Skip to content
Spyware News
  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Nov 2020

How to remove Mint Search

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Alice Woods · Likes to teach users about virus prevention

Mint Search – a browser hijacker that shows up out of nowhere

Mint Search

Mint Search is a potentially unwanted program that is usually installed as a browser extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or MS Edge. In most cases, users find the browser hijacker unexpectedly, as it uses unfair distribution practices, mainly software bundling and deceptive advertisements or fake updates. Once installed, the app changes the homepage address to find.mintsearch.net, appends a customized search engine, and redirects all search results to Yahoo, which are filled with sponsored links and ads.

In the background, the PUP tracks user information and later shares it with third parties, which later feed victims with even more ads. Most importantly, victims struggle with Mint Search removal because the app sets the “Managed by your organization” status on the web browser.

Name Mint Search 
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
IP address 62.4.15.153 
Distribution Software bundle packages, fake updates, deceptive ads
Symptoms Mint Search extension installed on the web browser; homepage and new tab address altered to find.mintsearch.net; a customized search engine redirects all search results to search.yahoo.com and fills them with sponsored links and ads
Risks Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, privacy risks due to information gathering practices, financial losses
Removal You can uninstall potentially unwanted applications by following the manual guide below or by scanning the computer with powerful anti-malware
Optional steps Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the OS, perform a full system scan with FortectIntego repair software

Mint Search belongs to a broader browser hijacker family, variants of which do not differ much one from the other. Mazy Search, Nebula Search, and Flare Search are just a few examples of identical browser hijackers developed by the same authors. Each of them provides a different background every time users open their web browsers, although functionality remains the same. While the names given the apps are extremely similar, there is no indication of what company is behind Mint Search and other unwanted apps – a typical deceptive tactic used by browser hijacker developers.

Just as its predecessors, the so-called Mint Search virus is presented as a tool that can enhance web browsing experience and customize their searches. However, behind the changing wallpapers and nice presentation lies something that is considered straight out malicious.

As soon as Mint Search hijack occurs, users can notice the changes to their web browsers straight away:

  • An extension is installed on the web browser;
  • Homepage and new tab address is set to find.mintsearch.net;
  • All searches are redirecting the web browser to Yahoo;
  • Unwanted ads and sponsored links appear on the search results and everywhere else.

However, possibly the most nefarious doings of this app is what it does in the background. First of all, it tracks every step users take while browsing, gathering their IP address, ISP, geo-location, unique identifier, installed apps, search terms, and much more. Cookies, web beacons,[1] JavaScript and other technologies help the Mint Search developers to accomplish this goal.

Mint Search virus

Many users claimed that this tool is far from what is it advertised to be and rated the app 1 our of 5 starts on Google Web Store. The comments were extremely underwhelming, users were complaining that they can't remove Mint Search from their computers at all. Here's is one of the comments:[2]

This app hijacked my browser. I didn't install it and it is abusing the “installed by administrator” function so I can't delete it. This is a virus, it should be totally removed from people's computers and Mint's sites should be blocked.

Hence, you might not be able to remove Mint Search just like any regular web browser extension in most cases. Thus, you have two choices: either find and delete the elements related to the extension manually or scanning the machine with powerful anti-malware software (we recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes). Additionally, experts[3] also recommend using FortectIntego after the infection is deleted for the best results.

Unexpected infiltration can be stopped by carefully handling freeware installation process

Most potentially unwanted applications do not end up on users' machines because they wanted to but rather because they were careless online. Unfortunately, but many freeware developers and app distributors use a technique called software bundling, where several programs are incorporated into a single installer. As a result, instead of downloading the desired application only, users end up with additional ones on their computers.

Installation wizards are deliberately created in a way that would hide optional components from users' sight. For example, fine print text, pre-ticked checkboxes, misleading button placements, and other tricks can be used to disguise PUPs. Therefore, it is vital to stay vigilant during the installation of new programs, especially if they were downloaded from third-party sources. Keep in mind that torrent, warez, and similar sites that distributed pirated programs should never be used in the first place, as these sources are often used to distribute not only potentially unwanted applications but also malware such as Vpsh ransomware.

Therefore, never rush through the installation steps and pay close attention to the installation process – remove the ticks from checkboxes, watch out for misleading offers, misplaced buttons, read the fine print, and, most importantly, always choose Advanced/Custom mode instead of Recommended/Quick one.

Mint Search hijack

Mint Search removal can be difficult: here's how to do it

As previously mentioned, the Mint Search virus sets the “Managed by your organization” status on your web browser, preventing easy elimination. Many users complained that they could not get rid of this annoying browser extension and had to suffer through altered search results and redirection problems. Luckily, you will not have to be stuck with this app forever, as there are some ways to remove Mint Search permanently.

First of all, you can attempt to eliminate the extension manually first – in some cases, the virus might not be set with the administrator's rights. If that does not help, you can delete Chrome contents within the AppData folder (C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Google, although make sure that “hidden items” are ticked within the File explorer to see this folder in the first place), although keep in mind that this will remove all data from the browser, including your passwords, bookmarks, etc. It should come back as soon as you log in with your Google account, however. Also, you might have to perform additional steps to complete the elimination process of the PUP.

If you can not be bothered with manual Mint Search removal, employ anti-malware software. It should automatically detect and delete all the malicious components that could be present on the system.

Uninstall from Windows

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

Delete from macOS

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

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)

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

Remove from Google Chrome

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

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

Did this guide help?

Yes0No0

Be the first to comment

Log in to post your comment
Log in to comment
Editor's pick · tested 2026

Fortect Intego

9.4 / 10 9.6 / 10 Best overall pick
  • Real-time ransomware shield
  • Free 14-day trial, no card
  • Cleans the threats listed above

Ad — we may earn a commission if you buy via this link.

Get protected →Get protected → Read our full review Read our full review
Spyware News
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze traffic. Some cookies enable embedded content like videos and social posts. Choose what you allow — you can change this anytime.