Pro Search: what it is and how to remove it

Pro Search is a browser hijacker changing your search engine and homepage to promote sponsored content and display advertisements. It spreads through bundled software and fake update prompts, compromising your browsing experience.

Facts checked October 5, 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 Pro Search: screenshot
Pro Search as our 2020 report showed it.

Pro Search: summary

DistributionSoftware bundle packages, deceptive ads, fake update prompts[1]
DamageInstallation of other potentially unwanted programs, privacy risks due to data tracking and malvertising[2] techniques
NamePro Search
TypeBrowser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
promotesTailsearch.com
IP address104.27.146.124
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 7 more facts
SymptomsUnknown extension or application is installed on the system; homepage and new tab address are set to the related search provider; Pro Search search engine is appended to the homepage; search results get filled with sponsored links and commercial content, banners
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
Evidence4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
Search pagetailsearch.com
BrowsersChrome, Edge and Firefox
First seen4 November 2020
Facts checked5 October 2026

Is Pro Search dangerous? What it collects

What readers reported about Pro Search

How to get rid of incredibar?. I ve got a problem, everytime i start firefox it redirects me to other search engine 'MyStart' by IncrediBar. mystart.incredibar.com I'm trying to fing the answers in google, on incredibar virus removal, but it seems there is no information.. how do I get rid of it?

A reader, 2012

HELP, I can't get rid of searchnu!!. Hello, I cannot use Internet normally, I get constantly redirected to searchnu.com, which doesn't find anything I need! How to fix it?? Please help ASAP!!

A reader, 2012

Help me to disable mystart.incredibar.com redirects!. My searches from Bing are redirected to mystart.incredibar.com, how to fix this? I can't find what I'm looking for!!

A reader, 2012

How to get rid of incredibar?. My home PC is infected with search.incredibar.com, which automatically redirects my internet browser to the search.incredibar.com browser. This one looks like Google. How can I get rid of this annoying page?Hope that you can assist. Thanks!

A reader, 2012

From the comments under our earlier guide; names and contact details removed.

From our report of Nov 2020 · not reviewed since

Pro Search is the search hijacker that promotes other sites like Tailsearch.com

Pro Search - the browser hijacker that manipulates search settings, so the online traffic can be controlled.

This potentially unwanted program triggers various changes on the web browser to promote sponsored content, expose users to advertisements and other third-party material online. There are various preferences and settings that this threat can alter to keep the PUP more persistent.

Even when users install the browser tool un purpose by falling for the promotional ads, the PUP should be deleted as soon as possible since this is useless and cannot improve the performance in any way.

You cannot call it a Pro Search virus, but once the toolbar or another application gets installed, you cannot access any needed content that is valuable for you. The PUP can get extremely intrusive the more time it gets to run on the machine. So make sure to clear the intruder off of the system once you notice any changes.

Pro Search is the search engine app that gets installed on the browser behind the user's back because PUPs are designed to interfere with settings without the knowledge of the person. This tactic allows PUPs to control what sites appear on the screen and what sponsored content appears on the browser.

In most cases, such intruders like Pro Search rely on redirecting techniques and commercial content traffic, so the revenue can be generated for third-party advertisers and other PUP creators. This is the main goal of these browser-based threats. Making a profit, creating views, page visits is the only aim.

You should avoid clicking on anything that is related to Pro Search hijack, so you can keep the machine safe from all the PUPs and other intrusive programs. There is nothing valuable about the cyber threat and the content that you get exposed to. Rely on proper tools in the anti-malware category like or , so these infections get cleared off automatically and your machine works as it is supposed to.

Pro Search is nothing but a cyber intruder that aims to get more views and page visits on sites that sponsor the PUP distribution and delivery, so you can uninstall the program, the toolbar, extensions, other related applications. However, the PUP that triggers and controls these activities runs in the background and cannot be found that easily.

You should run the proper procedure if you want to remove Pro Search from the PC. Launch anti-malware tool or security programs, as experts always suggest to do. Then you can see the detection results and choose programs that can be eliminated from the system.

Pro Search removal process is not ending there because you also need to clear the web browser from any unwanted or potentially dangerous content. You can reset those applications fully to default with the help of a guide below.

You need to pay attention to the fact that all the online content that you get exposed to can also trigger additional installs of intruders, so running a full system scan with the AV tool is beneficial either way. Even when you manage to eliminate the PUP from the system by uninstalling the browser extension or application. Rely on tools like too, so system functions get fully recovered.

Screenshot of Pro Search: screenshot
Pro Search in our 2020 report.
Screenshot of Pro Search: pup
Pro Search in our 2020 report.

From our report of Nov 2020 · not reviewed since

Control the security of your device by paying attention

You can and should choose proper sources for the programs you download from the internet.

There are various issues that such hijackers and adware programs create besides being intrusive and annoying because running silently in the background allows PUPs to trigger changes and even install additional browser-based threats.

You can avoid these installations in the first place and keep the machine secure entirely. It is done by going for Advanced or Custom options during any installation of the program or tool. This is how you can see the list of all included apps and choose which ones to install on the PC. Do so every time you download anything from the web.

From our report of Nov 2020 · not reviewed since

Pro Search hijack termination requires attention to details

You should remove Pro Search from the system as soon as you notice redirects and pop-ups or different content delivery instead of the normal search queries.

