CreativeSearch: what it is and how to remove it
CreativeSearch is a potentiality unwanted application that changes web browser settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another web browser and starts delivering unwanted advertisements. This app typically targets Mac users, although it does not mean that Windows PC cannot be affected as well, as the it is typically spread via software bundle packages and Fake Flash Player update prompts.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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CreativeSearch: summary
| Damage | Due to infection, users might be directed to spoofing, scam, or other malicious websites where they would be prompted to install other potentially unwanted or malicious applications, disclose their sensitive data such as credit card details, suffer from financial losses and even be affected by identity theft/fraud |
|---|---|
| Name | CreativeSearch |
| Type | Browser hijacker, adware, Mac virus |
| Family | This potentially unwanted application belongs to Adload malware family |
| Infiltration | These type of potentially unwanted apps spread via deceptive methods, such as software bundle packages acquired from third-party websites or fake Flash Player update prompts |
| Danger level | Medium to high. Since this application uses a built-in script to install apps without permission in the background, it can install malware such as CrescentCore or Shlayer Trojan, resulting in further infections |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 7 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | CreativeSearch |
| First seen | 5 June 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Is CreativeSearch dangerous? What it collects
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
CreativeSearch - Mac virus that might inject other malicious apps on your system
CreativeSearch is a potentiality unwanted application that changes web browser settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another web browser and starts delivering unwanted advertisements.
This app typically targets Mac users, although it does not mean that Windows PC cannot be affected as well, as the it is typically spread via software bundle packages and Fake Flash Player update prompts.
Once installed, the CreativeSearch virus changes the search engine to Safe Finder or another customized search tool and appends a new homepage as well. As a result, users have to search the web via a hijacked browser, which changes what type of websites they visit, as search results are always filled with sponsored links.
While CreativeSearch hijacks web browsers, it also possesses some adware qualities, as it delivers intrusive ads and tracks users' web browsing activities for marketing purposes.
CreativeSearch is a potentially malicious application that belongs to the Adload malware campaign and is a new addition to such threats like StudyGeneral, MainReady, DataQuest, and many others.
This PUP family is relatively aggressive and can be considered as malware in some cases, as it makes use of AppleScript function in order to install apps without permission. Therefore, it is not uncommon for users infected with the CreativeSearch virus to see the activity of unknown software on their computers.
Just like malware, CreativeSearch is usually distributed via deceptive ways, and usually gets installed on macOS after users download freeware from insecure third-party websites or when they get tricked by fake Adobe Flash Player update prompt. These fake alerts can be encountered on a variety of websites, although those who are already infected with adware are more likely to land on a fake update or another scam message page.
However, this is not the only symptom of CreativeSearch infection exhibits - you can also encounter the following:
Besides showing typical symptoms of the browser, search, and computer hijacking, CreativeSearch removal can also be hindered due to its persistence mechanisms. For example, the virus might establish new profiles or add entries to LaunchAgents, Application Support, and other folders.
Besides, a browser extension is typically installed with elevated privileges, which could result in "Managed by your organization" prompt. Here's the description of the CreativeSearch or another malicious add-on installed on the web browser:
As you can see, the presence of potentially unwanted apps like CreativeSearch can result in the sensitive data leak, which is highly likely to be delivered to cybercriminals. If sold on the dark web, such information might cause monetary losses or even identity theft/fraud.
Unfortunately, dragging the suspicious app to Trash can hardly help you remove CreativeSearch and other malicious apps from your system. This way, all the malicious and hidden components will be deleted automatically.
Besides, due to the hijacker's ability to download and install applications without permissions, users might also be infected with other Mac viruses that could cause significant damages, such as monetary losses, identity theft, sensitive data leak to cybercriminals, and much more.
Many users also noticed that their web browsers, as well as the computer, started to operate slowly after the CreativeSearch virus infection. This issue can also be fixed by uninstalling all the malicious apps. Additionally, if you are unable to terminate browser extensions, you should reset web browsers as explained below.
