VideoSearchz (Virus Removal Instructions)

VideoSearchz Removal Guide

What is VideoSearchz?

VideoSearchz – a potentially unwanted program that will redirect your search inquiries through a fake search engine

VideoSearchz browser hijackerBrowser hijackers appoint a search engine of their choice in order to show ads, cause redirects, and collect browsing data

VideoSearchz is a browser hijacker that can be installed either as an application or a browser extension. As soon as it's in the system, it makes modifications to your browser preferences by changing the default search engine, new tab, and homepage to feed.videosearchz.com.

That's an address of a fake search engine. It doesn't generate any search results but redirects you to a legitimate search engine like Yahoo, Bing, and others, depending on your geolocation. Usually, the search results are riddled with tons of deceptive ads.

Due to their shady functions and stealthy installation techniques, browser hijackers are categorized as potentially unwanted programs (PUP, for short). That makes this infection sound less dangerous than malware, but you should still remove it immediately. We're going to help with that in this article.

name VideoSearchz
Type Redirect virus, PUP, browser hijacker
Altered browser settings Homepage, new tab, default search engine
Promoted fake search site feed.videosearchz.com
Symptoms Search inquiries redirected through an unknown page, and search results are displayed from a different source than before; sudden redirects open questionable sites; the device is visibly slower
Risks PUP installation, malware infections, financial losses, privacy issues
Distribution Deceptive ads, file-sharing platforms, software bundles, fake Flash player updates
Elimination If you see any of the abovementioned symptoms, please scan your device with trustworthy anti-malware software to remove this browser hijacker
System health check All cyber infections leave their mark on your device's system files and settings. Please use the all-in-one FortectIntego system optimizer to take care of all system-related irregularities automatically

As well as similar browser hijackers such as Quick App virus, Ctcodeinfo.com virus, Searchmy.co virus, and others, VideoSearchz virus modifies your browser settings without your direct consent. By doing so, it can:

  • reroute all search traffic through a search engine of its choice,
  • cause sudden redirects to affiliated sites,
  • inject ads into the search results,
  • collect various device and browser-related data.

The article's culprit displays deceptive ads as recommended searches or search results. However, other forms are also possible. These ads have nothing to do with the affiliated sites as they are made to attract your attention and convince you to click on them.

Usually, developers of potentially unwanted programs, such as adware, browser hijackers, etc., advertise either each other or other shady websites. Thus such shown ads could redirect you to pages with push notification viruses, gambling, tech support scams, malware, porn, etc.

Furthermore, this type of PUP is well-known for its data-tracking capabilities. By causing redirects, it can gather all kinds of non-personal information,[1] including geolocations, IP addresses, device/browser info, used apps, frequently visited sites, clicked links, search inquiries, and so on. These details are then used to customize ads and make them irresistible to you.

If you value your security and privacy, you have to immediately remove this browser hijacker from your device. To do that automatically, download free but trustworthy security software such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and perform a full system scan. The anti-malware tool will take do the dirty work for you.

Since all PUPs and questionable pages leave traces on your machine, you have to take care of that. The time-proven FortectIntego system diagnostics tool will finish virus removal by eliminating any of VideoSearchz entries from core system settings/files and delete tracking cookies. That's why cybersecurity experts[2] recommend it.

Keep your devices free of PUPs by avoiding their most common spreading techniques

Developers of junkware use various methods to spread their vile creations. One of the most popular ones is are packs of software containing installers for at least two apps. It's called software bundling. Nowadays, not only third-party vendors but legit software developers use this technique too.

You can avoid PUPs from such bundles by choosing the Advanced/Custom mode and deselecting all additional unwanted, untrustworthy-looking, suspicious apps from installation. Another sure way to get a PUP infection is to believe in ads or prompts that suggest that you need to update your Flash Player.

VideoSearchz virusNot only PUPs but also severe malware can be spread through fake Flash Player updates. Please stay away from them

Support for this software was discontinued on December 31, 2020,[3], but cybercriminals still distribute spyware and malware camouflaged as Flash Player updates. If you ever see such a prompt/ad, please leave the page immediately, clear your browser history, and never visit it again.

Use proper anti-malware software to remove VideoSearchz virus safely

If your search queries are going through random pages until search results littered with ads are shown from a different search engine than before – you have VideoSearchz virus on your device. It can be installed either as a browser extension or an app.

To remove the former option, please use our free guidelines posted below. If installed as software, you will need to scan your infected device with a reliable security tool. Such a scan is recommended to identify, isolate, and remove any suspicious files or entries.

Browser hijackers, such as VideoSearchz, alter not only browser preferences but system files and settings too. That could cause various abnormal system behavior, such as crashing, lag, freezing, etc. Resolve all system inconsistencies automatically by running system diagnostics with compatible software.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of VideoSearchz. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

Instructions for Windows 10/8  machines:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK. Uninstall from Windows 2

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Delete from macOS

Remove items from Applications folder:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
  3. Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash) Uninstall from Mac 1

To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
  3. In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
  4. Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files. Uninstall from Mac 2

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 on Uninstall at the bottom. 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 Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

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

If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick Delete Advanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose Advanced MS Edge reset 2

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. 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 unwanted plugin 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 Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall. Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History. Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches. Reset Safari

After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of VideoSearchz registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

How to prevent from getting browser hijacker

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 Private Internet Access 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 Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Alice Woods
Alice Woods - Likes to teach users about virus prevention

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