SkilledPanelSearch: what it is and how to remove it
SkilledPanelSearch is an application that can only be found on macOS devices with its distinctive icon - a magnifying glass with teal, blue, or green circle around it. While initially, it may seem like one of those relatively harmless search apps, it is nothing like it.
Facts checked October 7, 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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SkilledPanelSearch: summary
| Distribution | Third-party domains distributing pirated software, software bundles, fake Flash Player updates |
|---|---|
| Damage | Identity theft, installation of other malicious/unwanted software, financial losses |
| name | SkilledPanelSearch |
| Type | Mac virus, adware, browser hijacker |
| Family | AdLoad |
| Symptoms | Appends an extension to browser that can not be deleted; changes homepage/new tab to Safe Finder, Akamaihd, or something else; redirects lead to potentially malicious or scam sites, promotes suspicious software, etc. |
| 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
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Name | SkilledPanelSearch |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | SkilledPanelSearch |
| First seen | 1 March 2021 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Is SkilledPanelSearch dangerous? What it collects
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
SkilledPanelSearch - adware app with browser-hijacking qualities
SkilledPanelSearch is an application that can only be found on macOS devices with its distinctive icon - a magnifying glass with teal, blue, or green circle around it.
While initially, it may seem like one of those relatively harmless search apps, it is nothing like it. Being a potentially unwanted program, it is mainly distributed via insecure third-party websites that host pirated software. However, many users also found it on their Macs after installing a seemingly innocent Flash Player update.
Once installed, the so-called SkilledPanelSearch virus then hijacks all the installed web browsers, be it Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, and then appends a suspicious URL as the start page (this setting might vary, but most are likely to find Safe Finder as their homepage).
It then delivers intrusive ad campaigns that disturb online sessions, inserts promotional links in search results, tracks users' online activities, and harvests personal user data via the installed browser extension.
Even though SkilledPanelSearch is categorized as a potentially unwanted program, it is more malicious rather than annoying, like most PUPs are. First of all, the app belongs to the prominent adware family known as Adload, with several dozens of members such as ManagerAnalog, ProtocolPort, or ActivityConfig. Therefore, you will find that many anti-malware tools, such as or , detect the app immediately.
Unfortunately, those who get it installed on their Macs typically do not use third-party security software. Gatekeeper or Xprotect does little when users are tricked into entering their own AppleID to allow the installation in the first place. This is another example of how an extra layer of protection can save you headaches cause by computer infections.
In fact, SkilledPanelSearch is among the most persistent Mac malware examples you could come across, as it uses the built-in scripts to change the way your computer operates. In order to stay on your system for as long as possible, it can perform the following:
Even if you try to move the app into Trash, you will soon see it back and running again. Likewise, the browser extension button for its uninstall might be simply grayed out. Looking at the technical capabilities of the app, it not surprising that users struggle with SkilledPanelSearch removal.
Besides being initially malicious, this app will also not leave you alone when it comes to ads. With the help of changed web browser settings you cannot revert, your searches will redirect you to Yahoo or another provider you usually don't employ. Search results would also be littered with sponsored links, sometimes confusing you which result is an ad and which one is legitimate.
This behavior might only compromise your regular web browsing activities by preventing you from accessing relevant information, but might also show you ads or redirect to websites that offer shady apps or straight-out malware.
Warning: Thus, never click on links that are promoting such insecure content.
Another negative aspect of this PUP and the reason you should remove SkilledPanelSearch is its information-gathering practices. If the extension gets installed with elevated permissions, it might be able to read some sensitive data you type in your web browser - for example, your banking details or social media passwords.
- Install a browser extension under the same name which is impossible to remove in the regular way;
- Create new Login items;
- Establish new profiles;
- Install other applications in the background, etc.
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
Avoid Mac malware by being careful online
Many users did not believe that Macs can be infected with anything nasty, despite the fact that security experts tried to warn about these issues years ago.
Unfortunately, many did not listen, which ended up badly. At the start of 2020, researchers claimed that Mac malware was outpacing Windows malware when it comes to its volume.
Therefore, just because you are using Mac does not mean you are safe from computer infections. Luckily, with robust security software for that extra layer of protection and secure online browsing practices, you should easily avoid malicious software and its consequences. Here are a few security tips that should help you stay safe online:
- Do not download pirated applications and don't use torrents;
- Never trust any Flash update prompts - the plugin is no longer supported and all pop-ups that ask you to update it are fake;
- Don't believe websites that claim your computer is infected with a virus(even if it looks like Apple's site - it is fake);
- During the installation of new apps, always opt for Advanced/Custom settings if such option is provided and eliminate everything you do not want to be installed;
- Do not ignore warnings from your operating system and security software!
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on SkilledPanelSearch
- Malware drops several items and files within the system, so manual removal might be complicated.
How to remove SkilledPanelSearch
How to remove SkilledPanelSearch 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
SkilledPanelSearch often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://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 on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Put the search engine back
SkilledPanelSearch replaces the browser's default search engine, so searches pass through its own page first. Chrome: Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, then Make default on Google, Bing or another engine you chose, and Delete on the entries you never added.
