How to remove PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker

PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker is the PUP called a virus due to its intrusive behavior

PDFConverterSearchNow is the application controlling the browser processes and even manipulating some of the settings. The main goal of such a browser hijacker^[1] is to redirect searches and other processes on the web browsing tools, so the user is exposed to particular ad-supported sites and related services that show commercial content, possibly expose users to malicious material.

You cannot know what programs and pages this PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker is related to, so better be safe than sorry and remove the program fully from the machine. That should be done as soon as you notice redirects, changes on the browser, and notice speed or performance issues. 

The problem with the fake search engine is the fact that feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com gets set as the new tab, homepage, default search engine. It might not be a virus or malicious program, but it creates frustration and issues with the performance that makes users angry and eager to remove the PUP. There are additional issues that this app creates to make the infection persistent, so we list all the things you need to know and can do to fight the browser hijacker.

The silent infection 

PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker is an unwanted app that can appear on the machine out of nowhere because the main intruder is relying on freeware installation methods and software bundling^[2] techniques, so the distribution is quick and wide. Developers manage to drop the application on various machines and operating systems.

The initial process of infiltration is mainly unnoticed because it happens behind users' backs. Nevertheless, victims themselves are to blame for these PUP infections because the installation gets triggered when other apps get installed from the internet.

Torrent sites often include PUPs as additional installs, and the only way to check for them is by using the Advanced or Custom option during the installation. This is the best way to avoid cyber threats and the way that experts^[3] recommend checking every download or installation process.

If you go for the quick or recommended options, do not pay attention to details like the legitimacy of the particular site, you may experience issues related to PDFConverterSearchNow, other adware, or browser hijacker installations. Rely on sites that are secure and related to the official developers, so infections can be avoided.

Issues with the browser hijacker

You might install the program and notice the additional issues and changes with your machine a while after that because these intruders like PDFConverterSearchNow can run in the background, affect minimal things and once those settings in the registry or system folders are made, you notice the redirects.

The main issues with browser hijackers:

• poor performance;
• internet speed issues;
• altered homepage preferences;
• change default new tab and search engine settings;
• installed other browser-based apps and system programs.

You need to take care of these issues. The worst thing is that the PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker affects the browser directly, but the PUP remains running on the system. If you manage to remove the program, but these issues still bother you it means that direct interference is needed. If you have other browsers that got altered, follow the guide at the bottom of the article.

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 the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.

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.

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.

Remove the PUP properly

PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker can change the settings on the browser and once that page is set to be your default search engine, homepage, new tab, you cannot access the needed content online. Any attempts to search on the internet might end up with the issues caused by the constant redirects.

An infection like this even though not malicious diminishes the time online significantly because advertisements get injected on various sites and banners, pop-ups block normally seen material. Besides these issues, the browser hijacker can cause the installations of additional programs on the machine or browsers.

PDFConverterSearchNow is activated on the web browser but the content and activities get controlled by the unwanted program running in the background. It is capable of injecting services, processes, and registry entries, so the PUP is launched with each reboot. Remove the intruder fully with apps like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and make sure to double-check manually.

Instructions for Windows 10/8  machines:

1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

PDFConverterSearchNow gets installed on the machine behind your back, but those annoying redirects, advertisements, and other content frustrate you. It is understandable, but potentially unwanted programs are very common because users still tend to skip through important steps during installations or rely on torrent sites instead of official developers' sites. Try to avoid PUP infections in the future.