PDFConverterSearchNow ads: what it is and how to remove it
PDFConverterSearchNow is the application controlling the browser processes and even manipulating some of the settings. The main goal of such a browser hijacker is to redirect searches and other processes on the web browsing tools, so the user is exposed to particular ad-supported sites and related services that show commercial content, possibly expose users to malicious material.
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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PDFConverterSearchNow ads: summary
| Distribution | Freeware installations when software bundling is used, torrent sites, other deceptive sources and sites |
|---|---|
| Name | PDFConverterSearchNow |
| Type | Browser hijacker, redirect, fake search engine |
| Category | Potentially unwanted program |
| Issues | Redirects, altered settings on web browser, speed issues |
| Site | feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com |
| 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 9 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Redirects to an unknown domain |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Domains | feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com |
| Ads shown as | Redirects through ad pages |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 17 December 2021 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Is PDFConverterSearchNow ads dangerous?
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker is the PUP called a virus due to its intrusive behavior
PDFConverterSearchNow is the application controlling the browser processes and even manipulating some of the settings.
The main goal of such a browser hijacker is to redirect searches and other processes on the web browsing tools, so the user is exposed to particular ad-supported sites and related services that show commercial content, possibly expose users to malicious material.
You cannot know what programs and pages this PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker is related to, so better be safe than sorry and remove the program fully from the machine. That should be done as soon as you notice redirects, changes on the browser, and notice speed or performance issues.
The problem with the fake search engine is the fact that feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com gets set as the new tab, homepage, default search engine. It might not be a virus or malicious program, but it creates frustration and issues with the performance that makes users angry and eager to remove the PUP.
There are additional issues that this app creates to make the infection persistent, so we list all the things you need to know and can do to fight the browser hijacker.
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
The silent infection
PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker is an unwanted app that can appear on the machine out of nowhere because the main intruder is relying on freeware installation methods and software bundling techniques, so the distribution is quick and wide. Developers manage to drop the application on various machines and operating systems.
The initial process of infiltration is mainly unnoticed because it happens behind users' backs. Nevertheless, victims themselves are to blame for these PUP infections because the installation gets triggered when other apps get installed from the internet.
Torrent sites often include PUPs as additional installs, and the only way to check for them is by using the Advanced or Custom option during the installation. This is the best way to avoid cyber threats and the way that experts recommend checking every download or installation process.
If you go for the quick or recommended options, do not pay attention to details like the legitimacy of the particular site, you may experience issues related to PDFConverterSearchNow, other adware, or browser hijacker installations. Rely on sites that are secure and related to the official developers, so infections can be avoided.
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
Issues with the browser hijacker
You might install the program and notice the additional issues and changes with your machine a while after that because these intruders like PDFConverterSearchNow can run in the background, affect minimal things and once those settings in the registry or system folders are made, you notice the redirects.
The main issues with browser hijackers:
You need to take care of these issues. The worst thing is that the PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker affects the browser directly, but the PUP remains running on the system. If you manage to remove the program, but these issues still bother you it means that direct interference is needed. If you have other browsers that got altered, follow the guide at the bottom of the article.
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
Change your homepage:
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- poor performance;
- internet speed issues;
- altered homepage preferences;
- change default new tab and search engine settings;
- installed other browser-based apps and system programs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on PDFConverterSearchNow
- Remove the PUP fully using anti-malware tools like ,
- Try to restore system performance with the scan using
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com
How to remove PDFConverterSearchNow ads
How to stop the PDFConverterSearchNow redirects
Work in this order and test a few links after each step, so you know which one was the cause.
Step 1: Check the browser's extensions
Redirects to
feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.comon sites that normally behave mean something in the browser is sending you there. In Chrome openchrome://extensions, in Edge edge://extensions, in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially new tab, search, coupon, PDF or video downloader add-ons. The extension pages look 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: Reset the browser if the redirects continue
If
feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.comstill opens after the extensions are gone, put the browser's settings back to their defaults. 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 site permissions, the start page and the search engine are reset.
Redirects that survive a reset in every browser point to a program installed in Windows 11 or Windows 10, so uninstall anything you do not recognise in Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 3: Scan the PC if you downloaded anything from the ads
If you only saw the notifications and clicked nothing, you can stop before this step. If a notification led you to download or run something, delete that file, then scan Windows.
In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan, then choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and Scan now. The offline scan restarts the PC and takes about 15 minutes on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
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.
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
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.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
Remove the PUP properly
PDFConverterSearchNow browser hijacker can change the settings on the browser and once that page is set to be your default search engine, homepage, new tab, you cannot access the needed content online. Any attempts to search on the internet might end up with the issues caused by the constant redirects.
An infection like this even though not malicious diminishes the time online significantly because advertisements get injected on various sites and banners, pop-ups block normally seen material. Besides these issues, the browser hijacker can cause the installations of additional programs on the machine or browsers.
