How to remove Search Know (Virus Removal Guide)
Search Know (also searched for as Search Know virus, SearchKnow virus, or Search Know New Tab) is the name of an adware type program and browser hijacker that usually enters a computer system and attaches to internet browsers by using deceptive and misleading tactics. The adware will bundle and install alongside other unwanted programs and malware. Once Search Know is installed it will add browser add-ons and extensions to affected internet browsers, collect user browsing data (all browsing activities, browser history, bookmarks, etc.), serve advertisements to the user in their web browser and Windows desktop, and change existing internet browser settings, which causes affected internet browsers to start-up on and redirect to sponsored webpages like search.searchitknow.com and others. The “Search Know virus” will also edit Windows registry and make modifications to the infected computer system in order to run every time Windows starts and remain enabled in the background if manually disabled by the user. The process Search Know.exe (SearchKnow.exe) will remain active in Windows Task Manager and the file can enable itself if the process has been manually ended.
Search Know Screenshot
What is Search Know?
Search Know is promoted as a free browser plugin that contains tools for online shopping and custom search results. The program uses deceptive and misleading methods to get users to mostly install it by accident. The image below shows that the program bundled with a fake “Java Update.”
The main issue with this program and browser attachment is that it will cause Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explrorer, and other browsers to start-up and redirect to search.searchitknow.com and other webpages. Redirects to search.searchitknow.com occur when a new window is opened, a new tab is opened, or a search is performed with the browser address bar.
Search Know adware will also display pop-up and in-text style ads on the internet and Windows desktop. It may also show a large toolbar at the top of Windows desktop that contains links and a search box. Various user details may also be obtained by the adware and used for a several different purposes. The data collection is described in the product’s Privacy Policy and allotted permissions if a browser attachment is present.
The Search Know extension for Google Chrome has permissions set allowing it to read and change all your data on the websites you visit and manage your apps, extensions, and themes.
Search Know Removal Guide
Search Know can be uninstalled manually from your computer and internet browser. We have provided several steps below the article to show you how remove Search Know 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.
Quick Links
- Step 1: Uninstall Search Know from Windows
- Step 2: Remove unwanted browser attachments
- Step 3: Remove Search Know virus with Malwarebytes
- Step 4: Remove Search Know malware with HitmanPro
- Step 5: Clean and repair your computer with CCleaner
Step 1: Uninstall Search Know from Windows
Follow the instructions to uninstall Search Know 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 Know 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 Know 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 Know with your mouse and click the Uninstall button once it appears. Once you have uninstalled Search Know 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 Know 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 Know 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 Know 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 Know extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.
2. Search for the Search Know add-on and click Remove.
Apple Safari
1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Search for the Search Know extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.
Step 3: Remove Search Know virus with Malwarebytes
Follow the instructions to remove Search Know with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
1. Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
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 Know malware with HitmanPro
Follow the instructions to remove Search Know with HitmanPro second-opinion software.
1. Download and install HitmanPro second opinion scanner and removal tool.
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.
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. To finish things off, 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.
