Should you remove Searchshield?
Searchshield virus is an application that users can add to their browsers for free. It is promoted via Searchshield.co site, from where users get redirected to Google Chrome store. However, just because you can get this potentially unwanted program (PUP) from this legitimate store, it does not mean that this ad-supported application is a safe addition to your computer. If you did not go and download this program, then it means you have installed it alongside another application. Do not worry – your PC is not hacked or compromised by cyber criminals, but that does not mean that you should keep the aforementioned browser add-on on your system. If you are in a hurry, scroll down to find Searchshield removal guide or just delete it using spyware removal application like FortectIntego.
This potentially unwanted app is a browser hijacker, which promises to protect user’s searches. It can configure your new tab and homepage settings and add new entries. However, as we have tested the search engine provided on that site, we cannot say that it seems to be reliable. We have noticed that search results it delivers are powered by Search.assist.ly site, which is also considered untrustworthy. Beware that by using that site for your web searches, you risk to encounter modified search outcomes, possibly supplemented with shady third-party links leading to sponsors’ sites. Such sites can be highly dangerous! Most of the time they promote ad-supported applications, browser toolbars, and similar apps that are hardly beneficial but can generate pay-per-click revenue for their developers. The same applies to Searchshield redirect virus – it has been made to redirect users to predetermined sites and this way earn money for its developers. If you have noticed this browser hijacker in your browser, do not waste your time and remove it, or you will continue experiencing system slowdowns, browser crashes, and similar inconveniences.
How did Searchshield deceived me and entered my computer without my knowledge?
If you have already decided to remove this PUP, you probably also want to know how did this browser hijacker succeed to enter your PC without your consent. That is easy to explain, actually. This program can be added to any free program’s installer and offered to the user as a “recommended download.” Users often tend to install programs in a rush, and that is not a secret. As a result, they fail to opt out optional elements, and this is how potentially unwanted programs get installed. If you have already become a victim of Searchshield hijack, remember that you can always refuse to install these programs by modifying installation settings whenever you install a new program on your PC. Simply choose Advanced or Custom settings and then deselect each additional component that you do not wish to obtain.
How to remove this program from your computer?
An immediate Searchshield removal is required in order to protect your browser from slowdowns and crashes; besides, you will be able to enjoy your browsing sessions just like you did before this unpleasant application was installed. If you do not have malware removal program, then download and run a system scan with one of the programs we recommend. To remove Searchshield virus, you can also try these removal instructions that we have prepared.
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 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.
Did this guide help?
3 comments
Diegoi
Search Shield is nothing but a scam, I dont recommend searching via this search engine. At least to me, it seems to be deceptive and cause redirects. Basically, all that is written here is true.
Severine
Thanks for informative instructions - they have helped me a lot.
Freida
I have tried to use this search engine several times but it just disappointed me. I also experienced same issues - redirects and slowdowns. Dont use it if you do not want to spend the whole day trying to reach the information that you need.