DisplayLink Manager Keeps Reinstalling Itself...

A couple of months ago, I installed DisplayLink Manager for a workplace dual-screen setup before ultimately deciding to go with a simpler setup using a USB-C dock and HDMI.


I've tried to uninstall DisplayLink Manager a dozen times now. I've used its bundled Uninstall utility. I've dragged it from the Applications folder into the Trash – and emptied the trash.


Every time, a day or two later, it somehow gets reinstalled. I've searched my Library folder for other DisplayLink detritus, but can't find any.


How do I get this junk off my Mac (Ventura 13.3.1) for good?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 13.3

Posted on Apr 25, 2023 9:10 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 25, 2023 10:05 AM

You can check to see if you've removed all of the supporting files by downloading and running the shareware app Find Any File to search for any files with the application's or the developer's name in the file name.  For DisplayLink Manager software you'd do the following search(es): 


1 - Name contains display link


Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.


FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.


If you get warnings that the file can't be deleted because it is in use or used by another app boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and delete from there.


Note:  if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode.  This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 25, 2023 10:05 AM in response to CloudSpeaker

You can check to see if you've removed all of the supporting files by downloading and running the shareware app Find Any File to search for any files with the application's or the developer's name in the file name.  For DisplayLink Manager software you'd do the following search(es): 


1 - Name contains display link


Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.


FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.


If you get warnings that the file can't be deleted because it is in use or used by another app boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and delete from there.


Note:  if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode.  This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


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DisplayLink Manager Keeps Reinstalling Itself...

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