GameSearch: what it is and how to remove it
GameSearch is a browser extension that offers users various links to free online games and other popular services like Gmail. However, the application is also known for its browser-hijacking traits and is often detected as PUP.Optional.SearchManager.BITSRST by trusted security tools.
Facts checked October 6, 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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GameSearch: summary
| Name | GameSearch |
|---|---|
| Type | Potentially unwanted program, browser hijacker |
| Detection | PUP.Optional.SearchManager.BITSRST; no Microsoft detection name is known for this name |
| Infiltration | While the browser extension can be downloaded from official sources, users usually end up installing it unintentionally after downloading freeware from third-party websites. Also, users might be deliberately tricked into downloading the PUP via fake update prompts or similar deceptive ads |
| Symptoms | GameSearch browser extension installed on the web browser Homepage and the new tab URL are set to gamsrch.com All searches are redirected to Yahoo Search results are littered with sponsored ads Web browser works slower and might sometimes fail to load certain pages |
| Dangers | Users might be misguided into installing other unwanted applications that might, in some cases, be dangerous; risk of suffering from financial losses due to scams and fraudulent websites |
| 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 8 more facts
| Termination | You can eliminate the hijacker by following our manual guide below or scanning the device with a reputable anti-malware software |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Search page | gamsrch.com |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 28 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
What GameSearch changes in your browser
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Is GameSearch dangerous? What it collects
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
GameSearch is a potentially unwanted application that attaches itself to the web browser to hijack users' searches
GameSearch is a browser extension that offers users various links to free online games and other popular services like Gmail.
However, the application is also known for its browser-hijacking traits and is often detected as PUP.Optional.SearchManager.BITSRST by trusted security tools. Besides, this potentially unwanted program (also called PUP) is often spread via shady techniques such as software bundle packages or can be installed unintentionally when tricked by a fake notification on a random website.
Once installed, GameSearch hijacker will change the settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser: the homepage and the new tab address are swapped to gamsrch.com, and a customized search engine is added.
This ensures that users' searches will be redirected via a particular way - the results will be shown via the Yahoo provider and also include multiple sponsored links. Additionally, GameSearch would also spy on users' online activities by using cookies and other tracking technologies.
To begin the analysis of the GameSearch virus, we should first explore its infiltration techniques, which are often deceptive. In most cases, users would not install apps that would redirect their searchers and show them ads, so the developers come up with distribution tactics that would ensure a large number of the installs.
Software bundles and deceptive ads are perfect choices for browser hijackers and similar potentially unwanted programs. Bundled software is often placed on various third-party websites that use freeware as the main monetization method, and deceptive ads can trick users into installing GameSearch voluntarily, even though they do now know much about its functionality in the first place.
Once installed on the system, GameSearch would alter web browser settings in order to deliver users sponsored search results. Most browser hijackers do not use their engines to deliver search results but rather employ established sources such as Yahoo or Bing (they use affiliate program).
However, the results are not genuine, as the links placed at the top are ads - essentially, websites that paid to be there. This way, users' web browsing experience can be changed drastically, and some might not even realize that of that happening.
The only way to stop these activities is to remove GameSearch hijacker from the computer, as the settings changed by the PUP will remain unchanged, and users will have to face inaccurate search results, suffer from an increased amount of advertisements, and end up being tracked in the background.
Speaking of data tracking, all browser hijackers, including GameSearch, use technologies like cookies or web beacons to collect information about users' online experiences and habits. In most cases, the following information is tracked:
To stop the data tracking and other revert browser changes, you should perform a full GameSearch removal from the web browser. To do that, simply right-click on the extension and select uninstall.
However, it is also important to check for other PUPs or malware, so you should perform a full system scan with powerful anti-virus software. If something is detected, eliminate unwanted apps and then fix virus damage with tools like .
- IP address;
- Location (if enabled via the mobile device);
- Internet Service Provider (ISP);
- Websites visited;
- Duration of the visit;
- Ads and links clicked;
- Cookies, etc.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
PUP.Optional.SearchManager.BITSRST detection
PUP.Optional.SearchManager is a detection name for a number of potentially unwanted applications that belong to the search hijacker category.
