GlobalSearchConverter: what it is and how to remove it

GlobalSearchConverter is a potentially unwanted program that might show up on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser seemingly out of nowhere. The mysterious appearance can be easily explained, however, as the app is often bundled with freeware that users download from third-party sources.

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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Screenshot of GlobalSearchConverter: browser hijacker
GlobalSearchConverter as our 2020 report showed it.

GlobalSearchConverter: summary

DistributionSoftware bundles, deceptive ads
DamageInstallation of other potentially unwanted programs, privacy risks due to information gathering practices, monetary losses
NameGlobalSearchConverter
TypeBrowser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
IP address172.67.174.156
SymptomsAn unknown extension or application is installed on the system; homepage and new tab address are set to portal.globalsearchconverter.com; all searches are redirected to Yahoo; the results are filled with sponsored links; overall increased number of ads
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 6 more facts
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
Evidence4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
Search pageportal.globalsearchconverter.com
BrowsersChrome, Edge and Firefox
First seen14 December 2020
Facts checked6 October 2026

Is GlobalSearchConverter dangerous? What it collects

From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since

GlobalSearchConverter - a browser hijacker that directs you to a different search provider and inserts ads

GlobalSearchConverter is a potentially unwanted program that might show up on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser seemingly out of nowhere.

The mysterious appearance can be easily explained, however, as the app is often bundled with freeware that users download from third-party sources. Software developers do not adequately inform about the optional components, hence users end up installing them without intention.

As soon as the installation is finished, GlobalSearchConverter hijack becomes visible straight away - the homepage and new tab URL is set to portal.globalsearchconverter.com. Using the provided search engine, users can quickly notice their searching routine drastically changed, and all the search results are now delivered via Yahoo.

Besides, the top results are replaced by sponsored links and ads, misleading users into clicking on them - which guarantees financial benefits for the developers.

The rerouting, ad insertion, and other unwanted features are caused by an extension attached to the web browser. Therefore, instead of seeing Google.com, or another provider you prefer, you are forced to visit the URL provided by the hijacker. The only way to stop this activity is to perform a full GlobalSearchConverter removal from the browser.

As already established, browser hijackers are commonly distributed via deceptive methods, resulting in unintentional installation. In other cases, however, users might install the extension or a program believing that it is actually useful due to its features or functionality, without knowing much about the true apps' capabilities.

GlobalSearchConverter might seem useful only because it appends a variety of features within the newly-established homepage and new tab. Upon entry, users can find links on the left to click and enable currency converter, calculator, crypto converter, and others. Besides, they can also see the time at the top-right corner of the window.

These features are not unique and are identical to those provided in other apps from the same developer, such as LoveSportsSearch, ProSearchConverter, IncognitoSearchNet, or GetIncognitoSearch. In fact, all of these extensions are simply copies of one another - the authors are trying to launch hundreds of versions in order to avoid a bad reputation online, which is not uncommon for browser hijackers.

The main goal of the app is to monetize on advertisements that users are likely to click, as they are presented at the top of the search results. While the searchers are redirected to Yahoo, sponsored links are inserted by the hijacker, which basically makes it useful.

You might as well just use Yahoo and skip the PUP altogether; you would also avoid unnecessary ads that fill your screen each time you perform a search via the fake search engine.

While ads can be annoying, another major reason to remove GlobalSearchConverter is its information tracking practices. Just as any other program of such type, the app gathers a variety of information about users, which includes:

Additionally, if you did not install the PUP intentionally, experts also advise checking your system with , , or another reputable anti-malware and then fixing virus damage with if such need arises.

  • IP address
  • Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Browsing history
  • Links clicked and sites visited
  • Timestamps
  • Search queries, and more.
Screenshot of GlobalSearchConverter: browser hijacker
GlobalSearchConverter in our 2020 report.
GlobalSearchConverter: potentially unwanted program pup
GlobalSearchConverter in our 2020 report.

From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since

Software bundles carry optional apps - avoid them easily

You don't need to be an expert when it comes to online safety to prevent the installation of potentially unwanted programs.

If you have recently visited a third-party site and downloaded a freeware app, you likely installed the hijacker along with it. Therefore, it is important to be aware of bundling and that most distributors promote this practice.

In order to stop unintentional program installs, you should always pay close attention to detail. First and foremost, you should avoid insecure download sources, such as torrents or similar sites that distribute pirated software and cracks - these can result in malware infection (for example, Igdm, Nobu, and other Djvu virus variants are distributed solely via pirated program installers).

During the installation process of new apps, never rush through steps, and always pick Advanced/Custom settings instead of Standard/Recommend ones. Watch out for pre-ticked boxes, fine print, misplaced buttons, and other tricks that are often employed to mask the optional programs. Keep in mind that even the most popular software distributors are using software bundling, so you should be attentive at all times.

GlobalSearchConverter: redirects to yahoo
GlobalSearchConverter in our 2020 report.

From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on GlobalSearchConverter

  • Computer infections can cause various issues when it comes to system files/settings.

Check your browser and PC

  • Address: portal.globalsearchconverter.com

How to remove GlobalSearchConverter

How to remove GlobalSearchConverter 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.