- Unknown extensions or add-ons installed on the web browser;
- Redirects deliver deceptive and malicious advertisements;
- All visited websites are filled with pop-ups, deals, offers, promotions, coupons, and other intrusive ads;
- Homepage and new tab address is set to Safe Finder or another rogue search engine;
- Hundreds of unknown files reside on various parts of the machine;
- Browser extension termination becomes impossible;
- Unknown profiles established on the computer, etc.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Potentially unwanted programs use deception to access your Mac
Macs are generally considered much safer machines than Windows PCs, as the former have built-in defenses such as Xprotect.
However, according to security researchers, Mac malware outpaced Windows malware in 2019 by volume, so users should not believe that Macs are immune to infections - especially adware.
Possibly the biggest problem to Macs is fake Flash Player updates. While the plugin is outdated, full of security vulnerabilities , and has been almost fully replaced by HTML 5 and similar technologies, it is so embedded in users' minds as the only way to play multimedia online, that they still believe that it is much-needed software.
Of course, cybercriminals are here to abuse this fact, and they often use social engineering for that.
Phishing messages are often placed on various malicious websites, and well-known attributes like the Flash logo are often used. Once users access this site, they can see a prompt asking them to download and install the latest version of Flash, allegedly to view the content of the website.
However, what they usually download is adware or even malware, and, by accepting its installation, users allow the malicious app to take over the computer. Thus, never download the alleged updates via the pop-up messages on suspicious websites.
Additionally, you should not download apps from third-party sources in the first place. By default, Mac will ask you to enter your username and password - this a security measure to prevent unauthorized installation. However, if credentials are provided, malware can populate its files and settings without interruptions. Therefore, download apps from App Store or similar legitimate sources only.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on CreativeSearch
- To get rid of CreativeSearch, as well as its secondary payloads, you should scan your Mac with powerful security software, such as or
- In case your machine is still running slow after malware termination, you should employ tools like to fix such issues for you
- CreativeSearch 1.0 Permissions for "CreativeSearch": Webpage contents Can read sensitive information from webpages, including passwords, phone numbers, and credit cards on all webpages Browsing history Can see when you visit all webpages
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.CreativeSearch/CreativeSearch ~/Library/Application Support/com.CreativeSearchDaemon/CreativeSearch ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.CreativeSearch.plist ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.CreativeSearchDaemon.plist
How to remove CreativeSearch
How to remove CreativeSearch and get your search engine back
Remove the extension first.
The search settings only stay fixed once nothing on the PC can change them again.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
In Chrome open
chrome://extensions, in Edgeedge://extensions, and in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially search, new tab, coupon, PDF, weather or video downloader add-ons. Check every browser and every profile, because each keeps its own list.
If an extension has no Remove button or comes back, a browser policy holds it (see "Managed by your organization" in the procedure below). The pages are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Put the search engine back
In Chrome open Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, make an engine you trust the default, and delete entries you did not add.
In Edge type
search engineinto the search box at the top of Settings and open Manage search engines; in Firefox use Settings > Search. Then check the homepage and the new tab page in the same settings, because hijackers change all three.If the wrong engine is back after a restart, an extension, a program or a policy still sets it, so finish the other steps and check again. The settings are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: check Search engine and On startup. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 3: Uninstall CreativeSearch
CreativeSearch is removed like any other program, from the list of installed apps. In Windows 11 that is Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and in both you can also use Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Select CreativeSearch, click Uninstall and follow the uninstaller to the end. Then look at the entries just above and below it when the list is sorted by date: bundled programs install at the same minute.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 4: Reset the browser
A reset removes what the steps above could miss:
- changed start pages
- site permissions
- hidden settings
In Chrome open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults; in Edge Settings > Reset settings; in Firefox Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.
Tip: Bookmarks and saved passwords stay, while extensions are turned off and the search engine and start page return to the defaults.
Reset every browser on the PC, including Edge, which Windows 11 and Windows 10 always have.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of CreativeSearch that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
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.
Remove from Google Chrome
Reset Google Chrome if you cannot uninstall some extensions in a regular way:
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.
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.
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.
Delete from macOS
To get rid of CreativeSearch on macOS, follow these instructions:
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.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Ways to eliminate CreativeSearch from your machine
While we do not recommend manual CreativeSearch removal, you can still try performing it if you wish so.
However, dragging the app to Trash will not suffice, as it has multiple malicious entries within the system. First of all, you should check for malicious profiles by clicking on Preferences and then selecting Users&Groups > Profiles. Once there, delete all the profiles that you do not recognize.
