Search.addictedtomovies.co might cause browsing and privacy-related problems

Search.addictedtomovies.co is a movie-themed search engine developed by Polarity Technologies. However, movie lovers should not be amazed by its features and quick access to popular websites. This tool is known as a browser hijacker.
Basically, when you install this program, you allow it to take over your browser. It will lead to altered browser settings, a disabled possibility of accessing other search providers from the browser’s homepage, installing unknown add-ons, and delivering intrusive ads. Whether you installed it willingly or not, this article will explain how to remove this threat and revert the browser preference changes.
| name | Search.addictedtomovies.co |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program (PUP) |
| Symptoms | Search inquiries are going through an unknown page, and the results are shown from a different provider; redirects lead you to suspicious pages; search results are riddled with ads |
| Risks | Exposure to high-risk sites through redirects might lead to privacy issues, financial losses, malware infections |
| Distribution | Deceptive ads, file-sharing platforms, software bundles |
| Elimination | You should use trustworthy anti-malware software to remove any unwelcomed guest from an infected device |
| System health | Run system diagnostics with the FortectIntego PC repair software to ensure a stable working environment |
This search tool spreads like the “Addicted To Movies” browser extension, available on addictedtomovies.co and Chrome Store.[1] Of course, other distribution methods, like software bundling, file-sharing platforms, etc., are also possible. However, if you decide to install it to your web browser, you will give these permissions to the add-on:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Change your search settings to: search.addictedtomovies.co
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
At first glance, Search.addictedtomovies.co looks like an ordinary search engine that displays search results from Yahoo. The bonus feature is quick access to IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and other movie-related websites from the convenient toolbar.
However, innocent looks hide several possible threats to your PC and privacy:
- It might display malicious or misleading ads that lead to phishing[2] or infected websites;
- It might collect personal information about users and share it with third parties or advertising networks.
The only way to solve these major issues is to remove the browser hijacker from the infected device. Once you uninstall it and reset your browser, you will be able to set your preferred homepage, search engine and forget about annoying ads. In order to remove Search.addictedtomovies.co, you have to obtain anti-malware software, such as MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or similar, and run a full system scan.
Also, you can get rid of this cyber parasite manually. Although the guide is given below, we recommend sticking to the automatic removal as it ensures that all associated files are correctly eliminated. Whichever method you choose, please don't forget to repair the virus damage with apps like FortectIntego.

Tips to avoid accidental installation of the questionable browser extension
Search.addictedtomovies.co hijack might occur when you download and install freeware or bundled software. Just like plenty of similar browser extensions, this one is actively advertised in software packages. Thus, it would be best if you were careful with software installation.
- Always choose reliable download sources.
- Read EULA and Privacy Policy.
- Choose Advanced/Custom installation options instead of Quick/Standard.
- Follow each of the steps carefully to notice “optional downloads” and unmark them.
The hijacker widely spreads in the United States. However, users in France, Italy, and Spain[3] also report problems caused by this PUP after installing various programs, including video players and PDF converters. That's why no matter where you reside, stay cautious.
Remove Search.addictedtomovies.co redirect virus for good
Search.addictedtomovies.co removal can be accomplished either automatically or manually. If you are willing to find and delete all its files without additional software, you can find the handbook given below. Please perform each step accordingly to eliminate the threat appropriately.
Otherwise, you can install anti-malware/anti-spyware software and remove the potentially unwanted program with its help. Once you install your preferred software, you have to update it and use the full system scan feature. Afterward, a system tune-up with compatible optimizers is in order to ensure a stable working environment.
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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