  1. Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add

    In Chrome open chrome://extensions, in Edge edge://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 menu with Extensions and Manage extensions highlighted
    Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension

  2. Step 2: Put the search engine back and delete portal.globalsearchconverter.com

    In Chrome open Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, make an engine you trust the default, and delete portal.globalsearchconverter.com from the list.

    In Edge type search engine into 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 portal.globalsearchconverter.com 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 Settings with the Search engine and On startup sections
    Chrome on Windows 11: check Search engine and On startup.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine

  3. Step 3: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install

    GlobalSearchConverter rarely comes alone: it is usually installed by, or together with, a free program. In Windows 11 open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and sort by install date.

    Uninstall every entry from the day the trouble began that you did not install on purpose, for example a download manager, a converter or a browser you never chose.

    Keep drivers and entries from Microsoft, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or your PC's maker unless you are sure.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix

  4. 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 Settings page with the Reset settings section open
    Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine

  5. Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan

    A scan finds the parts of GlobalSearchConverter 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 Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    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

If you believe that your Windows has potentially unwanted programs, proceed with the following steps to eliminate them:

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows
Remove from Google Chrome

To uninstall GlobalSearchConverter extension from Chrome, use the following guide:

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 suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

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.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

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.Reset Chrome 2
Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

After you eliminate the unwanted app, you should also clean Firefox to ensure no leftovers are present:

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2
Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari
Delete from macOS

macOS can also be affected by adware, browser hijackers, and other PUPs:

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.

Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.

Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.

From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since

Delete GlobalSearchConverter from your browser

As a general rule, browser hijackers are typically not considered to be dangerous, neither do they implement major system changes once installed (although some extensions are known to abuse the "Managed by your organization" feature, which prevents users from modifying any settings).

Therefore, GlobalSearchConverter removal should not cause you too many troubles - simply navigate to the extension section via browser settings. If you are unsure how to do that, check the guide below.

After you remove GlobalSearchConverter, you might find that ads and redirects do not stop.

Once you uninstall the so-called GlobalSearchConverter virus, you should also clean your browser to ensure that no tracking cookies or web beacons are left behind.

Questions about GlobalSearchConverter

Why does my search engine keep changing to portal.globalsearchconverter.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 portal.globalsearchconverter.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.

Did portal.globalsearchconverter.com come with a program I installed?

Most likely, yes. Search hijackers such as portal.globalsearchconverter.com usually arrive with free software, where an extra offer is pre-ticked in the installer, or as an extension that promises something useful, such as file conversion, maps, recipes or streaming.

Look at Settings, Apps, Installed apps sorted by install date: whatever was installed just before the search engine changed is the main suspect. Uninstall it, then remove any extension you do not recognise. In future, choose the custom or advanced option in installers and untick extra offers, and install extensions only from the official store pages of publishers you know.

What is portal.globalsearchconverter.com?

It is the search page used by the browser hijacker GlobalSearchConverter. It has no search index of its own: it forwards your queries to another search engine and adds ads and tracking along the way.

People rarely choose it on purpose; it becomes the default search engine, home page or new tab after an extension, program or policy changes the browser settings. The page itself is not malware, but it should not be in your browser if you did not set it. The steps above remove the source and restore your settings.

Is portal.globalsearchconverter.com dangerous?

It is not designed to infect the PC, but it is not neutral either. It logs searches, adds sponsored results that are hard to tell apart from real ones, and its ad partners are not checked as strictly as those of major search engines.

Some hijacker pages have shown ads for fake updates, tech support scams and unwanted software. The main harm is to privacy. Remove GlobalSearchConverter, and if you entered personal data on sites reached through its results, check those sites carefully.

Do I have to fix every browser?

Yes, every one where the search engine or start page changed. In the cases we checked, GlobalSearchConverter affected Chrome, Edge and Firefox.

Each browser stores its own search settings and extensions, so fixing one does not fix the others, and Windows-level changes such as shortcuts can affect each browser differently. Work through them one at a time:

  • remove the extension
  • check the policies
  • restore the search engine
  • start page

If you sync a browser, stay signed in so the fix spreads to your other computers.

Did portal.globalsearchconverter.com record my searches?

Almost certainly. Logging is the point of a hijacker search page: each query, with your IP address, browser details and the result you clicked, is valuable to advertisers.

The operators of portal.globalsearchconverter.com can store and share that data under their own privacy policy, which you never agreed to knowingly. There is no way to delete it from their side. What you can do is stop the flow:

  • remove GlobalSearchConverter
  • clear cookies and site data for portal.globalsearchconverter.com
  • treat sensitive searches made in the meantime as known to a third party

Can I just block portal.globalsearchconverter.com?

You can, but it treats the symptom. Blocking the domain in a firewall or the hosts file makes searches fail instead of redirecting, while the extension or program that set it keeps running and collecting data.

Hijacker operators also switch to new domains in updates, so a block may stop working within weeks. Remove the source instead, then set your own search engine. If you want extra protection afterwards, turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security, which stops many hijacker installers before they run.

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.

Will Fortect remove GlobalSearchConverter?

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 GlobalSearchConverter, 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

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