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 any address you did not set. Nothing in this step differs between 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 SkilledPanelSearch
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10. Sort the list by install date and find SkilledPanelSearch, then choose Uninstall from the three-dot menu next to it (in Windows 10, click the entry and then Uninstall).
Remove anything else installed on the same day that you do not recognise, because such programs usually arrive together in one installer. If the uninstaller opens a browser page with an offer or a survey, close it: the program is removed either way.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
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 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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
Delete SkilledPanelSearch virus to stay safe online
As previously mentioned, the Adload family is much more than a simple browser hijacker or adware.
It uses so many techniques and methods in order to stay online that it simply does not possess any positive qualities. Besides, SkilledPanelSearch removal prevention is another reason you should not trust this app. If it remains on the system for a long time, it might harvest your sensitive data, which may eventually end up in cybercriminals' hands.
Since it is difficult to remove SkilledPanelSearch manually, what is the choice that you have? Well, we highly recommend you scan your Mac with a robust security application - it should be able to find and eliminate all the application related files and other remnants automatically.
Please do not forget to clean your web browsers - it is equally important for the elimination process, as the app operates mainly via browsers.
Questions about SkilledPanelSearch
Can I safely uninstall SkilledPanelSearch?
If you did not install SkilledPanelSearch yourself and it is not part of your hardware or a program you rely on, yes. Uninstalling an unwanted program does not harm Windows. Before you do, search the exact name and publisher to be sure it is not a driver tool, a printer utility or a game launcher with an odd name.
Then remove it from Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Ignore any offers or warnings in its uninstaller about losing protection or performance. Afterwards check Startup apps and your browsers for leftovers, and restart once to confirm that it does not reinstall itself.
SkilledPanelSearch came back after I uninstalled it. Why?
Something else is reinstalling it. Common causes are a second program from the same publisher, a scheduled task that downloads it again, or a browser extension that keeps prompting for it. Sort Installed apps by install date and uninstall each entry from the same day that you did not choose.
Then open Task Scheduler and look in the Task Scheduler Library for tasks with updater-style names that you do not recognise. Check Startup apps in Task Manager too. If SkilledPanelSearch still returns, start Windows in Safe Mode, uninstall it there and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan, which looks for loaders that ordinary scans can miss.
I changed the search engine, but it switched back. Why?
The hijacker is still installed, and it rewrites the setting whenever the browser starts or the extension updates. Changing the setting is the last step, not the first. Find what controls it: the search settings page usually names the extension, and a greyed-out field means a policy.
Remove that source, restart the browser, then pick your search engine and delete the hijacker's entry from the list of saved search engines so it cannot be chosen by accident. Check again after a day, when extensions have had a chance to update.
Should I just switch to another browser?
It may not help. Installers that add hijackers usually target every browser on the PC, and system-level changes such as the hosts file, DNS or proxy affect all browsers at once. A new browser also leaves the hijacker's program and extension in place, collecting data in the old one.
Remove SkilledPanelSearch properly first. After that, use whichever browser you prefer; Chrome, Edge and Firefox all let you set and protect your own search engine. Import your bookmarks only after the old browser is clean.
Will resetting the browser remove SkilledPanelSearch?
A reset disables extensions, restores the default search engine, start page and new tab, and clears temporary data and cookies. It keeps bookmarks, history and saved passwords. For many hijackers that is enough.
It does not remove a program installed in Windows, policies in the registry, changes to the hosts file or DNS, or edited shortcuts, so SkilledPanelSearch can come back after a reset if one of those remains. Do the reset after removing the program and policies, not instead of it.
What is SkilledPanelSearch?
SkilledPanelSearch is an application that can only be found on macOS devices with its distinctive icon - a magnifying glass with teal, blue, or green circle around it. While initially, it may seem like one of those relatively harmless search apps, it is nothing like it.
Damage: Identity theft, installation of other malicious/unwanted software, financial losses. The summary table at the top of this guide lists the type, the detection names, the symptoms and the damage of SkilledPanelSearch. Reading it first helps you decide whether your computer shows the same signs.
Is SkilledPanelSearch a virus?
Not in the strict sense: SkilledPanelSearch is unwanted software, classed here as a search hijacker extension, not a self-copying virus. Our report lists this damage:
- Identity theft
- installation of other malicious/unwanted software
- financial losses
Security programs often label such software as adware, a potentially unwanted program or a browser hijacker. It still needs removal, because it changes browser settings, shows ads and can lead you to unsafe pages. The larger risk is clicking an ad that leads to a fake update or scam page.
How did SkilledPanelSearch get on my computer?
Our report lists the distribution as third-party domains distributing pirated software, software bundles, fake Flash Player updates. Software of this kind often comes bundled with free programs, fake updates or downloads from unofficial sites.
It can also arrive through a browser extension or a notification you allowed on a spam page. Think back to what you installed or allowed just before the first ad or redirect appeared.
Will Fortect remove SkilledPanelSearch?
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 SkilledPanelSearch, 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
- Intego: Mac Users Attacked Again by Fake Adobe Flash Update (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Browser hijacking (read October 7, 2026)
- Vox: Apple's malware problem is getting worse (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)