Searchencrypt.com virus: what it is and how to remove it
Search Encrypt is a browser hijacker claiming privacy protection while showing third-party ads. Created in 2017 by Eightpoint Technologies, it displays Google AdSense ads as of October 2026.
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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Searchencrypt.com virus: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Domain registered | 12 September 2016 (Amazon Registrar, Inc.), paid until 12 September 2027 |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | Searchencrypt.com virus |
| Type | Search hijacker extension |
| 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 6 more facts
| Symptoms | A changed search engine |
|---|---|
| Evidence | 7 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Search page | searchencrypt.com |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 11 April 2017 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
Searchencrypt.com virus in 2026: what we found
We opened searchencrypt.com in a clean desktop Chrome browser on 4 October 2026 and clicked nothing. This is one visit from one location: ad pages often behave differently on a second visit, in another country, on a phone or after a click, and many hide from automated browsers, so a quiet result is not proof that the page is clean.
searchencrypt.com · desktop Chrome · 4 October 2026
- Notification requestNone on this one visit.
- Pop-ups and new tabsNone on this one visit.
- Where it ledIt stayed on
searchencrypt.com. - Ad networksGoogle AdSense only.
- Page title"Search Encrypt -"
Quiet on one visit The page made no request and sent us nowhere on this visit. That does not clear it: adware often shows nothing at first and sits quietly for a long time. What it showed you earlier may still be in your browser, so check the permissions below.
Is Searchencrypt.com virus dangerous? What it collects
What readers reported about Searchencrypt.com virus
Can I trust Searchencrypt?. Can I trust Searchencrypt? It installed itself on my computer, and I decided to look it up. It seems that many websites call it a "virus." What is your verdict? Should I remove searchencrypt.com from Chrome and other browsers that it affected?
How to remove Searchencrypt.com virus?. Bing search was switched to Search Encrypt automatically. How can I remove it?
From the comments under our earlier guide; names and contact details removed.
Searchencrypt.com virus: what changed since our report
September 2016
The domain is registered
searchencrypt.comwas registered on 12 September 2016 through Amazon Registrar, Inc. and is paid until September 2027.April 2017
Our first report
We described Searchencrypt.com virus on 11 April 2017 and updated the report on 13 September 2017.
October 2026
Our new check
We opened the address again in a clean browser; the results are above.
From our report of Apr 2017 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
Reasons not to use Searchencrypt.com search engine
Searchencrypt.com (created by Eightpoint Technologies, Ltd.) is a questionable search engine which can hijack three popular web browsers - Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
However, it is presented as a tool that is supposed to protect user's privacy.
According to the information provided on the website, this tool does not track and collect data. Thus, people who decide to use this search tool can feel safe that no one is building their online profile in order to provide interest-based ads. Indeed, it may look like a reliable service for people who value their online privacy.
However, it has few negative features which gave it a name of a Searchencrypt.com browser hijacker. This PUP might be installed on the system indirectly - bundled with other software. Nevertheless, this distribution method is legitimate; it is also questionable. Inattentive computer users might install it accidentally, says experts from Zondervirus team .
As a result, they find this search tool set as their default one. The problem is that they often have problems with Searchencrypt.com removal. This search tool does not leave their browser's easily. This anti-malware program will wipe out this cyber infection quickly.
The main problem with Searchencrypt.com virus is related to developers partnership with third-parties. There's no doubt that authors of the program are interested in generating revenue. Thus, they apply various marketing strategies. In the Terms of Service, they reveal about a possibility to find third-party promotional content or advertisements when using this search tool.
Browser hijackers are capable of placing sponsored content not only in the form of ads but also include in the search results page. The main Searchencrypt.com redirect problem is that you might end up on a shady website. Some of these sites might offer to download questionable software, affect your computer with viruses or try to get your personal details.
Developers of this search tool do not take responsibility for third-party content; thus, for all negative consequences, you will need to blame only yourself. We want to remind that this search engine was categorized as PUP, not for nothing. Thus, you should remove Searchencrypt.com to protect your computer from other cyber infections.
From our report of Apr 2017 · not reviewed since
Main questions about SearchEncrypt answered
Question.
How to remove Search Encrypt from Chrome?
Answer. To remove Search Encrypt from Chrome, you should open your browser, and type chrome://extensions in the address bar. Click Enter, and you will be taken to the list of extensions added to the browser. Find the unwanted extension here and click the trash icon next to it to delete it.
Question. What is SearchEncrypt?
Answer. SearchEncrypt is a potentially unwanted program that changes your browser's search provider to http://searchencrypt.com. It promises not to track you as a user but provides third-party ads in the search results anyway.
Search Encrypt does not "assume any responsibility regarding such content, products and/or services." It is highly advisable to remove this questionable browser extension as well as related components from a computer system if you do not want to use SearchEncrypt services.
