Oksearch.org (Easy Removal Guide) - Virus Removal Instructions
Oksearch.org Removal Guide
What is Oksearch.org?
Oksearch.org – a browser hijacker that spreads with freeware bundles
Oksearch.org - the browser hijacker that exposes to questionable content online.
Oksearch.org is a potentially unwanted program (PUP[1]) that changes the device's default search engine to OK Search, so all inquires go through it. Because of this, this PUP is called a browser hijacker. When people get redirected, their whole browsing experience might be impeded because the search result might not be what they were expecting. It's categorized as a PUP because most people get this browser hijacking extension unknowingly.
The shady Oksearch.org virus is affecting only two browsers – Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. However, research suggests that both companies have removed this PUP from their add-on shops. This browser hijacker not only changes the search engine preferences that could lead to redirects to malicious sites but also adds extensions and might install applications on the system.
name | Oksearch.org |
---|---|
Type | Browser hijacker |
Distribution | Freeware bundles, pirated software installers, deceptive ads |
IP address | 37.97.190.239 |
Symptoms | All searches redirected through oksearch.org, slower computer performance |
Issues | Browsing data leakage, additional PUP appearance of the device, disturbed browsing experience |
Removal | If this PUP got onto your computer unwillingly and you don't like the search results that it's presenting you, remove Oksearch.org with the help of a reliable anti-malware software |
System Repair | PUPs often damage system settings. So after OK Search removal, users should use the FortectIntego tool to reverse any changes the browser hijacker might have done |
Apps like these generate revenue from affiliate marketing, i.e., they push ads of software instead of showing users proper search results. When oksearch.org browser hijacker is installed, it might redirect users to sites with malicious content, i.e., malware.[2] That might lead to serious computer infections. Furthermore, in their “Terms of Use” section, they state that:
We collect your personal data when you provide it to us. We can share this data with third-party tools or partners.
That being said, it's worth mentioning that using OK search browser hijacker might not be safe. If this PUP ended up on your device unknowingly, or you're not satisfied with its performance, don't doubt for a second to uninstall it.
You could use SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes apps to automatically remove Oksearch.org browser hijacker with all its allocated files. It can run various installations automatically and download VPN tools, browser-based applications, extensions, or rogue system optimizers behind your back, so you need this automatic process to ensure that the PC is virus-free.
Afterward, when Oksearch.org removal is completed, experts[3] advise running a full system scan with the FortectIntego app to find and fix whatever this PUP might have done to the system registry and other settings. It might trigger alterations to your startup preferences and registry entries or disable some tools needed for security.
Oksearch.org - a program that triggers issues with the time on the computer and can track your behavior online.
Instructions to evade PUPs like browser hijackers
There is far more hazardous malware than browser hijackers, but that doesn't mean that they can't cause some real damage to computers. More severe viruses could be downloaded when browser hijackers redirect users to malicious sites that are riddled with computer infections.
Most of the PUPs are distributed via freeware bundles and misleading apps. Freeware bundles are software installation packages that contain more than one application. When users install this kind of software, they usually choose the express installation option because who has time to read terms of use or use custom installations mode, right? WRONG!
If you want to evade browser hijackers and PUPs alike, please always choose the Custom or Advanced installation options and watch out for pre-ticked boxes. That's how PUPs get into computers. Uncheck the pre-ticked boxes from all suggested apps, excluding the one you were willing to get.
Oksearch.org browser hijacker elimination and a quick system tune-up guide
Installation and usage of Oksearch.org PUP as a search engine might lead to serious malware infections. If this program isn't what you wanted and it got on your device unwillingly, then you should uninstall it immediately.
To remove Oksearch.org browser hijacker from your computer, we suggest using time-tested anti-malware apps. Either of these apps will not only eliminate the PUP but might protect your device from other, more severe malware attacks.
Whether you delete the OK Search app or not, system repair is crucial, because PUP like this one are more than able to do extensive damage to the system registry and other settings. It is highly recommended to perform a full system scan with the system optimization tool to locate and revert any changes that oksearch.org might have done to your device.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Oksearch.org. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Remove Oksearch.org from the system as soon as possible
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
You might need to run additional processes to reset the browser fully to default
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 the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Oksearch.org registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting browser hijacker
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
- ^ Potentially unwanted program. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Roger A. Grimes. 9 types of malware and how to recognize them. Cso. Security news, features and analysis.
- ^ Virukset. Virukset. Spyware and security news.