Skip to content
  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Jul 2019

How to remove Splendidsearch.com

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Olivia Morelli · Ransomware analyst

Splendidsearch.com is a browser hijacker that can expose users to unwanted ads and show sponsored links

Splendidsearch.com

Splendidsearch.com is considered to be a minor computer infection that belongs to the browser hijacker category. These potentially unwanted programs are either downloaded purposely or without users noticing – during the installation of shareware or freeware. 

As soon as Splendidsearch.com is installed, users might notice changes made to Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or other installed browser, as their homepage, new tab URL and the search engine is set to hxxp://splendidsearch.com or hxxp://www1.myprivatesearch.com, and all searches are redirected to Yahoo. Unfortunately, the results are littered with sponsored links, and users can also notice an increased amount of ads on all sites that they visit.

Created by eAnswers, one of the most prominent PUP creators in the field, the application is meant to protect users' privacy and enhance the browsing experience. However, as it turns out, users encounter entirely the opposite effect and start looking for methods on how to remove Splendidsearch.com from their browsers permanently.

Name Splendidsearch.com
Type Browser hijacker
Category Potentially unwanted program
Developer eAnswers
Similar PUPs Private.securesearches.netSearch.myappzcenter.comSearch.iezbrowsing.com, etc.
Infiltration Software bundles, third-party sites
Symptoms Altered web browser settings, sponsored links in search results, increased amount of ads on all sites, etc.
Elimination Check our removal instructions below
Optimization To keep your computer free of junk, fix virus damage and make it run better, use FortectIntego

Splendidsearch.com, which was designed and released by a notorious PUP distributor, is advertised as a tool that helps users to find what they are looking for, all while protecting their privacy with the “Privacy Switch.” Additionally, it offers a variety of beautiful wallpapers and an eye-catching interface.

However, Splendidsearch.com browser hijacker does collect non-PII,[1] as explained in the Privacy Policy of the official website:[2]

eAnswers may automatically receive and record certain non-personally identifiable information on its server logs from your browser, including your IP address, browser type, internet service provider (ISP), cookie information, and the webpage that a user visits.

By default, the word “privacy” means anonymity, and collecting some details about users does not fit that description whatsoever. Thus, rather choose the search engine that does not track you. Without a doubt, Splendidsearch.com authors only care about your clicks on sponsored links and try all type of tricks to make you believe that their service is credible and somehow better than the others.

While Splendidsearch.com hijack might not directly impact computer system as malware does, it is certainly not a welcome addition in general. Browser hijackers are considered to be the least potentially harmful of the PUPs, although it does not mean that they do not contain any contrary elements.

Splendidsearch.com hijack

For that reason, Splendidsearch.com virus term would be incorrect, however, due to unexpected appearance, many people would call it that way. Nevertheless, the presence of the PUP might bring you place you do not expect, and sometimes they might be dangerous – such as scam, phishing, or even hacked sites.

For that reason, if you see your homepage and search engine altered, you should immediately take care of Splendidsearch.com removal. For that, you can either check our guidelines below or use anti-virus software that can recognize potentially unwanted programs. Additionally, to keep your system at its best, experts[3] recommended installing FortectIntego – the tool looks after the PC and can also fix virus-affected Windows files.

Software bundling – a deceptive technique that distributes browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted programs

While many users by now know that downloading pirated software or visiting high-risk websites can bring malware into their computers, the presence of browser hijackers, adware and other PUPs still remains a mystery to most. This is because people are used to downloading the allegedly free applications from free party sites and never paying attention to the process itself.

Software bundles often include PUPs, especially if they are downloaded from third-party sites. Be aware that even “credible” sites like Download.com or FileHippo promote adware, browser hijackers, and other unwanted software. Therefore, it is vital to look out for the optional components during the installation of the desired applications.

For that, make sure you check if the app provides important documents, such as Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. During the process, read the instructions of every step carefully and decline any offers or deals you might encounter on the way. Finally, always opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings as that is where most of the PUPs are hidden.

Splendidsearch.com search results

Remove Splendidsearch.com and reset your browsers

Splendidsearch.com removal can be performed with the help of our instructions below. Because it is a browser hijacker and a minor computer infection, its termination should not be that difficult. All you have to do is go to the installed program list and check for questionable programs and uninstall them. Alternatively, deleting unwanted browser extensions should do the trick, as well as resetting all the installed browsers.

Nevertheless, you can also remove Splendidsearch.com hijack with the help of security software that specializes in PUPs. Additionally, if your machine is slow and you encounter software crashes, or your CPU runs high, it is highly recommended scanning it with robust anti-malware software, as malware might be involved.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

Did this guide help?

Be the first to comment

Spyware News
Privacy preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze traffic. Some cookies enable embedded content like videos and social posts. Choose what you allow — you can change this anytime.