These unwanted apps typically come as a browser extension/add-on for Chromium or Chrome web browsers. In most cases, users can see the icon of the extension at the top-right corner of the browser window.
PUP.Optional.SearchManager.BITSRST can be downloaded from the official web store, users can also encounter advertisements on various gaming websites. These ads typically advertise the hijacker as a useful tool with particular functionality, for example:
Such an ad might sure sound promising, as users might be tempted to play games seemingly for free. However, a reputable anti-malware solution is installed on the system, the extension will be detected as PUP.Optional.SearchManager.BITSRST and the installation will be stopped, as it is a search hijacker in disguise.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on GameSearch
- You can fix any type of registry or other damage done to the computer due to infections with
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
gamsrch.com
How to remove GameSearch
How to remove GameSearch 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
GameSearch often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://extensions- Extensions and themes in Firefox
Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.
Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Put the search engine back and delete gamsrch.com
Searches that pass through
gamsrch.commean the browser's default search engine was replaced. Chrome: Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, then Make default on Google, Bing or another engine you chose, and Delete on gamsrch.com.Edge has the same list under Manage search engines (search the Settings page for it), and Firefox under Settings > Search.
Look at On startup and the homepage settings too and remove the hijacker's address there. Nothing in this step differs between 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 programs you did not mean to install
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10, and sort the list by install date. Look at what appeared around the day the problem started and uninstall every program you do not recognise or did not choose.
Free converters, PDF and video tools, "system optimizers" and unknown browsers are the usual carriers of GameSearch. If a name is unclear, search for it before you remove it, so you do not uninstall a driver or a Windows component.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 4: Reset the browser
Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
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
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
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
To get rid of potentially unwanted applications that could be installed along GameSearch on Windows, follow these steps:
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
In case intrusive ads remain after PUP elimination, reset Google Chrome as explained below:
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 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.
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.
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
Users should perform the following actions if they want to eliminate adware and browser hijackers from their macOS computers:
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.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online.
One of the basic means to add a layer of security - choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful VPN - it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable.
Family photos, work documents, school projects - these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur:
- power cuts
- Blue Screen of Death errors
- hardware failures
- crypto-malware attack
- even accidental deletion
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Prevent installation of potentially unwanted programs
Potentially unwanted applications such as browser hijackers can be extremely deceptive, as users might be tricked with attractive slogans or cleverly presented ads.
In most cases, people are unaware that the browser extension or standalone application is a PUP, and install it due to its functionality. However, users can soon notice an increased number of ads across all web browsers, system slowdowns, browser redirects, and other issues that might be caused by an unwanted program.
In most cases, browser hijackers are relatively harmless, although they do harvest unnecessary amounts of information for marketing purposes and display ads that might be disruptive and prevent users from finding relevant information online. Therefore, it is best to avoid unwanted applications by being attentive online, mainly when searching for new apps to install. It is easy to do, especially if precautionary measures provided by experts are followed.
Most PUPs are stored on less secure third-party websites that focus on freeware distribution. For this reason, you can reduce the risk of being infected by a great margin if you would pick official sources for your downloads. Nonetheless, even Google allows some browser hijackers on its web store, so being vigilant is important.
Before installing an app you know nothing about, you should read its reviews online - forum posts, blogs, and other information that can easily make you decide whether the program is secure.
Once you are sure that the app is safe, you can proceed with the download, although keep in mind that optional components can be included within the installer. Thus, never rush through the installation steps, watch out for pre-ticked boxes, and always opt for Advanced settings instead of choosing Recommended ones.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Get rid of GameSearch browser hijacker quickly
GameSearch removal should not be that difficult, as already mentioned above.
All you have to do is to right-click the extension on the web browser or visit chrome://extensions/ to get rid of it.
However, since browser hijackers often perform various changes within the web browser, the unwanted ads and redirects can still occur, even after you eliminate GameSearch virus from your Chrome browser.
Therefore, you can employ reputable anti-malware software which could remove GameSearch related settings and other data. Besides, scanning the device with a powerful security program would also allow you to check your device for such threats like trojans, spyware, worms, viruses, and other invisible malicious software.
