Search Protect: what it is and how to remove it
Search Protect is a Conduit-developed browser hijacker that alters browser settings to display ads and redirects. First documented in 2021, it persists through bundled installation and resists removal.
Facts checked October 5, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Search Protect: summary
| Distribution | Comes via bundled software, deceptive ads, and pages |
|---|---|
| Name | Search Protect |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Category | Potentially unwanted program |
| Symptoms | Alters browser settings, delivers advertisements, causes redirects to suspicious sites, affiliated pages |
| Main danger | Tracks and collects information about the user, browsing habits and preferences |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 7 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Search page | search.conduit.com |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 5 March 2021 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
Is Search Protect dangerous? What it collects
What readers reported about Search Protect
Does secure-finder.org really protect my privacy?. I've just found a new search engine secure-finder.org that claims to protect my privacy and allows browsing anonymously. It looks great, but I saw some negative reviews about it and I am not sure should I use it or not?
Why does Protectedio Search fail to leave my computer?!. I installed two programs instead of one, Protectedio and Protectedio Search. The first one I was able to uninstall within a couple of weeks but the second one, Search.Protectedio.com, fails to leave my computer! How can I get rid of this hijac…
Can I trust Search.protectedio.com? Seems like a norsmal search engine... Could you let me know, whether I should trust Search.protectedio.com or not? I downloaded this site accidentally, but I think that I like it. Can I keep it?
Search.arcahol.com virus on my Mac!. Hello guys, I need a clear Search.arcahol.com removal guide. I have tried to delete this threat from my computer on my own but I guess i am not that advanced yet. Please explain how can I protect my mac from such junky programs?
From the comments under our earlier guide; names and contact details removed.
From our report of Mar 2021 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
Search Protect is a potentially unwanted program that changes your browser settings to bring you ads
Search Protect is an application whose sole purpose is to prevent other related programs from being eliminated from the infected computer.
This is why, once various potentially unwanted programs from a bundle are implemented on the system, uninstallation becomes difficult, and other third-party programs may get installed without your permission.
It belongs to the family of programs developed by Conduit - it is known for developing such intrusive and questionable programs previously. Beware that this particular app has already been labeled as a browser hijacker, which changes the settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another browser without permission. Many AV engines can block access to this website or detect it as a potentially unwanted program and eliminate it.
It seems that the main reason why security experts decided upon such categorization is that the developer of this program is a questionable company, responsible of releasing other applications such as Trovi, Conduit, Search.conduit.com which have all been categorized as browser hijackers. This fact is also one of the determining factors that should encourage you to eliminate the app immediately.
They are mostly presented as search engines, but you should never trust them and use them for your searches. We say so because they may alter your Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and other web browsers and, after doing so, may show you altered search results. Clicking on such results may lead you to redirects to unknown websites and other issues.
If you have already discovered altered settings on each of your web browsers, keep in mind that it is yet another creation of Conduit that can barely give anything useful in return. Even more, this search engine is not only useless. You should also know that it may trick you into visiting suspicious websites because it has been actively used for affiliate marketing and other questionable activities.
Besides, just like any other browser hijacker programs, it may start tracking your online activities and collecting your search queries, most visited websites, time that you send on them, etc. If this sounds familiar, you should check to remove Search Protect from your computer.
For that, we highly recommend using reputable anti-malware program or other security software because intruder may try to 'protect' itself when trying to get rid of it manually.
Make sure to eliminate the PUP by scanning the machine with antivirus tool fully, so all alterations and changes this unwanted program has made can be reversed:
This app is the ad-supported that can continuously deliver you commercial content in the form of banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, and multiple redirects and in-text-links. Different monetization platforms promote this program and bundled apps to distribute even further with all the intrusive behavior.
Due to the relation with Conduit company and other browser hijackers, Search Protect can install various applications and tools automatically like Conduit OurToolbar or questionable bookmarks, add-ons and programs that keep you from adding other browser plugins or search engines.
The primary purpose of such programs is to redirect your online traffic to affiliated, sponsored sites filled with commercial content and create revenue for the publisher this way because every page visit and views on the advertisements can be monetized.
These redirects and commercial content also ensures that users click on delivered content and PUP developer can access various information about the visitor and create more personalized advertisements this way.
To end this behavior you need to get the reputable anti-malware tool like and make sure to clear the system. Keeping this tool can also help avoid any similar infections later on because this AV can block potential threats before the initial infiltration.
- altered registry entries;
- disabled programs;
- installed browser extensions.
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
The virus hijacks computers without the user's permission
However, we highly recommend not doing so because you may notice various issues and inconveniences on it.
Furthermore, your system may be hijacked by this potentially unwanted program without your permission asked.
Moreover, just like other PUPs, this application may travel as an additional attachment of various freeware . If you are attentive enough, you can prevent the installation of such unwanted attachments, but you should pay close attention when installing freeware on your computer for that.
As experts always note, select Custom or Advanced installation options when downloading any updates or freeware. Please, do so when installing your next download manager, PDF creator, video streaming software, etc. This way you can de-select any unwanted application included on the list.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
search.conduit.com
How to remove Search Protect
How to remove Search Protect and get your search engine back
Remove the extension first.
The search settings only stay fixed once nothing on the PC can change them again.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
Search Protect often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://extensions- Extensions and themes in Firefox
Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.
Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Put the search engine back and delete search.conduit.com
Searches that pass through
search.conduit.commean the browser's default search engine was replaced. Chrome: Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, then Make default on Google, Bing or another engine you chose, and Delete on search.conduit.com.Edge has the same list under Manage search engines (search the Settings page for it), and Firefox under Settings > Search.
Look at On startup and the homepage settings too and remove the hijacker's address there. Nothing in this step differs between Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: check Search engine and On startup. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 3: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10, and sort the list by install date. Look at what appeared around the day the problem started and uninstall every program you do not recognise or did not choose.
Free converters, PDF and video tools, "system optimizers" and unknown browsers are the usual carriers of Search Protect. If a name is unclear, search for it before you remove it, so you do not uninstall a driver or a Windows component.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 4: Reset the browser
Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Remove from Google Chrome
When the browser gets targeted by potentially unwanted programs, the best way to eliminate the consequences of the hijack is to reset your Google Chrome. You will perform the reset simply by completing the steps below:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
When it comes to resetting Microsoft Edge, the instructions below should come in handy:
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
To stop Mozilla Firefox redirecting you through unfamiliar websites and performing other unauthorized activities on your browser, you should first remove the malware from your computer and then reset your browser like shown below.
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Delete from Safari
In case you find the malware on your Safari browser, you will need to perform the browser reset like explained below.
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Delete from macOS
If the PUP shows up on your Mac computer, its elimination can be performed manually, as shown in the tutorial below.
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
Tips for the proper Search Protect removal
We have already noticed that there are lots of internet users, who have been affected by this unwanted program.
They claim that they have difficulties when trying to remove the app because, as we have already mentioned, it relies on some tricks when trying to protect itself.
It looks like this program is capable of dropping registry entries that help this program to reappear on the system after its manual removal is finished. Of course, you can also follow the step-by-step Search Protect removal guide below the article and get rid of this pesky intruder manually.
Make sure to eliminate all associated files and programs so that the virus damage can get eliminated. Resetting your browsers to default may also help since this intruders may install extra add-ons or plug-ins.
Questions about Search Protect
What is Search Protect?
Search Protect is a potentially unwanted program developed by Conduit that changes browser settings to display ads and redirect searches. Installed in 2021, it hijacks browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and others by modifying startup pages and default search engines.
The program alters browser settings without permission, delivering advertisements and causing redirects to suspicious sites. It comes bundled with other questionable software and prevents removal by installing related applications that keep each other on the system.
Is Search Protect a virus?
No, Search Protect is not a virus but a browser hijacker classified as a potentially unwanted program. However, it behaves like malicious software by making unauthorized changes to your browser.
It tracks your browsing habits and online activities while displaying intrusive ads. Security experts categorize it as a browser hijacker because of its deceptive installation and aggressive behavior, warranting immediate removal to protect your privacy and browsing experience.
How does Search Protect hijack my browser?
Search Protect infiltrates your system through bundled software packages, deceptive advertisements, and third-party websites. Once installed, it modifies your browser homepage, search engine, and new tab settings without your consent.
It may also install additional toolbars, bookmarks, extensions, and related applications that prevent its removal. The program actively resists manual deletion by dropping registry entries that allow it to reappear after removal attempts, making it persistent and difficult to eliminate completely.
Why does Search Protect keep reappearing after I remove it?
Search Protect relies on related programs and registry entries that persist after deletion, allowing it to reinstall itself. The bundle containing Search Protect installs multiple components that protect each other from removal.
Even if you uninstall the primary application, supporting programs and configuration files remain active on your system. These components reactivate Search Protect's settings and redirects. Complete removal requires identifying and eliminating all related applications and clearing associated registry entries to prevent reinfestation.
What data does Search Protect collect?
Search Protect collects information about your browsing habits, search queries, most visited websites, time spent on pages, and your computer's IP address. This tracking data is used to create personalized advertisements and is potentially shared with third parties.
The program's sole purpose is to monetize your clicks through affiliate marketing and sponsored redirects. Your online activity is monitored continuously through cookies and beacons, compromising your privacy without providing any legitimate benefit in return.
Where does Search Protect come from?
Search Protect arrives primarily through bundled freeware packages that users download without realizing the inclusion of extra applications. It's promoted via deceptive advertisements and installation wizards that use Quick or Recommended settings, automatically installing all bundled components.
The program is distributed by various monetization platforms alongside other Conduit products like Trovi and other browser hijackers. By selecting Custom or Advanced installation options, you can see and deselect Search Protect before installation, preventing infiltration entirely.
How do I remove Search Protect from my browser?
To remove Search Protect, first uninstall all related programs from your Control Panel's Programs list, then delete suspicious browser extensions from Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Reset each browser to default settings to remove toolbar changes and hijacked homepage settings.
Clearing cookies and cached data helps remove tracking elements. However, because Search Protect can resist manual removal through hidden components, using a full system scan with security software is the most reliable approach to ensure all related files and registry entries are completely eliminated.
How can I prevent Search Protect from returning?
Always select Custom or Advanced installation options when downloading freeware, PDF creators, video players, or download managers. Read the End User License Agreement and carefully examine each installation step to identify and deselect unwanted applications.
Avoid downloading from third-party sites and torrent sources where bundled malware is common. Keep your security software updated and run regular system scans to detect any reactivated components. Maintain awareness of browser changes immediately after software installations, as early detection prevents the program from establishing persistence.
Will Fortect remove Search Protect?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Search Protect, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Howtogeek: Yes, every freeware download site is serving crapware (here's the proof) (read October 5, 2026)
- Zondervirus: Zondervirus (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 5, 2026)