How to remove Searchdefence.com (Virus Removal Guide)

What is Searchdefence.com virus?

Searchdefence.com virus is a browser hijacker infection that takes control of your existing internet browser settings. The browser hijacker infection will replace your homepage, new tab page, and default search with Searchdefence.com. Once this occurs, your browser will start on the website and redirect to the website when you search in the address bar.

Searchdefence.com virus

In order to remove searchdefence.com and stop redirects to the website it is recommended to scan your computer for malware that can remain hidden on your machine and remove rogue browser extensions capable of replacing your browser settings.

Searchdefence.com removal steps

These searchdefence.com removal steps will help you remove searchdefence.com virus, malware, and other malicious threats from your browser and computer.

Step 1: Uninstall potentially unwanted programs

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

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 searchdefence.com search engine

In Mozilla Firefox, click the small search magnify glass near the search box (not url/search field) and click “Manage Search Engines…”. Remove searchdefence.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 searchdefence.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 searchdefence.com search engine to remove it.

Step 4: Remove searchdefence.com homepage

In Mozilla Firefox navigate to Tools > Options or click Firefox in the top left corner and click Options > Options. Under the General tab remove searchdefence.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 searchdefence.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 searchdefence.com and replace it with your preferred homepage URL.

Step 5: Scan your computer for malware

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  1. Open your browser window and download Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.
  2. Open the executable file (mb3-setup.exe) to begin installing Malwarebytes.
  3. 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 6: Clean up and repair settings

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