PDFConverterSearchNow is activated on the web browser but the content and activities get controlled by the unwanted program running in the background. It is capable of injecting services, processes, and registry entries, so the PUP is launched with each reboot. Remove the intruder fully with apps like or and make sure to double-check manually.
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
PDFConverterSearchNow gets installed on the machine behind your back, but those annoying redirects, advertisements, and other content frustrate you. It is understandable, but potentially unwanted programs are very common because users still tend to skip through important steps during installations or rely on torrent sites instead of official developers' sites. Try to avoid PUP infections in the future.
- 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.
- 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.
Questions about PDFConverterSearchNow ads
How do I stop feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com from opening?
Find and remove whatever opens it. Start with the browser's extensions page and remove anything you do not remember adding. Next, open the notification settings and take away permission from sites you do not recognise.
Then check Settings > Apps > Installed apps for programs added around the day the redirects began, and uninstall those. Restart the browser and test a few links after each step.
If feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com still appears, reset the browser, which restores the default search engine, start page and permissions without deleting bookmarks or saved passwords. Redirects that survive a reset in every browser point to a program in Windows, and a full scan is the next step.
Should I worry about redirects to feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com?
Worry less about feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com itself and more about what keeps sending you there. A single redirect from a free streaming or download site is normal and harmless once the tab is closed.
Repeated redirects on sites that used to work fine mean something in the browser or in Windows changed, often an extension or program installed alongside other software. It may also collect the pages you visit. Remove the cause with the steps in this guide, and do not act on anything the redirected pages ask:
- no Allow clicks
- no downloads
- no calls
If you already did one of those, the matching section of this guide explains what to do next.
Why does PDFConverterSearchNow show me ads?
Because that is its whole purpose. PDFConverterSearchNow is an ad redirect domain, and its operators are paid for every ad it displays and every click it gets. In this case the ads take the form of redirects through ad pages.
They are chosen by ad networks that accept almost any advertiser, which is why so many look like warnings or prizes. The ads are not a sign that your PC is broken or infected with something worse; they are a sign that something on it, or in the browser, has permission to advertise. Removing that permission or program stops them.
Is feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com safe to visit?
No. The site feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com exists to push visitors towards ads, and the pages it leads to include fake virus warnings, fake updates, prize scams and notification prompts. Visiting it once does not infect an up-to-date PC, but anything you click or download there is a gamble.
Do not enter personal details, do not allow notifications and do not call phone numbers it shows. If it opens by itself, close the tab and check the browser's extensions and notification permissions. Blocking the single domain helps little, because the operators register new names regularly.
Do I have to clean every browser?
Yes, if you use more than one. We saw PDFConverterSearchNow in Chrome, Edge and Firefox, and each browser keeps its own extensions, notification permissions and settings. Chrome and Edge share the same extension format, so one installer can add the same adware to both, while Firefox has its own add-ons.
Check every browser on the PC, including ones you rarely open. If you sync a browser with an account, clean it while signed in, so that the removal reaches your other computers rather than the adware returning from them.
How do I know the ads come from PDFConverterSearchNow?
Look for redirects to feed.pdfconvertersearchnow.com. That is the trace PDFConverterSearchNow leaves, and it shows up as redirects through ad pages. Ads that appear on every site, including ones that never carried ads before, point to something on your PC or in the browser rather than to the sites themselves.
A quick test is a private window, where extensions are off by default: if the ads disappear there, an extension is responsible. If they appear even with the browser closed, the source is a notification permission or a program in Windows.
I clicked on one of the ads. Am I infected?
Probably not. Clicking an ad usually only opens a page, and a page cannot install programs on an up-to-date Windows PC without your help.
You are at risk only if you then downloaded and ran a file, allowed notifications, entered card or login details, or called a phone number shown on the page. Delete any download and run a full and offline scan.
Change passwords you typed, from a clean device. Call your bank if you gave card details. If you called a number or allowed remote access, see the next question.
An ad showed a phone number and I called it. What now?
The number belongs to scammers, not to Microsoft or an antivirus company. If you only talked, hang up and do not call back. If you let them connect to the PC, disconnect it from the internet, uninstall the remote access program they used, such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ScreenConnect or UltraViewer, and run a full and offline scan.
If you paid or gave bank details, call your bank at once on the number printed on your card. Change any passwords you typed while they were connected, and report the call.
Does adware steal passwords?
Ordinary adware is built to show ads, not to steal logins, and most of it never touches saved passwords. The line is blurry, though. Extensions that can read every page could capture what you type, and adware ads sometimes lead to phishing pages that ask for passwords directly.
If you entered credentials on a page reached through an ad, change that password from a clean device and turn on two-step verification. Otherwise, removing ad redirect domain and clearing cookies is usually enough.
Will Fortect remove PDFConverterSearchNow?
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 PDFConverterSearchNow, 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)
- Easytechjunkie: Software bundle (read October 6, 2026)
- Dieviren: Dieviren (read October 6, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)