 

Some Contributors suggest restarting in Recovery Mode and choosing to Reinstall the Operating System over the existing installation. 

This may or may not replace elements of the Entire Operating System including the Home Folder ( User Account )  and replace any corrupted or removed elements of the Operating System and make thing right.

Then there are Other Contributors ( like myself ) would suggest  from this link Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.

Thereafter to start from scratch and install all Required Application directly from the Apple Apps Store or Directly from the Developer.

If going this route - I suggest Not using Startup Assist to migrate things back as this will probably Re-Introduce the existing  issue that existed when the TM Backup was made 

Most of the above blurb has already been covered by my Learned Colleague

Perhaps this Application used in Safe Boot and use the Name of the Application involved with each Application

Find Any File (FAF)

There might be some Terminal Commands to achieve this but not good with the Terminal Syntax

The method my Learned Colleague alluded to involves >>

Disabling and Enabling System Integrity Protection - Apple ... to use the Terminal Command-line rm with the exact path to remove the Extension(s)

There after, to immediately Enable SIP again.

Caution: Terminal Command are not forgiving and one misplaced period, slach etc. could ruin the Operating System.

Then, the balance of my colleagues suggestion would be required.