Search50.co search engine does not bring any benefits to the users
Search50.co is a questionable search tool promoted in various freeware bundles, so incorrect installation of freeware might result in a hijacked[1] web browser. It might alter the browser’s settings, set its domain as default search provider, alter search results, and redirect to questionable third-party websites.
Besides deceptive distribution techniques and browser changes, the app is also capable of tracking user data as long as it is installed. Thus, to avoid privacy risks and return your browsing to normal, we recommend uninstalling this program from your system.
| Name | Search50.co |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Distribution | Users typically install the PUP unintentionally when installing freeware on their machines |
| Symptoms | Changes to homepage and new tab URL address; sponsored links at the top of search results; redirects to a customized search provider |
| Removal | Uninstall this app by following our guide below or employ antivirus software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner |
| System fix | After the elimination of adware or malware, we highly recommend running a scan with FortectIntego repair software |
If you have found an alternative web address on your homepage, it does not mean that your system is infected with malware. Browser hijackers cannot cause direct harm to the computer. However, it takes full control over the browser and might alter the way you operate your searches, as well as which link you are likely to click. The description of the program says that it is developed by a company which is a:
Global leader in search engine marketing and web traffic generation.
Thus, this tool helps web admins, website owners, and other online community members to boost traffic to their websites in order to increase sales or reach potential victims. Indeed, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) are often used for easy monetization, all while providing little to no benefit for the consuming party. Besides, security experts noticed suspicious Search50.co redirect tendencies that raised concerns about search engines’ affiliates.
The research has shown that hijackers might trigger redirects to fake online shops, gaming, adult-themed, technical support scam, or phishing[2] websites. Therefore, users are advised to remove the PUP as soon as it shows up on Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, or other web browsers.
However, at the moment of writing, the provided search tool is not working properly. No matter what search queries you enter, it redirects to a blank results page. However, it might be just a temporary situation. But it doesn’t change the fact that this domain should be eliminated.
FortectIntego or other anti-malware tools can quickly perform the Search50.co removal. However, once the system scan is over, you should still reset each browser to delete tracking cookies that were installed soon after the hijack.
Do not agree to change your default search provider during freeware installation
When you install freeware or shareware, you have to be attentive. Often various PUPs are attached to the primary program and try to get inside the system with or without your knowledge. To avoid unintentional installation of third-party apps, you should opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings.
Differently than Quick/Recommended setup, advanced allows monitoring the process. Once you see the list of pre-selected “optional downloads,” you have to remove the ticks. You should do the same with agreements to set an unknown search provider as a default one.
Probably, you can now realize that the hijack occurs during the installation of a recently downloaded program. Security experts from Finland[3] remind that reading Terms and Agreements also helps make sure that you do not agree to change your default search engine to an unknown provider. Thus, next time do not forget these tips!
You can get rid of Search50.co quickly
Browser hijackers are not hard to uninstall manually. This task requires checking the system and web browsers for unknown components and eliminating them. The instructions below will help you to remove the PUP correctly.
However, if these instructions seem complicated or you want to get back control over your browser faster, you should opt for the second option. Automatic Search50.co removal is performed using anti-malware software. Thus, you need to install a new one or update your current security tool and run a full system scan.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Remove from Google Chrome
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 suspicious extensions 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 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.
Was this guide helpful?
Be the first to comment