ConvertMySearch is a potentially unwanted program designed to redirect your searches and show you ads
ConvertMySearch is a browser hijacker that spreads as an extension/add-on, although it can also be related to a potentially unwanted application installed on your Windows or Mac operating system. While the app might be installed by users themselves, most commonly, it shows up on computers without asking for direct permission – this is because deceptive distribution methods, such as software bundling or misleading advertisements, are used.
Once installed, the ConvertMySearch browser hijacker modifies the settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, or another used browser – it sets the homepage and new tab address to feed.convertmysearch.com or portal.convertmysearch.com. It applies a customized search engine, which pulls all results from Yahoo. Despite this, the results are not organic, and several sponsored links are shown at the top. Besides, ConvertMySearch also collects a certain amount of information about its users, some of which might be shared with third-parties for profits.
| Name | ConvertMySearch |
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| Distribution | Most of browser hijackers are distributed via software bundle packages, official websites (such as Chrome Store), or misleading advertisements |
| Symptoms | ConvertMySearch extension or a program installed on the computer; homepage and new tab address is set to feed.convertmysearch.com or portal.convertmysearch.com; all the searches are redirected to Yahoo; search results are filled with sponsored links and ads; overall increased amount of advertisements |
| Risks | Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, privacy risks due to information gathering practices, financial losses |
| Elimination | You can uninstall the extension by accessing web browser settings; to eliminate the installed program that might be related to the unwanted browser activities, seek guidance below. Alternatively, some security applications could detect PUPs automatically – we recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes |
| Optional steps | If you scanned your machine with anti-malware, it might have found additional threats. Besides eliminating them, you should also reset your web browsers and repair possible system damage with FortectIntego |
As a general rule, users do not install potentially unwanted programs on their systems intentionally. After all, nobody wants to see ads and sponsored links on a regular basis. However, some users might not even be aware that the app is a browser hijacker due to its seemingly useful features that are added “for free.”
ConvertMySearch is that type of an application, as it promotes seemingly useful features at its start page, some of which include:
- Currency converter
- PDF converter
- Crypto converter
- Calculator
After seeing these, some people would consider not to remove ConvertMySearch from their web browsers and continue using it. However, there are plenty of reasons why this potentially unwanted application should not be kept installed on the system, some of which might not be that apparent straight away.
ConvertMySearch belongs to one of the larger browser hijacking application groups. Previously-released browser extensions include SearchTheConverter, SearchProConverter, StreamBrosSearch, SearchZone, and many others – the names are not the only qualities that unities these apps, however. Essentially, these extensions are identical, and the only difference that separates them is the icon and the name.
Otherwise, ConvertMySearch is identical to its predecessors and serves the same purpose – to monetize users' clicks. For that, developers employ various ways to deliver sponsored content, one of the most prevalent ones being search redirects to Yahoo. Despite being a legitimate search provider, Yahoo often uses an affiliate program, which allows browser hijackers to use its engine for their own purposes, which means that the search results are no genuine.
For this reason, when users affected by ConvertMySearch hijack would search for a keyword, they would be presented with an array of ads instead of results that would be shown by the original Yahoo search engine. Each time users click on sponsored links, PUP developers receive a small commission. The more users have the extension installed, the more financial benefits ConvertMySearch developers receive.
Misleading search results and difficulty finding relative information is not the only reason for ConvertMySearch removal, however. The displayed links and ads are not random at all, as the extension authors employ cookies, web beacons, and other technologies to track users' online behavior – this is clearly stated in the Privacy Policy:
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.
To get rid of the hijack, you need to uninstall the extension – just access your browser's settings section. Nonetheless, if browser changes and ads do not disappear after that, there should be another program installed on the system – we provide the instruction of deletion below. Additionally, you should reset your web browsers and scan the machine with anti-malware, as well as repair software (FortectIntego) for the best results.
It is easy to prevent potentially unwanted programs from accessing your computer without permission
Potentially unwanted programs are called so for a reason: they gain access to users' machines without asking for direct permission, and their functionality is usually questionable. There are a few different ways of how PUPs get installed on thousands of users' systems; they include:
- Software bundles
- Fake Flash Player updates
- Deceptive advertisements
Software bundles are the most common distribution technique that deems to be extremely successful, as thousands of users flood third-party websites to download freeware. However, during these installations, users don't spot optional components offered, and end up installing them unintentionally.
To prevent such events, you should always pick advanced or custom installation settings when prompted, decline all the offers, deselect ticks, read the fine print and, most importantly, never rush through steps.
Fake and deceptive popups that users can encounter on various sites can also result in PUP infiltration (in many cases, this is also the method that malware uses to infect users' machines). If you receive a Flash Player update prompt, keep in mind that it is fake, as the plugin is embedded within the browser's functionality. Besides, Flash is known to be suffering from dozens of vulnerabilities [1], so running unpatched software might result in a complete computer takeover by cybercriminals.
Get rid of ConvertMySearch and other PUPs
In most cases, ConvertMySearch removal should not be complicated, as all you have to do is eliminate the extension that is attached to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another web browser. So, access the extensions sections via your browser settings, find the unwanted one, and delete it. Unfortunately, this might not go as planned, as other browser hijackers from this family are known to apply the “Managed by your organization” status to the browser, which prevents users from deleting extensions. Additionally, the hijacker might not disappear even after you remove ConvertMySearch virus successfully.
In such a case, we highly advise you to take further steps to secure your computer and ensure appropriate ConvertMySearch uninstall methods. You should scan your device with powerful anti-malware such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes (which would also eliminate other PUPs and invisible malware if such is present), reset the installed web browsers, and fix your machine with repair software if required. You can find how to perform these steps below – follow the guide carefully.
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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