Question. Is Search Encrypt a virus? I found it in Chrome browser, and I am worried. I cannot remember installing this program on my computer or adding anything that changes browser's settings!
I find such changes in browser unexpected and highly intrusive, and it gives me an impression that there is a dangerous program on my computer.
Answer. Although SearchEncrypt cannot be called a virus, many users find its activity annoying. Due to the number of complaints about this program, cyber security experts have labeled it as a "potentially unwanted program." Its activity meets the characteristics of a typical browser hijacker.
Usually, this program is promoted via pop-ups that load ext.searchencrypt.com domain. You may have clicked on the install button unknowingly, or someone who uses your computer did. An alternative scenario is that the software was installed as part of a software bundle you recently installed.
From our report of Apr 2017 · not reviewed since
New version of SearchEncrypt.com
Searchencrypt.navigateto.net virus.
If searchencrypt.navigateto.net/go/aff? domain appeared in your browser, it will likely redirect you to an ad suggesting to install Search Encrypt extension to your browser. The ads will likely suggest you to "stop search tracking." Clicking on the agreement button which might display "stop tracking" takes to ext.searchencrypt.com site which we described earlier.
If your browser displays these ads for you, it is an indicator of an adware program that is silently running on your computer system. This can also be done using certain security programs such as anti-spyware or anti-malware. Running a full system scan will remove searchencrypt.navigateto.net redirect issue for good.
From our report of Apr 2017 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
Ways to let this hijacker into your system
Users can set Search Encrypt as their default search engine directly from the official website.
However, this search tool might also be promoted in the software bundles. Various applications might be attached to the primary program and offered as an optional download.
However, if you do not opt for the right installation settings, you might agree to install all additional programs indirectly. Quick or Standard setups do not inform about extra applications; thus, if you install new programs under these settings, all third-party apps are installed as well.
That's how Searchencrypt.com hijack might occur too. As you already know, potentially unwanted programs might cause you lots of problems. Thus, you should be careful with software installation. Always read EULA and Privacy Policy, choose reliable sources for downloads and opt for the Advanced/Custom installation mode.
Using these settings, you can see all third-party apps that offered to install. If you see pre-selected statement agreeing to set Searchencrypt.com as your default search engine on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, you should deselect it without consideration. It goes without saying that all unknown applications should not be installed on your device as well.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
searchencrypt.com
How to remove Searchencrypt.com virus
How to remove Searchencrypt.com virus and get your search engine back
Remove the extension first.
The search settings only stay fixed once nothing on the PC can change them again.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
In Chrome open
chrome://extensions, in Edgeedge://extensions, and in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially search, new tab, coupon, PDF, weather or video downloader add-ons. Check every browser and every profile, because each keeps its own list.
If an extension has no Remove button or comes back, a browser policy holds it (see "Managed by your organization" in the procedure below). The pages are 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: Put the search engine back and delete searchencrypt.com
In Chrome open Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, make an engine you trust the default, and delete
searchencrypt.comfrom the list.In Edge type
search engineinto the search box at the top of Settings and open Manage search engines; in Firefox use Settings > Search. Then check the homepage and the new tab page in the same settings, because hijackers change all three.If searchencrypt.com is back after a restart, an extension, a program or a policy still sets it, so finish the other steps and check again. The settings are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: check Search engine and On startup. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 3: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install
Searchencrypt.com virus rarely comes alone: it is usually installed by, or together with, a free program. In Windows 11 open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and sort by install date.
Uninstall every entry from the day the trouble began that you did not install on purpose, for example a download manager, a converter or a browser you never chose.
Keep drivers and entries from Microsoft, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or your PC's maker unless you are sure.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 4: Reset the browser
A reset removes what the steps above could miss:
- changed start pages
- site permissions
- hidden settings
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 extensions are turned off and the search engine and start page return to the defaults.
Reset every browser on the PC, including Edge, which Windows 11 and Windows 10 always have.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of Searchencrypt.com virus that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.
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
Go to Control Panel and open the Program's list. Look for the programs that you don't remember installing. They might be related to the browser hijacker; thus, you should uninstall it. The instructions below will help you.
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.
Remove from Google Chrome
When dealing with Search Encrypt Chrome hijacker, you need to complete two tasks. The first one is to remove all questionable browser extensions from the Chrome. The second requires resetting browser's settings. The instructions below will help to complete both of them.
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.
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)
Go to the list of extensions and uninstall all suspicious plugins, add-ons or toolbars. They might be responsible for Searchencrypt.com hijack. Once you do that, reset Mozilla's settings.
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.
Reset Internet Explorer
Check the list of extensions. We recommend sorting them by date in order to see what apps might have been recently installed on the IE. Remove all questionable entries that might be related to Searchencrypt.com virus. Then, reset Internet Explorer's settings as shown below.
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
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.
