TheStreamSearch is a potentially unwanted program that changes your homepage to insert ads into searches
TheStreamSearch is a browser-hijacking[1] application that is not usually installed on purpose. Instead, users find it on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another browser after downloading software from third-party sites. This is because bundling is a commonly used practice to make users install browser hijackers – apps they never wanted in the first place. Hence, the homepage and new tab address changes might come as a surprise for many.
Once established, the TheStreamSearch browser hijacker sets the homepage and new tab address to portal.thestreamsearch.com, which incorporates an alternative search box. When used, all the searches are redirected to Yahoo, Yandex, or another provider, and results are filled with sponsored links. Besides, the program would also track information about users' web browsing activities regularly.
| Name | TheStreamSearch |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| IP address | 172.67.192.71 |
| Distribution | Software bundles. Some users might install the extension themselves |
| Symptoms |
|
| Risks | You might be exposed to more ads that you otherwise would, especially those that are shown during your searches. As a result, you may install other PUPs on your system or reveal your information to unknown parties |
| 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 FortectIntego repair software |
The so-called TheStreamSearch virus is actually not a “virus” per se, as it does not infect your device. However, its distribution and deception during the operation is something to be considered. Keep in mind that the main goal of a browser hijacker is to monetize users' clicks – an activity that is not necessarily beneficial to them in the first place.
This potentially unwanted program belongs to a much larger browser hijacker family. The unknown developer re-releases the same app disguising it under a different name each time. For example, if you would check other browser extensions of the same developer – such as StreaminSearchs, IncognitoSearchNet, or IStreamingSearch – you would see that their functions and even the looks are almost identical.
Just like many similar apps, TheStreamSearch may seem like a useful search tool – at least initially. Judging by the name alone, it is meant to help users finding video streaming websites easier. However, it is far from the truth, as the search engine is not even original – it uses Yahoo (or something else) instead. In the meantime, the ads that are shown are indeed coming from the extension instead of Yahoo.
That being said, some users might find the embedded features useful – they include:
- Currency converter
- PDF converter
- Calculator.
However, these additions are nothing special, as all of them can be reached via a quick search. In the meantime, it is important to note that users are subjected to extensive ads whether they like it or not.
Another reason for TheStreamSearch removal is its information tracking practices. If you would visit its official website, you would see the following information provided in the Privacy Policy:[2]
Non-Personal Information may be automatically transmitted by the user's device. When using our Service, we assign your device with a log file, a cookie (session or persistent), web beacons or other related technologies, to collect Non-Personal Information with respect to your activity in connection with our Service.
The automatically transmitted information may include anonymous data such as IP address, technical details of the device, visited websites, links clicked, etc. Some personal data, such as device identifiers or contact information (if provided), can also be collected.
In order to remove TheStreamSearch from your browser, follow the instructions we provide below, although we also strongly advise you to perform a full system scan with anti-malware software, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. FortectIntego can be used to automatically clean your browsers from cookies and other tracking mechanisms that could have been injected by the hijacker.
Main distribution method of browser hijackers: software bundling
It is true that you can install a potentially unwanted program after believing in its usefulness. For example, an attractive ad online might convince you that installing a certain app is beneficial. However, browser hijackers and other PUPs typically provide little benefits for end-users, all while tracking their online behavior and deliver intrusive ads. Thus, avoiding such apps in the first place is the best for your own safety, as well as your computer security.
Unfortunately, many of such apps are distributed via software bundles, making many users install PUPs behind their backs. During the installation, if you pick the Quick or Recommended settings when asked, you are likely to install an optional program without notice.
Thus, always pick the Advanced or Custom mode, untick all the checkmarks, and decline all the offers on the way. Watch out for misplaced buttons also. Finally, install a reputable security tool that could warn you about the incoming PUPs.
TheStreamSearch: removal steps
As already mentioned, browser hijackers are not considered dangerous as Trojans, ransomware,[3] or other high-risk malware are. However, many of them possess qualities that are far from ideal when it comes to the benefits that users would get. In other words, the negatives highly outweigh the positives, hence TheStreamSearch removal is the choice that you should make.
In order to remove TheStreamSearch, all you have to do is access the settings of your web browser and check for suspicious extensions, uninstalling them accordingly. If you have never dealt with extensions before, you should check the details we provide below.
However, it is also important to note that web browsers might continue showing you unwanted ads or track you. Therefore, after you uninstall TheStreamSearch, you should also clean your web browsers fully. You can either do that automatically with software or follow the steps below.
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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