Remove SearchTheConverter (Easy Removal Guide)

SearchTheConverter is a browser hijacker designed to show you ads while gathering your data in the background

SearchTheConverter

SearchTheConverter is a fake search tool that usually shows up on users' browsers unexpectedly, as it is commonly downloaded along with other software from various third-party websites. In other cases, it can also be installed intentionally or after being tricked by a deceptive advertisement, as well as a fake update.

The hijacker typically shows up as an extension on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another web browser, although it can also be related to a standalone program installed on a Windows or Mac computer. Upon infiltration, it changes the homepage and new tab URL to portal.searchtheconverter.com, applies a customized search tool and delivers all the search results via Yahoo engine.

Due to altered web browser settings, SearchTheConverter can insert sponsored links into searches, increase the number of ads all around the web, and track users' online activities for marketing purposes. Browser hijackers, while generally not dangerous, can possess a variety of negative qualities that should not be ignored if privacy and safety are valued.

Name	SearchTheConverter
Type	Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
Distribution	You can install a PUP when downloading freeware from third-party sites. Additionally, you may also have been tricked by a fake update prompt or a deceptive ad
Symptoms	SearchTheConverter browser extension or another unidentified application installed on the system; portal.searchtheconverter.com is set as a default homepage and new tab URL; a customized search engine redirects all search results via Yahoo, filled with sponsored links at the top;
Dangers	In most cases, no high risks are associated with a browser hijacker, although its infection can sometimes result in privacy issues, monetary losses or infiltration of other potentially unwanted programs
Removal	To get rid of an extension or the installed application, follow the instructions we provide below. Alternatively, you can scan the machine with anti-malware software such as SpyHunter Combo Cleaner
Optional steps	If your security software detected some issues, we highly recommend resetting all the installed web browsers and then repairing possible system damage with Fortect Intego

Since SearchTheConverter might enter users' machines without permission, users might believe that the app is a virus. While this type of terminology might be justified, it is not technically correct, as browser hijackers are generally considered minor computer threats. Nevertheless, it does not mean that they should be completely ignored, especially since the unexpected appearance of unsolicited apps might also indicate that malware is also present in the system.

The so-called SearchTheConverter virus, in particular, stems from a broad browser hijacking family, members of which include TiktokSearches, PDFSearchio, AllConvertersSearch, and many others. On the surface, it might seem to many that these browser hijackers have quite a few useful features, such as a built-in currency converter or a calculator. However, these features are just one part of SearchTheConverter hijack, and there are plenty of invisible activities that might never be disclosed to the end-user.

Upon infiltration, the PUP will perform several changes to the web browser, for example:

A SearchTheConverter extension installed on the web browser
Homepage and new tab address is set to portal.searchtheconverter.com
All search results are redirected from a customized search engine to search.yahoo.com
Web browser might operate slower than usual.

Keep in mind that the extension is not the only reason for these browser changes – SearchTheConverter removal would differ in such cases. Instead of simply removing the extension via your browser, you would have to access the list of the installed apps and eliminate all the suspicious ones. Another good way to terminate PUPs is by scanning the machine with powerful anti-malware software.

SearchTheConverter hijack

While unexpected browser changes can be noticed by users straight away, underlying activities are seldom evident to them. For the most part, browser hijackers are set to collect a variety of anonymous and personal information about users, which is sometimes shared with business partners and third-parties. In the case of SearchTheConverter, technical data (browser type, system details), online activities (search terms, browsing history, links clicked), as well as personal identifiers (IP address) are collected as long as the app is installed on the device.

Another reason to remove SearchTheConverter is the altered search settings and how it affects users' web browsing routines. For example, instead of clicking on a genuine search result provided by trusted search providers, users will always be shown ads at the top, which can greatly diminish web browsing experience and sometimes even hinder the ability to find relevant information.

To get rid of SearchTheConverter ads and search redirects, you should uninstall the extension or another potentially unwanted program from your computer. After that, experts also advise performing additional checks with anti-malware and repair software such as Fortect Intego.

Good online practices can prevent the infiltration of unwanted software

There is no surprise that most browser hijackers and adware gain access to users' machines without asking for direct permission, i.e., they typically find these unwanted apps seemingly out of nowhere. While this approach has some merit to it, it is not entirely correct, as PUPs do not spread as malware does. In other words, users install potentially unwanted applications themselves, even though they are mostly tricked into doing so.

Nonetheless, there are several methods to avoid potentially unwanted applications completely – and you do not need to be a PC expert for that. Here are a few tips that would help you prevent unintentional installation of dubious software on your computer:

If possible, download applications from official websites only;
Do not download updates for Flash via random prompts on the internet (the plugin is outdated, flawed, and soon to be discontinued – you do not need it in the first place);
Avoid sites that offer pirated program installers or software cracks;
During the installation of a new app, always pick Advanced/Custom mode instead of Recommended/Quick one when prompted and then remove all of the ticks from checkboxes;
Install a robust anti-malware software with real-time protection feature on – it could warn you about the incoming infections, preventing them altogether.

SearchTheConverter virus

Delete SearchTheConverter at once

SearchTheConverter removal should not be complicated – all you have to do is right-click on the add-on and then uninstall it. Nonetheless, some browser hijackers from the same family are known to set the “Managed by your organization” status on Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers, which would prevent a successful uninstallation of the app.

Luckily, there is a way to bypass such functionality easily. If you struggle to remove SearchTheConverter due to restrictions, we suggest you simply reset the installed web browsers as we explain below. Besides, we also provide details on how to uninstall potentially unwanted programs from Windows and Mac computers easily.

However, if you want to get rid of the SearchTheConverter virus quickly or you did not succeed when trying to do it manually, you should make use of anti-malware software – simply scan the computer thoroughly.

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.

Reset Internet Explorer

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.

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.

How to remove SearchTheConverter

SearchTheConverter is a browser hijacker designed to show you ads while gathering your data in the background

Good online practices can prevent the infiltration of unwanted software