Anzsearch.com.au is a typical browser hijacker that should be uninstalled from your web browser

Anzsearch.com.au is a domain that users might see as their startup page on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another web browser. While some users might install this browser plugin (or a standalone application) intentionally, most people notice it on their machines after the installation of freeware downloaded from third-party websites. This is because browser hijackers[1] are known to use software bundling for distribution – a technique which deliberately hides optional components within a program installer.
Once inside the system, the ANZ Search hijack would first be seen on the homepage of the web browser – it would be set to hxxp://anzsearch.com.au. From that time, all the search queries would be redirected via this URL, and the search results would be filled with sponsored links. Besides meddling with users' searchers, browser hijackers are also set up to track their online activities to later profit from targeted advertisements. Besides, users who have Anzsearch.com.au installed might also struggle to find relevant information.
| Name | Anzsearch.com.au, ANZ Search |
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| Distribution | Browser hijackers might be installed by users from legitimate websites, although they can also be spread via deceptive distribution techniques such as software bundles or fake update prompts/questionable ads |
| Symptoms | ANZ Search extension installed on your web browser; other unknown apps installed on the computer without permission; homepage is set to anzsearch.com.au; slower operation of the web browser |
| Risks | In some rare cases, the presence of a PUP might result in monetary losses, personal information disclosure to unknown parties/cybercriminals or installation of malware |
| Elimination | The easiest way to eliminated suspicious programs is by scanning the device with anti-malware software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, although manual removal is possible as well – we provide instructions below |
| Optional steps | In some cases, potentially unwanted programs and malware might interfere with regular computer or browser functions after elimination. Thus, to fix issues that may arise after infection, you can try using FortectIntego repair software |
Browser hijackers are among the most common browser nuisances around, and, while they usually do not pose any significant security risks, they should never be ignored – some PUPs can be extremely difficult to deal with (for example, Anzsearch.com.au removal might not be as easy as anticipated).
Recently, browser-hijacking applications such as Flare Search, Search Marquis, QuericsSearch, and others, have been applying “Managed by your organization” status to users' browsers, which made the termination procedure much more difficult. When it comes to non-suspicious extensions, they can be terminated by simply right-clicking on them or accessing the adequate section of the browser settings menu.
Just as any other PUP developers, Anzsearch.com.au creators claim that their product is extremely useful to everyone – enhanced search results and the “ultimate” browsing experience is allegedly guaranteed. Nonetheless, app authors also disclose that the main goal of theirs is showing users ads:
We understand website content in real time and serve website users with the most relevant ads sourced from our direct advertiser base. We specialize in search engine technology, and aim to help owners of websites and web networks generate revenue.
When it comes to “relevant ads,” these do not come seemingly out of nowhere – developers need to track user online behavior and location in order to provide targeted advertisements.[2] In other words, if you were looking to buy a new car, your searches will soon be filled with ads that offer you cars, although there is no guarantee that these ads will indeed be trustworthy or reliable. As seen from the message above, Anzsearch.com.au simply attempts to monetize user clicks, but that does not mean that it is in the best interests of the user.

From a security point of view, ANZ Search is relatively safe and will not show you malicious ads or redirect to malware-laden sites. However, browser hijackers can often be bundled with other programs that could indeed result in virus infection, so you should always check your device for such software.
You can remove Anzsearch.com.au from your web browser by eliminating the ANZ Search extension. Note that browser changes might have also been initiated by another program installed on your machine – we suggest you check your device as per instructions provided below and then scan it with anti-malware software. In case you found malware on your machine, repair the issues it may cause post-termination with tools such as FortectIntego.
Detect optional programs before they manage to break into your machine
While some users might install browser hijackers intentionally after being tricked by their supposed functionality, most people find PUPs on their machines without giving direct permission for entry. This usually happens when users do not pay close attention to the installation process of freeware programs or/and download apps from pirated software sites (torrents). Nonetheless, freeware developers and software hosting sites are also guilty of deliberately hiding optional programs from users and relying on their negligence for profits.
However, you can almost always prevent such a dubious behavior by following simple security tips provided by novirus.uk[3] researchers:
- Only download programs from secure sources;
- Avoid software cracks, pirated programs, repacked installers, etc.;
- During the installation of new apps, always pick Advanced/Custom mode instead of Recommended/Quick one, as it will allow you to stay in control of the process;
- Remove all ticks from checkboxes, watch out of misplaced button placements, read the fine print, and never rush the installation process altogether;
- Install powerful anti-malware software and enable the PUP detection feature.
Uninstall Anzsearch.com.au easily
It is evident that ads and sponsored links are not something most love to deal with, especially if such content becomes intrusive. Browser hijackers typically masquerade by fake promises of improved search results or features that are rarely useful or unique for the end-user. In reality, the so-called Anzsearch.com.au virus is there to show you ads and monetize your clicks, tracking you in the background.

To remove Anzsearch.com.au, all you have to do is eliminate the ANZ Search extension from your web browser. If, for some reason, you are incapable of doing so, we advise you to reset the web browser as explained below.
Once Anzsearch.com.au removal is complete, you should also perform additional checks with a powerful security program to make sure that no other PUPs or malware are present on the machine.
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.

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