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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Dec 2020

How to remove GlobalSearchConverter

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Olivia Morelli · Ransomware analyst

GlobalSearchConverter – a browser hijacker that directs you to a different search provider and inserts ads

GlobalSearchConverter

GlobalSearchConverter is a potentially unwanted program that might show up on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser seemingly out of nowhere. The mysterious appearance can be easily explained, however, as the app is often bundled with freeware that users download from third-party sources. Software developers do not adequately inform about the optional components, hence users end up installing them without intention.

As soon as the installation is finished, GlobalSearchConverter hijack becomes visible straight away – the homepage and new tab URL is set to portal.globalsearchconverter.com. Using the provided search engine, users can quickly notice their searching routine drastically changed, and all the search results are now delivered via Yahoo. Besides, the top results are replaced by sponsored links and ads, misleading users into clicking on them – which guarantees financial benefits for the developers.

Name GlobalSearchConverter 
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
IP address 172.67.174.156
Distribution Software bundles, deceptive ads
Symptoms An unknown extension or application is installed on the system; homepage and new tab address are set to portal.globalsearchconverter.com; all searches are redirected to Yahoo; the results are filled with sponsored links; overall increased number of ads
Risks Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, privacy risks due to information gathering practices, 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 various issues when it comes to system files/settings. To revert these changes and remediate the operating system, scan your machine with FortectIntego repair software

The rerouting, ad insertion, and other unwanted features are caused by an extension attached to the web browser. Therefore, instead of seeing Google.com, or another provider you prefer, you are forced to visit the URL provided by the hijacker. The only way to stop this activity is to perform a full GlobalSearchConverter removal from the browser.

As already established, browser hijackers are commonly distributed via deceptive methods, resulting in unintentional installation. In other cases, however, users might install the extension or a program believing that it is actually useful due to its features or functionality, without knowing much about the true apps' capabilities.

GlobalSearchConverter might seem useful only because it appends a variety of features within the newly-established homepage and new tab. Upon entry, users can find links on the left to click and enable currency converter, calculator, crypto converter, and others. Besides, they can also see the time at the top-right corner of the window.

These features are not unique and are identical to those provided in other apps from the same developer, such as LoveSportsSearchProSearchConverterIncognitoSearchNet, or GetIncognitoSearch. In fact, all of these extensions are simply copies of one another – the authors are trying to launch hundreds of versions in order to avoid a bad reputation online, which is not uncommon for browser hijackers.

GlobalSearchConverter virus

The main goal of the app is to monetize on advertisements that users are likely to click, as they are presented at the top of the search results. While the searchers are redirected to Yahoo, sponsored links are inserted by the hijacker, which basically makes it useful. You might as well just use Yahoo and skip the PUP altogether; you would also avoid unnecessary ads that fill your screen each time you perform a search via the fake search engine.

While ads can be annoying, another major reason to remove GlobalSearchConverter is its information tracking practices. Just as any other program of such type, the app gathers a variety of information about users, which includes:

  • IP address
  • Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Browsing history
  • Links clicked and sites visited
  • Timestamps
  • Search queries, and more.

If you value your privacy and want ad-free browsing, uninstall the extension immediately (if you don't know how check the instructions below). Additionally, if you did not install the PUP intentionally, experts[1] also advise checking your system with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, or another reputable anti-malware and then fixing virus damage with FortectIntego if such need arises.

Software bundles carry optional apps – avoid them easily

You don't need to be an expert when it comes to online safety to prevent the installation of potentially unwanted programs. If you have recently visited a third-party site and downloaded a freeware app, you likely installed the hijacker along with it. Therefore, it is important to be aware of bundling and that most distributors promote this practice.

In order to stop unintentional program installs, you should always pay close attention to detail. First and foremost, you should avoid insecure download sources, such as torrents or similar sites that distribute pirated software and cracks – these can result in malware infection (for example, Igdm, Nobu, and other Djvu virus variants are distributed solely via pirated program installers).

During the installation process of new apps, never rush through steps, and always pick Advanced/Custom settings instead of Standard/Recommend ones. Watch out for pre-ticked boxes, fine print, misplaced buttons, and other tricks that are often employed to mask the optional programs. Keep in mind that even the most popular software distributors are using software bundling,[2] so you should be attentive at all times.

GlobalSearchConverter redirect

Delete GlobalSearchConverter from your browser

As a general rule, browser hijackers are typically not considered to be dangerous, neither do they implement major system changes once installed (although some extensions are known to abuse the “Managed by your organization” feature, which prevents users from modifying any settings). Therefore, GlobalSearchConverter removal should not cause you too many troubles – simply navigate to the extension section via browser settings. If you are unsure how to do that, check the guide below.

After you remove GlobalSearchConverter, you might find that ads and redirects do not stop. In such a case, you should scan your device with powerful anti-malware software or look for other potentially unwanted programs that might reside within your operating system rather than the browser.

Once you uninstall the so-called GlobalSearchConverter virus, you should also clean your browser to ensure that no tracking cookies or web beacons[3] are left behind.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

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

Change your homepage if it was altered:

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

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

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

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

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