How to remove Search.JoyGame.com (Removal Guide)

Does Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari redirect to search.joygame.com when you open a new tab or search the web using the browser address bar? If so, your computer has contracted one or multiple potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) including browser helper objects (BHOs), generic browser add-ons and extensions, and programs compatible with Windows operating systems.

Search.JoyGame.com virus

A program or browser attachment associated with this search page will essentially take control of your existing internet browser settings once it has been installed. It will change your homepage, new tab setting, and default search engine to search.joygame.com. This is what causes your affected browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or other popular internet browser to redirect to search.joygame.com when you open a new browser window, new tab, or search the web via the address bar.

In order to remove search.joygame.com you will need to uninstall the associated program, remove the associated browser attachment, and perform other simple steps included in the search.joygame.com removal guide below. Since browser hijackers commonly bundle with or are contracted alongside potentially unwanted programs, viruses, and malware we recommend to scan your computer and remove additional threats with the reputable software we suggest in our guides. The software we discuss is completely free to use and as popular as they come.

Symptoms

  • Advertisements
  • Browser redirects to search.joygame.com or a webpage on the website
  • Slow and sluggish computer
  • Decreased internet connectivity, functionality, and performance
  • Potentially bundles with or is advertised in close proximity of malware and other potentially unwanted programs

This infection is not a computer virus. Please be aware that some websites may describe this infection as the “search.joygame.com virus.” This is done in order to scare you to download and install their affiliate software which they make commission from. When removing potential threats from your computer it is important to avoid faux malware removal blogs and websites that want to trick you into installing unnecessary programs such as rogue spyware-removal programs that can harm you and your computer and put your security at risk.

How to remove search.joygame.com


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Step 1: Uninstall potentially unwanted programs

The first step to remove this browser hijacker is to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs from your computer. If you cannot find a program to uninstall move onto the next step.

1. Go to the Control Panel on Windows Start Menu.

2. Click Uninstall a program (or Add and remove a program) in the Programs section.

3. The Programs and Features window will open. This window contains a list of programs installed on your computer. Search for suspicious and unwanted programs in the list of installed programs. Once a program you want to remove is located, double click it to begin the uninstall process (or select the program and click Uninstall). To sort programs that were recently installed on your computer click the “Installed On” tab. This makes it easier to identify problematic programs that may have been contracted around the same time you started to notice symptoms of this infection.

Step 2: Remove browser add-ons and extensions

The second step to remove this browser hijacker is to remove browser add-ons and extensions that can change your browser settings. If you cannot locate any unwanted extensions move onto the next step.

Google Chrome

1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for suspicious extensions in the list and click the trashcan icon next to each one.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.

2. Search for suspicious add-ons and click Remove next to each one.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Go to Tools (Alt+X) and click Manage add-ons.

2. Search for suspicious add-ons, select one individually with your mouse, and click Remove.

Apple Safari

1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.

2.  Search for suspicious extensions in the list and click the Uninstall button next to each one.

Step 3: Remove Search.JoyGame.com search engine

The third step to remove this browser hijacker is to manually remove the search engine from your browser. In some cases, this will be unnecessary because uninstalling the associated program and/or removing the associated browser attachment may automatically disable this setting and change it back to how it was before.

  • In Mozilla Firefox, click the small search magnify glass near the search box (not url/search field) and click “Manage Search Engines…”. Remove Search.JoyGame.com search engine from the list of search providers by highlighting the selections and clicking remove.
  • In Microsoft Internet Explorer navigate to Tools > Manage Add Ons > Search Providers and remove Search.JoyGame.com search engine from the list.
  • In Google Chrome, click the customize icon (wrench or 3 bars) and navigate to Settings > Manage search engines… click the X next to Search.JoyGame.com search engine to remove it.

Step 4: Remove Search.JoyGame.com homepage

The fourth step to remove this browser hijacker is to manually remove the search engine from  your homepage. This also could be unnecessary because uninstalling the associated program and/or removing the associated browser attachment may automatically disable this setting and change it back to how it was before.

  • In Mozilla Firefox navigate to Tools > Options or click Firefox in the top left corner and click Options > Options. Under the General tab remove Search.JoyGame.com from the “Home Page:” field and replace it with your preferred home page URL.
  • In Microsoft Internet Explorer navigate to Tools >Internet Options. Remove Search.JoyGame.com from the Home Page field and replace it with your preferred URL.
  • In Google Chrome click the customize icon (wrench or 3 bars) and navigate to Settings.Click “Set pages” under the On startup option. Remove Search.JoyGame.com and replace it with your preferred homepage URL.

Step 5: Scan your computer for malware

The fifth step to remove this browser hijacker is to scan your computer and remove detections with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software. This will locate and eradicate any existing malicious and potentially malicious files from your computer.

1. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright.

2. Open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.

3. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

4. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

5. Click the Reboot button.

Step 6: Clean up and repair settings

The sixth step to remove this browser hijacker is to cleanup and repair settings on your computer and browser with CCleaner by Piriform. This will help get rid of junk files, registry entries, and disable features set by this hijacker and potential threats it may bundle with.

1. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform.

2. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

3. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.

4. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.


If you are still having issues with malware it is recommended to download and install a second opinion scanner such as HitmanPro by Surfright to remove leftover files and automatically repair corrupted settings.

Sean Doyle

Sean is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

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