What is Helper-Tool?

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Level 1

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What is Helper-Tool?

Hey everyone!

Recently I have been checking out on how to stop apps from launching automatically on startup. Below, there is this section called "Allow in the Background" (irrelevant but added as an information). Out of curiosity, I decided to check on some apps. There's this executable file called "Helper-Tool" by an unidentified developer. Down below, you have some pictures on how it looks like and where the location is.

Is it something I have downloaded of the internet, since it's located in the Mac's read only files (or it least that's what I believe it is)? If it's in the Read Only Files, how come this exec file is an "item by an unidentified developer"?

Thanks!

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Posted on Dec 31, 2023 05:02 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

bgeer

Level 1

13 points

Jun 11, 2024 12:56 PM in response to daffo79

I drilled down thus:

ls -l /Library/Internet Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin/Contents/Frameworks/Sparkle.framework/Versions/A/Resources/Java\ 8\ Update\ 371.app/

so, taken at face value, it appears to be something to do with a Java language update. I have no idea how important it is

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

153,568 points

Jan 1, 2024 12:27 PM in response to daffo79

/usr/bin/open is a required macOS component so there is nothing wrong with its presence.

However, the reason it appears in Login Items is a mystery. I suggest deleting it from Login Items according to Change Login Items settings on Mac - Apple Support. That action will not remove the file itself, and removing it should have no effect on your Mac's operation.

Helper-Tool is not included with macOS. I don't know what it is, and its appearance in Login Items is also a mystery. The following Discussion may be of interest to you: What is helper-tool Unix Executable File - Apple Community

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What is Helper-Tool?

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