Remove Magnifier Search (Removal Guide)

Magnifier Search is a browser-hijacking app that will track your browsing history and more

Magnifier Search is a misleading extension that can be found on Chrome Web Store or downloaded along with other software from third-party websites. Once installed, the app changes the web browser settings immediately, although almost no visual changes would be applied to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another web browser. However, as soon as users enter a search query, they would be redirected to Bing, Google, Yahoo, or another search provider. Additionally, the results would be filled with sponsored links and ads.

In the background, the Magnifier Search virus would spy on users' web browsing activities and most probably share that information with unknown parties and partners. This is typical browser hijacker behavior – they promise a lot while providing minimal or no functionality for the end-users, meanwhile hijacking their searches, feeding them with ads, and collecting pay-per-click^[1] revenue.

Name	Magnifier Search
Type	Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
Distribution	Software bundle packages, deceptive ads, fake update prompts
Symptoms	Magnifier Search browser extension installed on the web browser No changes to the homepage or new tab, although the search provider is changed All search results are redirected to Google, Bing, Yahoo, or another provider Increased number of advertisements Sponsored links in search results
Risks	Installation of other potentially unwanted programs or malware, personals information disclosure to unknown parties, monetary losses
Removal	You can uninstall potentially unwanted programs by following the manual guide below or by scanning the computer with powerful anti-malware
Optional steps	Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the OS, perform a full system scan with Fortect Intego repair software

As mentioned above, the Magnifier Search extension is misleading. Looking at its description and the pictures of it on the Chrome Web Store, it seems like the hijacker has a purpose and enriched functionality. Here's what the description claims:

Copy and paste our emoticons into emails (like Gmail, AOL MAIL, Outlook Live, Yahoo MAIL!) blogs (like Tumblr, WordPress, and Blogger), or any composer that supports rich text editing.

Additionally, the screenshot for the extension shows that the app is capable of blocking ads, upgrade HTTP connections, and save time by improving internet connection speed. That seems to be like a lot of benefits for just one simple app! However, the truth is that Magnifier Search possesses none of the above-mentioned qualities.

First of all, it is important to note that many users might install the app along with freeware they download from a third-party website. This distribution technique is called software bundling and is often used by potentially unwanted program developers.

As a result, many might not even know that the extension is installed on their web browsers – especially that no significant visual changes to the homepage or the new tab are made. Hence, Magnifier Search removal might not be performed by the infected users for awhile.

Instead of providing the promised functionality, the app is attempting to be sneaking and not expose its presence. Nonetheless, some searches might lead users to other search providers, and another significant change is that the search results would often be filled with sponsored links, leading to unknown websites. Magnifier Search virus developers receive financial gain each time such links are clicked.

If you think that a lack of beneficial functions is not the reason to remove Magnifier Search, you should consider the fact that all your browsing history is tracked as long as you have the app installed on your web browser. Therefore, each visited website is monitored and is most probably shared with other unknown parties. As a result, the presence of the extension might cause privacy issues.

In order to get rid of the Magnifier Search hijack, you need to locate and eliminate the extension that is clipped to your web browser – we explain how below. Keep in mind that if you found this app on your system unexpectedly, it might be that there are other PUPs or even malware present as well. Therefore, security experts^[2] recommend scanning the device with powerful anti-malware (such as SpyHunter Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes Malwarebytes) and then perform further checks with Fortect Intego for best results.

It is easy to avoid browser hijackers

Many users might consider browser hijackers as just a nuisance. In fact, it is partially true – these programs have little to no functionality and attempt to gain revenue by feeding users with ads and tracking their non-personally identifiable information. However, some hijackers can be more persistent and more dangerous, as they can simply compromise the security of the web browser by delivering dangerous links or prevent the removal with the help of built-in features. No matter which way you look at it, there is no reason for you to have such a potentially unwanted program installed on your device.

Therefore, you should be aware of the two main methods of how such apps spread:

Software bundles
Fake updates/deceptive ads

You should never rush the installation process of new applications – don't just press “Next” until it is done. Instead, read each of the installation steps carefully and decline all the offers on the way, read the fine print, watch out for pre-ticked checkboxes and always opt for Advanced/Custom settings if prompted.

It is also important to note that patching your software with the latest updates is important, although they should never be downloaded from download prompts (especially for Flash Player)^[3] that pop-up on a random web page – these are fake updates and might result in malware infection.

Uninstall Magnifier Search from your browser

It should not be difficult to remove Magnifier Search from your web browser. All you have to do is access the settings section, find the app, and then get rid of it. If you are not sure how to do that, you can check the detailed step-by-step guide we provide below. We also provide instructions on how to eliminate programs manually on both Mac and Windows operating systems – as long as you want to look for PUPs manually.

After Magnifier Search removal, we highly recommend you check your system with powerful anti-malware software to ensure that no malicious programs are present on it. Keep in mind that the most dangerous malware is usually programmed to be invisible and work in the background, without giving away any signs or symptoms. Besides, robust anti-virus would also protect you from potentially unwanted apps and malware in the future.

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.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
Pick Manage Add-ons.
You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:

Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
Select Internet Options.
In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:

Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
Under Browsing history, click Delete...
Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:

Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
Select Reset.
In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

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.

How to remove Magnifier Search

Magnifier Search is a browser-hijacking app that will track your browsing history and more

It is easy to avoid browser hijackers