After that, you should locate and delete the following files on your system to get rid of CreativeSearch virus:
Besides, due to PUP functionality, it is advisable to check for other malicious programs that may have been installed on your system.
Questions about CreativeSearch
Can I safely uninstall CreativeSearch?
If you did not install CreativeSearch yourself and it is not part of your hardware or a program you rely on, yes. Uninstalling an unwanted program does not harm Windows. Before you do, search the exact name and publisher to be sure it is not a driver tool, a printer utility or a game launcher with an odd name.
Then remove it from Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Ignore any offers or warnings in its uninstaller about losing protection or performance. Afterwards check Startup apps and your browsers for leftovers, and restart once to confirm that it does not reinstall itself.
How do I stop programs like CreativeSearch from being installed again?
Most unwanted programs arrive through installers, so the fix is in how you install software. Download programs from their official sites or the Microsoft Store, not from download portals or ads above search results. During setup, choose Custom or Advanced installation and untick every extra offer, including browsers, toolbars and optimizers.
Decline update prompts that appear inside other programs unless you know them. In Windows Security, turn on reputation-based protection and potentially unwanted app blocking. These steps would most likely have stopped CreativeSearch before it reached the app list.
Is only one browser affected?
Often not. Programs that install hijackers tend to change every browser they find, and sync can carry the extension to other computers signed in to the same browser account. Check Chrome, Edge and Firefox, even the ones you rarely use, and look at the shortcut targets on the desktop and taskbar for each.
If you use sync, remove the extension while signed in so the removal syncs too. Also check the On startup setting and the new tab page, because hijackers change those as well as the search engine.
Why can't I change my search engine back?
Because something keeps setting it. If an extension controls the search engine, Chrome and Edge show a note that an extension is controlling this setting, and your change is reverted. If a policy controls it, the field is greyed out and the browser shows Managed by your organization.
Remove the extension first, then the policies, and only then change the search engine; the change will stay. If it still reverts, look for a program in Installed apps or a scheduled task that reinstalls the extension.
What do I lose if I reset Chrome or Edge?
Less than you might think. A reset turns off all extensions, which you can turn back on one by one, restores the default search engine, home page, new tab and pinned tabs, and clears cookies, so you are signed out of most sites.
Bookmarks, history, saved passwords and autofill data stay. Firefox's equivalent, Refresh Firefox, keeps the same essentials but removes add-ons completely. Before you reset, make sure you know your main passwords or have them saved, since you will need to sign in again.
What is CreativeSearch?
CreativeSearch is a potentiality unwanted application that changes web browser settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another web browser and starts delivering unwanted advertisements.
This app typically targets Mac users, although it does not mean that Windows PC cannot be affected as well, as the it is typically spread via software bundle packages and Fake Flash Player update prompts.
Damage: Due to infection, users might be directed to spoofing, scam, or other malicious websites where they would be prompted to install other potentially unwanted or malicious applications, disclose their sensitive data such as credit card details, suffer from financial losses and even be affected by identity theft/fraud.
Is CreativeSearch a virus?
Not in the strict sense: CreativeSearch is unwanted software, classed here as a search hijacker extension, not a self-copying virus.
Our report lists this damage: Due to infection, users might be directed to spoofing, scam, or other malicious websites where they would be prompted to install other potentially unwanted or malicious applications, disclose their sensitive data such as credit card details, suffer from financial losses and even be affected by identity theft/fraud.
Security programs often label such software as adware, a potentially unwanted program or a browser hijacker.
How did CreativeSearch get on my computer?
This app typically targets Mac users, although it does not mean that Windows PC cannot be affected as well, as the it is typically spread via software bundle packages and Fake Flash Player update prompts.
Software of this kind often comes bundled with free programs, fake updates or downloads from unofficial sites. It can also arrive through a browser extension or a notification you allowed on a spam page. Think back to what you installed or allowed just before the first ad or redirect appeared.
Will Fortect remove CreativeSearch?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For CreativeSearch, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Adware (read October 7, 2026)
- Apple Insider: Mac malware outpaced Windows PCs threats for first time in 2019, report says (read October 7, 2026)
- ThreatPost: Adobe Fixes Critical Flash Player Code Execution Flaws (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)