How to remove SafeSideSearch Extension (Virus Removal Guide)

SafeSideSearch Extension is the name of a browser add-on and extension that is recognized as a browser hijacker and potentially unwanted program (PUP) that is known to utilize deceptive marketing tactics, collect user browsing data, change internet browser settings, and cause other complications.

SafeSideSearch Extension

Once SafeSideSearch Extension is installed it will change your homepage, new tab page, and search settings to search.safesidesearch.com This causes affected web browsers to start-up on and redirect to the webpage when a new browser window is opened, a new browser tab is opened, or a search is performed in the address bar.

Name SafeSideSearch Extension, SafeSideSearch Extension virus
Detection Categories Adware, Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)
Publisher Description Easy access to security tools and useful links. Override the newtab and default search with safesidesearch.com.
Symptoms The user may experience unwanted advertisements in the web browser.
Common Path(s) C:\Program Files (x86)
C:\Users\{USER}\Downloads\
C:\Users\{USER}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage\
Detection tool Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By SafeSideSearch Extension

What is SafeSideSearch Extension?

SafeSideSearch Extension is promoted as a free browser extension and program for your PC that can help you easily file backups on your computer and browser for free. Even if SafeSideSearch Extension does what it is supposed to do, it is still a completely unnecessary object and the user can be affected because of its data collection policy, extension permissions, and changes to existing internet browser settings.

what is SafeSideSearch Extension

The SafeSideSearch Extension extension for Google Chrome is very intrusive and has permission to read and change your data on the websites you visit, read and change your browsing history, manage your downloads, manage your apps, extensions, and themes, and communicate with cooperating native applications.

How to remove SafeSideSearch Extension

Follow the steps in this SafeSideSearch Extension removal guide to remove “SafeSideSearch Extension virus,” malware, and other threats from your PC and internet browser.

  1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
  2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro
  3. Uninstall SafeSideSearch Extension and unwanted programs
  4. Remove SafeSideSearch Extension and unwanted browser add-ons
  5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

Call Virus Removal Helpline: 1-866-521-2427


1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes

The first step to remove this program is to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.

1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.

2. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

3. When the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.

4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.

2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro

The second step to remove this program is to download and install a second opinion scanner called HitmanPro by Surfright in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.

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.

3. Uninstall SafeSideSearch Extension and unwanted programs

The third step to remove this program is to uninstall SafeSideSearch Extension and other unwanted programs in Windows Control Panel.

1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.

2. In the Programs section click Uninstall a program. In earlier versions of Windows this is listed as “Add and remove programs.”

3. Search for SafeSideSearch Extension Supporting Application in the list and double click it.

4. Once you have uninstalled SafeSideSearch Extension Supporting Application search for other unwanted programs that may be installed on your computer such as DNS Unlocker and Money Viking and uninstall them as well.

4. Remove SafeSideSearch Extension and unwanted browser add-ons

The fourth step to remove this program is to remove unwanted browser add-ons and extensions from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari.

Google Chrome

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

remove SafeSideSearch Extension

2. Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.

2. Search for the unwanted add-on and click Remove.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

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

2. Search for the unwanted add-on in the list, select it with your mouse, and click Remove.

Apple Safari

1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.

2.  Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.

5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

The fifth step to remove this program is to download and install CCleaner by Piriform in order to delete leftover junk files, tracking cookies, registry entries, unwanted start-up tasks, and more.

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.

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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