Remove “Search Provided by Yahoo” (Virus Removal Guide)
Search Provided by Yahoo by Wincy (or other publisher) is a browser hijacker program that is not associated with Yahoo. The program typically infects a computer system without user consent or knowledge. Once Search Provided by Yahoo is installed it will change the homepage, default search engine, new tab, and browser shortcut of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari. This causes affected internet browsers to start-up on search.yahoo.com and other websites and redirect to unwanted websites when a search is performed in the address bar. Search Provided by Yahoo will also gather user browsing data, track user browsing habits, and generate pop-up and in-text style advertisements on the web browser.
Threat Details
| Name | Search Provided by Yahoo, Search Provided by Yahoo virus, Ads By Search Provided by Yahoo |
| Category | Adware |
| Short Description | The adware is promoted as a free web utility and search tool. |
| Symptoms | The user may experience unwanted advertisements in the web browser. |
| Distribution Method | The adware bundles with freeware and dubious files. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool |
Search Provided by Yahoo Screenshot
What is Search Provided by Yahoo?
Search Provided by Yahoo is promoted as a free web utility and search tool. Even if Search Provided by Yahoo does what it is supposed to do, the user can be affected because of its data collection policy and changes to existing internet browser settings.
This adware will generate pop-up and in-text style ads on the internet and Windows desktop. It can also modify existing browsing settings such as the homepage and internal search engine, which causes browser to start-up on and redirect to questionable webpages. Various user details may also be obtained. The data collection is described in the product’s Privacy Policy. Getting to know the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use and Download Agreement of freeware is crucial to keeping your online information safe and sound.
Search Provided by Yahoo Removal Guide
Search Provided by Yahoo can be uninstalled manually from your computer and internet browser. We have provided several steps below the article to show you how remove Search Provided by Yahoo and other threats. However, if you have clicked on any random ads or have been redirected to suspicious websites, your system may have been exposed to malware and other threats. To make sure your PC is completely clean and your information is protected from cyber criminals, we recommend that you follow all the steps below.
Step 1: Uninstall Search Provided by Yahoo from Windows
Follow the instructions to uninstall Search Provided by Yahoo and other programs that it may bundle with from your Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 computer. If you do not find Search Provided by Yahoo installed on your computer but still notice unwanted symptoms such as pop-up ads while you browse the web it is recommended to use Malwarebytes and HitmanPro to eradicate troublesome files.
1. Open Windows Start or Task menu and go to the Control Panel (or directly to Programs and Features).
2. In the “Programs” section click Uninstall a program (or Add and remove programs).
3. Search for Search Provided by Yahoo and other programs in the list of installed programs and double click the program you want to remove to uninstall it. You can also select Search Provided by Yahoo with your mouse and click the Uninstall button once it appears. Once you have uninstalled Search Provided by Yahoo look for other unwanted programs in the list of installed programs and uninstall any if they are found. A general tip is to click “Installed On” to locate any programs that installed around the same time.
Step 2: Remove unwanted browser attachments
Follow the instructions to remove Search Provided by Yahoo add-ons and extensions, as well as other attachments that it may bundle with from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer & Edge, and Apple Safari. If you do not find a Search Provided by Yahoo attachments installed on your internet browser but still notice unwanted symptoms such as pop-up ads while you browse the web it is recommended to use Malwarebytes and HitmanPro to eradicate troublesome files. To remove Search Provided by Yahoo from Microsoft internet browsers you must uninstall the program.
Google Chrome
1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the Search Provided by Yahoo extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.
2. Search for the Search Provided by Yahoo add-on and click Remove.
Apple Safari
1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Search for the Search Provided by Yahoo extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.
Step 3: Remove Search Provided by Yahoo with Malwarebytes
Follow the instructions to remove Search Provided by Yahoo with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
1. Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
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2. Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software once it has finished installing.
3. Make sure that Malwarebytes has been updated. To ensure it is updated click Update Now on the Dashboard.
4. Click the large Scan Now button on the dashboard to perform a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
5. When the scan is complete click the Remove Selected button and then click the Finish button or restart your computer if Malwarebytes suggests that you do so.
Step 4: Remove Search Provided by Yahoo with HitmanPro
Follow the instructions to remove Search Provided by Yahoo with HitmanPro second-opinion software.
1. Download and install HitmanPro second opinion scanner and removal tool.
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3. Once Hitman Pro is installed, open the program 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.
4. When the scan is complete, click the Next button again to delete any threats or traces on your system.
5. If you are initially using the free version, to activate it, enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
6. Restart your computer by selecting Reboot.
Step 5: Clean and repair your computer with CCleaner
Follow the instructions to clean your computer and repair your computer’s settings.
1. Download and install CCleaner by Piriform.
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2. Once installed, open the program and go to the main Cleaner screen and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries. If you find any thing suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.
4. Finally, 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.
