The Searchmy search hijacker is an example of a standard unwanted program; such programs are distributed enormously these days. On this page you will see the comprehensive information of “Searchmy” hijacker removal in various methods: utilizing anti-malware programs and hand-operated elimination technique.
Searchmy – What is it?
“Searchmy” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)1, that is distributed as a plugin for your internet browser. It is typically shared as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that aids to search some specific information, as an example, about sporting activity events, make your web browser much more safe, allow downloading of any video, and so on. Also, this app adds the “Managed by your organization” feature (on Chrome browsers).
Nevertheless, the “Searchmy” plugin is pretty pointless since all such functions are already built-in to your browser and/or Windows. Such advertising and marketing mottos are targeted at low-skilled computer users, for example, pensioners or schoolchildren. However frequently even qualified users are getting caught on such a lure. In specific instances, this hijacker is spread along with free apps.
Here is a details for the Searchmy hijacker
NAME | Searchmy |
Site | Searchmy.co |
Hosting | AS13335 Cloudflare, Inc. United States, San Francisco |
Infection Type | Browser Hijacker, Unwanted Application |
IP Address | 172.67.146.137 |
Symptoms | Changed search engine; search queries redirection |
Similar behavior | Web, Movieapp, Startwebsearch |
Fix Tool | To remove possible virus infections, try to scan your PC |
How harmful is Searchmy hijacker?
Besides its impracticality, Searchmy hijacker is likewise rather hazardous for web browser utilization. It transforms your search engine to its particular – Searchmy.co, and also changes your background, adding its watermark on your wallpaper (or, in some cases, changing it to default with the specified symptom).
In addition to viewable adjustments done by Searchmy hijacker, you can observe that some of your search questions are redirecting to the dubious sites, full of web links and promotions – so-called doorway sites. Such sites can consist of links for malware downloads. The possibility of redirecting increases if you attempt to start Google search page forcibly.
However all these activities are a lot more frustrating than really damaging. The main threat, specifically for individuals who have a lot of confidential information in their browsers, is embedded in data collecting functions. Cookie files, conversations, often-visited web pages, as well as other activities are easily gathered by Searchmy hijacker.
How to remove Searchmy search hijacker?
- Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
- Open GridinSoft Anti-Malware and perform a “Standard scan“.
- “Move to quarantine” all items.
- Open “Tools” tab – Press “Reset Browser Settings“.
- Select proper browser and options – Click “Reset”.
- Restart your computer.
Browser hijackers are almost always quite simple to deal with. For the most part, they have a separate app that can be spotted in the list of installed programs. Due to the certain distribution tactic of Searchmy hijacker, it can be quickly tracked and removed manually. However, if you got Searchmy in the package with a free program, your computer may be infected with much more major malware – trojans, spyware and even ransomware. That’s why I’d advise you make use of anti-malware programs to remove the Searchmy PUA and all various other malware.
You can use Microsoft Defender2 – it is capable of recognizing and eliminating different malware, including mentioned hijacker. But significant malware, that can exist on your PC in the discussed case, can disable the Windows antivirus program by editing the Group Policies. To avoid such situations, it is better to make use of GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
To detect and erase all malicious applications on your personal computer with GridinSoft Anti-Malware, it’s better to use Standard or Full scan. Quick Scan is not able to find all the malicious programs, because it checks only the most popular registry entries and folders.
You can observe the detected viruses sorted by their possible harm simultaneously with the scan process. But to perform any actions against malware, you need to hold on until the scan is over, or to stop the scan.
To choose the action for every detected virus or unwanted program, click the arrow in front of the name of the detected virus. By default, all the viruses will be removed to quarantine.
Reverting browser settings to original ones
To revert your browser settings, you are required to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action is not able to be intercepted by any virus, hence, you will surely see the result. This option can be located in the Tools tab.
After pressing the Reset Browser Settings button, the menu will be shown, where you can specify, which settings will be reverted to the original.
Deleteing Searchmy hijacker manually
Besides using anti-malware software for browser restoration, you may choose the “Reset browser settings” function, which is usually embedded in all popular browsers.
To reset Edge, do the following steps :
- Open “Settings and more” tab in upper right corner, then find here “Settings” button. In the appeared menu, choose “Reset settings” option :
- After picking the Reset Settings option, you will see the following menu, stating about the settings which will be reverted to original :
For Mozilla Firefox, do the next actions :
- Open Menu tab (three strips in upper right corner) and click the “Help” button. In the appeared menu choose “troubleshooting information” :
- In the next screen, find the “Refresh Firefox” option :
After choosing this option, you will see the next message :
If you use Google Chrome
- Open Settings tab, find the “Advanced” button. In the extended tab choose the “Reset and clean up” button :
- In the appeared list, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” :
- Finally, you will see the window, where you can see all the settings which will be reset to default :
Opera can be reset in the next way
- Open Settings menu by pressing the gear icon in the toolbar (left side of the browser window), then click “Advanced” option, and choose “Browser” button in the drop-down list. Scroll down, to the bottom of the settings menu. Find there “Restore settings to their original defaults” option :
- After clicking the “Restore settings…” button, you will see the window, where all settings, which will be reset, are shown :
As an afterword, I want to say that time plays against you and your PC. The activity of browser hijacker must be stopped as soon as possible, because of the possibility of other malware injection. This malware can be downloaded autonomously, or offered for you to download in one of the windows with advertisements, which are shown to you by the hijacker. You need to act as fast as you can.
I need your help to share this guide.
Browser hijackers are among the largest and also disruptive kinds of malware. I published this article to help you, so I wish you will help me to make the computer world completely clean of malware. Please, share this article in the social networks you use – Twitter, Reddit, Facebook – wherever.
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Wilbur WoodhamHow to Remove Searchmy?
Name: Searchmy
Description: Searchmy - a lot of users became a victim of browser hijacker. I have a lot of friends who literally bombed me with the questions like “how to remove Searchmy?”. In this article we will show you how to deal with Searchmy (Searchmy.co), which may corrupt your browser’s correct performance, and create a lot of troubles while you are working.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Browser Hijacker
User Review
( votes)References
- More information about PUAs
- Detailed review of Microsoft Defender