From our report of Apr 2017 · not reviewed since
Remove Searchencrypt.com from Chrome and other web browsers
First of all, you should go to Control Panel and look through the Program's list.
Remove Searchencrypt.com virus or other applications that might be related to it. Then, check your browsers and delete questionable extensions from them. Lastly, reset browsers' settings in order to terminate this hijacker entirely.
However, you can simplify this task and perform automatic Searchencrypt.com removal. If this option seems more suitable for you, install or update anti-malware program and run a full system scan. Within several minutes, browser hijacker will be eliminated.
Questions about Searchencrypt.com virus
What is Search Encrypt?
Search Encrypt is a potentially unwanted program created by Eightpoint Technologies, Ltd., presented as a privacy-focused search engine. First documented in 2017, searchencrypt.com was registered 2016-09-12 by Amazon Registrar, Inc. When checked on 2026-10-04, it displayed Google AdSense ads.
The search engine claims not to track or collect data, targeting privacy-conscious users. However, developers include third-party promotional content and advertisements in search results, despite privacy promises. Its hijacking behavior categorizes it as a browser hijacker rather than a legitimate privacy tool.
Is Search Encrypt a virus?
No, Search Encrypt is not a virus but a potentially unwanted program classified as a browser hijacker. Many users worried about its presence label it a virus due to its unauthorized installation and persistent behavior.
Although it cannot directly infect files, its invasive browser modifications and resistance to removal make it problematic. The program behaves like malicious software through deceptive installation methods, persistent presence, and attempts to prevent uninstallation. Security experts consistently recommend removing it due to its hijacking capabilities, even though technically it's not a virus.
How does Search Encrypt get on my computer?
Search Encrypt can be installed intentionally from its official website, but more commonly arrives through bundled software packages. Users inadvertently install it when downloading freeware without paying attention to installation steps. Software bundles pack Search Encrypt with primary applications and offer it as optional during installation.
If you skip reading license agreements and select Quick or Standard installation settings, all bundled applications install automatically. Inattentive users unknowingly agree to install Search Encrypt without understanding the implications, and the hijacker persists afterward.
Why should I remove Search Encrypt?
Despite promises of privacy protection, Search Encrypt undermines your privacy through third-party partnerships and data collection practices. While claiming not to track data, it provides third-party promotional content in search results, putting you at risk of visiting shady websites.
Redirects may lead to pages offering questionable software, virus-infected sites, or scams. The developers disclaim responsibility for third-party content, meaning you bear all consequences. Moreover, the program provides no legitimate benefit while actively compromising your browsing experience, making removal the smart choice for protecting your computer and privacy.
What third-party content does Search Encrypt show?
Search Encrypt's Terms of Service reveal possibilities of third-party promotional content and advertisements in search results. These ads aren't verified for safety, meaning they might promote questionable software, fake services, or malware-related products. Clicking these ads risks exposing you to phishing sites, scareware, or drive-by download attacks.
The program monetizes through these sponsored placements, and developers share responsibility with advertisers for content quality. Because ads contain sponsored links created by unreliable third parties, Search Encrypt provides no protection despite its privacy claims.
How do I remove Search Encrypt?
First, uninstall Search Encrypt and any related applications from your Control Panel or System Preferences depending on your operating system. Remove the Search Encrypt extension from your browser by accessing Chrome://extensions or similar extension pages in Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Reset each browser to default settings to restore your preferred homepage and search engine.
Clear cookies, cached data, and browsing history. Run a full system scan with updated antivirus or anti-malware software to detect and eliminate any remaining components. Automatic removal through security software is more effective than manual deletion for ensuring complete elimination.
How can I prevent Search Encrypt from installing?
Always select Custom or Advanced installation settings when downloading freeware instead of accepting Quick or Standard options. Read license agreements and End User License Agreement documents before installation.
Carefully examine the installation wizard at each step, watching for pre-selected checkboxes offering to install Search Encrypt. Deselect any offers to change your default search engine to Search Encrypt.
Download software only from official sources and verified websites. Avoid torrent sites and crack sites where bundled malware is common. Keeping security software updated helps block Search Encrypt before infiltration occurs.
What should I do if Search Encrypt keeps returning?
If Search Encrypt reinstalls after removal, incomplete uninstallation likely left supporting components on your system. Check for and uninstall any related programs that came bundled with the initial Search Encrypt installation. Run multiple full system scans with updated security software to locate persistent files or registry entries that recreate Search Encrypt.
Clear browser caches and extensions completely, then reset browsers to factory defaults. Consider using browser restoration tools designed to repair hijacker damage. If manual removal repeatedly fails, dedicated anti-malware programs often succeed by detecting hidden components security software missed.
Will Fortect remove Searchencrypt.com virus?
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 Searchencrypt.com virus, 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
- Norton: Are Your Internet Searches Really Anonymous? (read October 5, 2026)
- ZonderVirus: Zondervirus (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 5, 2026)