How to Remove Privacy Switch Extension (Removal Guide)

Privacy Switch is a deceptive browser extension compatible with multiple internet browsers. The Privacy Switch extension is promoted as a free tool that keeps your searches safe; However, the extension is primarily developed to generate revenue from your internet searches. The browser extension makes superfluous adjustments to your current browser settings. It will substitute the default search engine that is used when you search the web using the address bar with a new website such as safeservesearch.com and succeed your existing homepage and the page you see when you open a new tab with the same site.

Privacy Switch extension

If you search the web from the new tab page you will be directed to safeservesearch.com and then to another website such as search.privacy-search.net or search.yahoo.com. This is done in order to record your IP address and the keep track of the things you search for online.

The public permissions for the Google Chrome extension are listed below:

  • Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
  • Change your search settings to: safeservesearch.com

One of the biggest concerns with the extension is that it is often advertised on websites that display malicious advertisements and host malware. If you found the Privacy Switch extension attached to your browser or have visited a website that displays Privacy Switch advertisements, it is likely that your computer has been introduced to other threats (such as search Movies) that should be removed.


Privacy Switch removal steps

Follow the removal steps on this page to remove the Privacy Switch extension from Google Chrome and other malicious threats that can cluster with the Privacy Switch extension such as malware, viruses, adware, spyware, and other internet browser extensions and add-ons.

STEP 1: Remove the browser extension
STEP 2: Scan your computer for malware with Malwarebytes
STEP 3: Clean up and repair settings with CCleaner


STEP 1: Remove the browser extension

Google Chrome

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

remove Privacy Switch

2. Click the trashcan icon next to the Privacy Switch extension to remove it.


STEP 2: Scan your computer for malware with Malwarebytes

1. Open your browser window and download Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.

2. Double click the executable file (mb3-setup.exe or other) to begin installing Malwarebytes.

3. In some versions of the installation file you can simply select your language and click Next to install the program; Otherwise, select your language, click Next, then select “I accept the agreement,” click the Next button several times, and then click the Install button to install Malwarebytes. Click Finish once the install process is complete.

4. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button on the Dashboard to begin scanning your computer.

5. Click the Quarantine Selected button once the scan is finished.

6. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.


STEP 3: Clean up and repair settings with CCleaner

1. Open your browser window and download CCleaner Professional or CCleaner Free.

2. Double click the executable file (ccsetup.exe or other) to begin installing CCleaner.

3. Click the Install button to begin stalling the program.

4. Click Run CCleaner to open the program when installation is complete.

5. Select the Cleaner tab and click the Analyze button.

6. When the Analyze process is complete click the Run Cleaner button to clean all files.

7. Next, select the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button to scan for issues in your registry.

8. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues button and Fix All Selected Issues button to fix the issues.

9. Next, select the Tools tab and click Startup. Examine each area, search for suspicious entries, and delete any suspicious startup entries by selecting the entry and clicking the Delete button.

10. Next, click Browser Plugins and search each internet browser for unwanted browser add-ons and extensions. Click the extension you want to delete and click the Delete button to remove it.

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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