QxSearch is a family of browser hijackers, also known as redirect viruses, that employ numerous browser add-ons and extensions to modify existing internet browser settings. The QxSearch hijacker uses the extensions to change the homepage (startup page), new tab page, and default search engine. Once settings have been changed, the affected web browser will startup on QxSearch.com or another similar website and redirect to the same website when a search is conducted in the address bar or a new tab is opened.
Browser add-ons and extensions native to the website are also known to bundle with or be advertised alongside additional malware, adware, spyware, viruses, and potentially unwanted programs that may cause other problems and provide an even larger security risk. Due to this, it is recommended to scan an infected computer with reputable antivirus tools including Malwarebytes Premium to ensure that malicious software and corrupted files have been properly removed.
The QxSearch hijacker mostly utilizes deceptive and advertisements that may be confusing and aggressive to trick or persuade victims into installing native browser add-ons and extensions. As reported by Malwarebytes, the QxSearch hijacker fakes failed installs to trigger a new installation.
How to remove QxSearch.com (Virus Removal Guide)
Follow the steps in this removal guide to completely remove QxSearch, viruses, malware, adware, spyware, and other threats from your computer.
1. First, download and install Malwarebytes to scan your computer for malware and potentially unwanted programs.
2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, click the Scan Now button to begin scanning your computer.
3. When the scan is complete, click the Quarantine Selected button to remove all threats detected by Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes will detect this family of browser hijackers as PUP.Optional.QxSearch.
4. Reboot your computer.
5. Next, download and install HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan and remove remaining trace files.
6. Once HitmanPro is installed, click the Next button to begin scanning your computer.
7. When the scan is complete, click the Next button to remove all threats detected by HitmanPro.
8. Reboot your computer.
9. Finally, download and install CCleaner to automatically delete files, clean up Windows registry, and repair settings.
10. Once CCleaner is installed, click the Analyze button to begin analyzing your system.
11. When the analyzation is complete, click the Run Cleaner button to clean your system.
12. Now, let’s walk through the Tools section; Go to Tools.
13. Go to Uninstall: Is there a program you missed uninstalling before? CCleaner can often show you programs that are hidden from the Control panel.
14. Go to Software Updater: Are there any programs to update? Make sure to keep the programs on your computer up-to-date to avoid issues with security vulnerabilities.
15. Go to Startup: Go through the Windows, Scheduled Tasks, and Context Menu tabs. Are there any suspicious startup keys enabled? If so, highlight them with your mouse and click the Delete button to remove them.
16. Go to Browser Plugins: Go through the tabs for each browser installed on your computer. Are there any suspicious plugins installed? If so, highlight them with your mouse and click the Delete button to remove them.
17. Leave the Tools section and go to Registry.
18. Click the Scan for Issues button and follow the instructions.
19. Once the registry scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues… button and follow the instructions to fill all the selected issues found in your computer’s registry.
20. To ensure that rogue browser extensions have been removed launch Google Chrome.
21. In the settings menu, go to More tools > Extensions.
22. Search for suspicious browser extensions and click the Remove button if any are located.
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