Startwebsearch.com is the PUP that might cause browsing-related problems
Startwebsearch.com looks like an ordinary search engine that allows customizing its appearance and make searching more convenient than ever before. However, research revealed that it’s just an empty promise. This program works as a browser hijacker[1] that might take over Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers.
In the About page, authors of the Start Web Search claim that it delivers “search results from trusted search providers, ensuring you reliably find the information you’re looking for in an instant.” Currently, this tool redirects to Bing search results page. Indeed, Bing is a reliable search engine, but if you are willing to use it, you should make it your default search yourself.
The Startwebsearch.com virus might affect targeted web browsers and alter their settings without asking user’s permission. It might happen when a person installs new programs incorrectly. Following successful infiltration, the hijacker might set its domain as a default search engine, homepage or/and new tab URL address.
Nevertheless, this tool barely differs from well-known search providers that offer the same web, images, news, and video search; this one might cause plenty of undesired activities, such as:
- delivery of an excessive amount of online ads;
- redirects to promotional sites;
- installation of third-party applications;
- data tracking.
Although the main page includes links to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions pages, they are inactive. Thus, neither users nor we can learn about developers and how they treat users’ information. The intruder also can trigger damage in system folders, so you need FortectIntego for the virus damage repair.
According to the security experts, Startwebsearch.com might be capable of tracking information about users. Most likely it includes non-personally identifiable and browsing-related information. However, users are advised to uninstall this program immediately to avoid putting their privacy at risk.
Startwebsearch.com removal is also recommended because the hijacker might make browsing the web unbearable by displaying tons of online ads and other commercial content. Users report that they were also redirected to unknown promotional websites. Undoubtedly, these activities are annoying and make browsing the web unbearable.
To avoid an unexpected visit to a potentially dangerous website and protect sensitive information[2] from unknown companies, you should scan the computer with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. This anti-malware will help to remove Startwebsearch.com from the system safely.
The hijacker might show up on the browser after incorrect installation of freeware
The main page of the search engine does not provide a download link. Thus, users are not likely to find and use this search tool on their own. Indeed, developers rely on bundling – a deceptive software marketing method.
This method allows spreading the PUP bundled with freeware and shareware as an “additional download.” When users install applications from the Internet under “Quick” setup, all optional applications are downloaded silently. Thus, Startwebsearch.com's hijack usually becomes a surprise.
Fortunately, there’s a way to avoid unpleasant surprises. All you have to do is:
- to install programs from the official or legitimate websites and avoid torrents, P2P networks or unknown file-sharing domains;
- to read the Privacy Policy to learn about data collection, storage, and sharing with third-parties;
- to read EULA to make sure that you are not installing additional software;
- to choose “Advanced” installation settings;
- to unmark pre-select additional programs.
The hijacker was noticed actively spreading in the United Kingdom.[3] However, users in other countries should be vigilant and avoid the installation of the hijacker too.
Removal guidelines of the Startwebsearch.com virus
If you feel skilled enough, you can remove Startwebsearch.com manually. You have to uninstall the browser hijacker and all its related components from the computer and each of the web browsers. Once these entries are wiped out, you have to reset Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Explorer, or another browser you use.
If you are willing to opt for an easier Startwebsearch.com removal option, you should choose professional security software. Install and update the program before running a full system scan. Within several minutes, you will be able to customize your browser.
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.
Delete from macOS
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.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
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.
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
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)
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.
Remove from Google Chrome
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.
Delete from Safari
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.
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