Questions about GameSearch
Why does my search engine keep changing to gamsrch.com?
Because something keeps setting it. An extension can change the search engine every time the browser starts, and an ad-supported program in Windows can do it for every browser and re-add the extension after you remove it. Some hijackers also add a policy that locks the setting.
Changing the search engine back only works once the source is gone. Remove extensions you do not recognise, uninstall programs installed around the time gamsrch.com first appeared, and then set the search engine again. If it still returns, check the browser for the Managed by your organization message and follow the policy steps in this guide.
Can gamsrch.com see my searches?
Yes. Every search typed into the address bar goes to gamsrch.com first, which is how it earns money. It can log the query, the time and an identifier for your browser, and some hijackers also collect the pages you visit through their extension.
The privacy policy of such sites usually allows sharing that data with partners. Once the hijacker is removed and your own search engine is set again, new searches no longer reach it. Searches already sent cannot be taken back, so avoid entering sensitive information until the clean-up is finished, and clear cookies afterwards.
Why do my searches go to gamsrch.com?
Because the browser's default search engine was changed to it. GameSearch did that through an extension, a program or a browser policy, and as long as that source remains, the setting points to gamsrch.com.
The page then passes your query to a real search provider, so the results look almost normal, with extra sponsored links on top. Changing the search engine back on its own does not last, because the source resets it. Remove the extension or program first, then the policies if any, then set your own search engine.
Is it safe to keep searching with gamsrch.com?
We would not. Every query you type is logged by its operators and shared with their advertising partners, and the sponsored links at the top are chosen for payment, not relevance. Results that look like a download page or a support site may lead to scams.
The page will not damage Windows by itself, but there is no benefit in keeping it: the results come from another search engine anyway. Remove GameSearch and use that search engine directly, by typing its address or choosing it in the browser settings.
Which browsers does GameSearch affect?
We saw it in Chrome, Edge and Firefox. That does not mean the other browsers on your PC are safe: hijacker installers usually change every browser they find, and browser sync can carry an extension to other computers signed in to the same account.
Check the search engine, home page, new tab, extensions and policies in each browser you have, including ones you rarely open. Chrome and Edge profiles count separately, so switch to each profile and check it as well before you call the job done.
What does gamsrch.com know about me?
It knows what you searched for while it was your search engine, when, from which IP address and with which browser, and usually which results you opened. Tracking cookies let it connect those searches into a profile. It does not see your saved passwords or files.
After removing GameSearch, delete the cookies and site data for gamsrch.com so the profile cannot be continued, and remove it from the browser's list of saved search engines. Signing out of important sites and back in also replaces session cookies.
Will resetting the browser remove GameSearch?
A reset disables extensions, restores the default search engine, start page and new tab, and clears temporary data and cookies. It keeps bookmarks, history and saved passwords. For many hijackers that is enough.
It does not remove a program installed in Windows, policies in the registry, changes to the hosts file or DNS, or edited shortcuts, so GameSearch can come back after a reset if one of those remains. Do the reset after removing the program and policies, not instead of it.
Would an ad blocker stop GameSearch?
Not really. An ad blocker can hide some of the sponsored results on gamsrch.com, but it does not change your search engine back or remove the extension that set it. Your searches would still pass through the hijacker's servers and be logged.
Some ad blockers include tracking filters that block parts of the redirect chain, which can break searches altogether. Remove GameSearch with the plan above; an ad blocker is a reasonable extra afterwards, from the official store only and from a developer with a long track record.
The results look like Google or Bing. Is that real?
Partly. Many hijacker search pages pass your query to a real search engine and show its results, so the list looks familiar. What changes is the frame around it:
- extra sponsored links at the top
- the hijacker's own tracking
- sometimes a design that copies a known search engine
You can tell by the address bar. If it shows gamsrch.com or another unfamiliar domain instead of the search engine you know, the results come through a middleman. Remove GameSearch and search directly.
Will Fortect remove GameSearch?
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 GameSearch, 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: Browser hijacking (read October 6, 2026)
- Lesvirus: Lesvirus (read October 6, 2026)
- CSO Online: What is a Trojan? How this tricky malware works (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)