You can fight the intruder automatically with proper tools that run a check on the machine and indicate various intruders that affect the performance of your computer.

This way, you not only find the virus that bothers you. By running a proper Pro Search removal with anti-malware tools, you also improve the performance significantly once all the applications and possibly malicious threats get indicated and deleted properly.

Do not forget about Pro Search virus damage and additional changes that the intruder makes to keep the persistence up. You should rely on tools that can provide optimization for the system and help with the damaged system files and functions.

From our report of Nov 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Pro Search

  • PUPs trigger significant damage to system files and PC functions.

Check your browser and PC

  • Address: tailsearch.com

How to remove Pro Search

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

    Pro Search often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:

    • chrome://extensions
    • edge://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 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 tailsearch.com

    Searches that pass through tailsearch.com mean 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 tailsearch.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 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

    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 Pro Search. 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

  4. 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 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

    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 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

Rely on the guide and remove Pro Search properly

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

Reset the browser and forget about PUPs and shady applications

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)

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

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

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 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 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. 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.

Questions about Pro Search

What is Pro Search?

Pro Search is a search hijacker that manipulates search settings to control online traffic toward sponsored sites. This potentially unwanted program triggers various changes on web browsers to promote sponsored content and expose users to advertisements and other third-party material. It alters preferences and settings that keep the PUP persistent on your machine.

While technically some users install Pro Search intentionally after seeing promotional ads, the PUP should be deleted immediately. Even when installed purposely by users, Pro Search provides no improvement to performance and functions as useless bloatware. The longer it remains, the more intrusive and problematic it becomes.

How does Pro Search get installed?

Pro Search spreads through software bundle packages, deceptive advertisements, and fake update prompts. Users typically encounter it through bundled installations of freeware or shareware where Pro Search installs alongside desired software. Deceptive ads trick users into downloading Pro Search components by promising browser improvements.

Fake update prompts claiming software needs updating often distribute the PUP. When users install browsers extensions or applications from untrusted sources, Pro Search frequently arrives as an additional bundled component. The PUP exploits users' trust in update mechanisms and freeware convenience.

What changes does Pro Search make to my browser?

Pro Search modifies your browser settings including the homepage and new tab address, setting them to its related search provider. It appends Pro Search search engine to your homepage, replacing your preferred search engine. Search results become filled with sponsored links and commercial content instead of relevant information you need.

Browser modifications persist even after restarting your computer because the PUP establishes itself deeply in browser configurations. These changes interfere with your normal browsing workflow, forcing you to interact with Pro Search's promoted content constantly. The ongoing manipulation frustrates users and demonstrates why immediate removal becomes necessary.

Why does Pro Search make these browser changes?

Pro Search makes browser changes to control which sites appear on your screen and what sponsored content appears in your browser. The PUP's only goal is generating revenue for third-party advertisers and other PUP creators. Potentially unwanted programs rely on redirecting techniques and commercial content traffic to generate profit.

Every click on sponsored content provides monetary benefits to developers through cost-per-click arrangements. The PUP actively prevents you from accessing the content you actually need, forcing views toward profitable sponsored sites. Nothing valuable about this cyber threat and sponsored content exists—Pro Search purely benefits developers at users' expense.

Can I remove Pro Search manually?

You can remove Pro Search by uninstalling the program through Control Panel or removing the toolbar and extensions installed by the PUP. However, manual removal often proves insufficient because the PUP runs in background and is difficult to locate completely.

Proper Pro Search removal involves uninstalling the program and toolbar, deleting all related applications, and running full system scans with anti-malware tools. This comprehensive approach ensures all associated programs and browser modifications get eliminated.

Professional security software provides more reliable removal than manual methods. Even after successful program removal, you must reset your browsers fully to default settings.

What happens after I remove Pro Search?

After professional removal with anti-malware tools, you must clear your web browser from any unwanted or potentially dangerous content remaining. Reset affected browsers fully to their default settings to remove homepage changes and search engine modifications.

Run full system scans with anti-malware tools to ensure no additional intrusions remain because online content exposure can trigger additional installs of other intruders. Pro Search removal isn't complete until you've cleaned the browser and verified no remnants persist. Consider using professional system optimization tools to recover full functionality and repair any damage caused by the PUP.

How do I prevent Pro Search installation?

Choose proper sources for programs you download from the internet by only using official websites and reputable providers. During any software or tool installation, always choose Advanced or Custom options instead of Recommended settings.

This displays the list of all included applications, allowing you to see what will install and choose which ones you want. Do this every time you download anything from the web.

Avoid downloading from questionable sources or through misleading advertisements. Install and maintain updated security software providing protection against browser hijackers. These careful practices prevent Pro Search and similar PUP installation entirely.

How do I know if Pro Search has infected my system?

You should remove Pro Search from your system as soon as you notice redirects, pop-ups, or different content delivery appearing instead of normal search queries. Watch for unexpected changes to your browser homepage and search engine settings.

Notice whether your search results include excess sponsored content and commercial advertisements. If you see your browser has unknown extensions or toolbars installed, investigate them immediately.

System slowdown and performance issues may accompany Pro Search infection. Remove Pro Search as soon as you notice these signs to prevent ongoing privacy invasion and performance degradation. Acting quickly prevents long-term system compromise.

Will Fortect remove Pro Search?

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 Pro Search, 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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