ZoneAlarm Search: what it is and how to remove it
ZoneAlarm Search is a browser hijacker bundled with ZoneAlarm programs that redirects searches and tracks browsing. It alters default settings without proper user permission.
Facts checked October 5, 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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ZoneAlarm Search: summary
| Distribution | Freeware installations, software bundles,[2] other applications |
|---|---|
| Name | ZoneAlarm Search |
| Type | Browser hijacker[1] |
| Redirects to | Search.zonealarm.com |
| Main danger | Tracks and collects information about the user, online browsing preferences. This data can get shared with third-party companies |
| Related | Conduit |
| 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 8 more facts
| Symptoms | Changes default settings of the browser, interferes with online searches, shows commercial content, redirects to shady sites |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Search page | search.zonealarm.com |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 24 March 2021 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
What ZoneAlarm Search changes in your browser
ZoneAlarm is a global business. Our customers and our operations are spread around the world. As a result we collect and transfer Personal Data on a global basis. That means that we may transfer your Personal Data to locations outside of your country.
Is ZoneAlarm Search dangerous? What it collects
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
ZoneAlarm Search is the browser hijacker that installs toolbars and other in-browser content without any permission
ZoneAlarm Search is the hijacking program that affects various common web browsers with intrusive behavior and even material added without your permission or knowledge.
This potentially unwanted application sets its own search engine as the default on your device and installs other programs like Security Toolbar by Conduit on the browser. Unfortunately, this relation with Conduit, another browser hijacker is not promising. You shouldn't ever use tools or programs installed out of nowhere or applications related to such PUPs.
Once ZoneAlarm Search virus gets on the system Search.zonealarm.com or another related search engine gets set as the homepage, new tab preferences and this means that each time you try to browse anything online results get filled with commercial content and redirects you to more shady pages.
Fake search engines and other potentially unwanted programs cannot give you any value because these cyber infections significantly affect the speed and general performance of the machine.
ZoneAlarm Search is a search engine, which is presented as 'powered by Google'. However, after using it for some time, it becomes obvious that this site not only returns altered search results but shows various pop-up advertisements that redirect people to sponsored domains. In most cases, this site shows up when users download/update ZoneAlarm Firewall or other ZoneAlarm programs on their computers.
It can appear instead of the start page and default search engine on all web browsers that can be found on the machine. If it has infiltrated your computer, you should be careful to avoid unexpected redirections to a malicious site. Please, check your PC for browser hijacker, which may be closely related to this search engine.
Search.zonealarm.com is the domain that gets set on the web browser as a search engine or a homepage. This is also the address that appears as the first redirect related to this PUP. When the machine becomes affected, all the attempts to search online go straight to ad-supported sites and potentially malicious pages.
ZoneAlarm Search hijacker is created by Zone Labs company that claims to be committed to protecting users privacy, but the program delivers potentially unwanted programs and promotes other products that may cause issues with the system, speed, and performance of the machine. Also, all those redirects to commercial pages can expose the user to possibly malicious material and lead to more severe infiltrations.
All intrusive ZoneAlarm Search behavior focuses on redirecting your online traffic to affiliated or sponsored pages filled with commercial content and creating search results injected with such material. Since this is a product related to other applications and potentially unwanted cyber content, it is responsible for data tracking.
Actually, Search.zonealarm.com hijack creators have disclosed the data gathering issue on their Privacy Policy:
This particular quote shows that your personal information can end up on some database in other countries and be used in malvertising campaigns or even shared with a third-party related to ZoneAlarm Search company. You should always read such sections of the website or service before you install anything from the domain.
In most cases, this browser-based program comes in a bundle with ZoneAlarm programs. However, it has also been reported to be related to the browser hijacker virus. If you want to prevent its infiltration, you should always have updated anti-virus and anti-spyware installed on your PC. Once inside, it alters PC's settings and starts making its victim use the intrusive application when he/she begins browsing on the Internet.
Beware that it may still show altered search results that redirect you to unwanted websites. In addition, it may also start showing continuous pop-up ads and notifications.
Warning: Once again, we don't call this search engine malicious, but its creators clearly use unfair distribution methods.
If you want to remove ZoneAlarm Search, follow the guide below that provides all the needed steps.
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on ZoneAlarm Search
- Install a powerful anti-malware tool and remove ZoneAlarm Search
- Run a system tool like and fix the damage
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
Redirects and commercial content only look harmless
Our experts always recommend going for legitimate websites and software providers only, but users still remain reckless and install various applications from less than reliable sources without paying enough attention or even reading EULA/ Privacy Policy. This step is underrated because people can learn more about the provider and the program itself if they check this information before installing PUPs that may seem harmless.
Unfortunately, it is possible to get such tools from other sources like p2p services, torrent sites. You can also take some measures to avoid these PUP installations. Choose Advanced or Custom installation options and focus on the program list, so you can de-select applications that seem shady or questionable.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
search.zonealarm.com
How to remove ZoneAlarm Search
How to remove ZoneAlarm Search 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
ZoneAlarm Search 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 and delete search.zonealarm.com
Searches that pass through
search.zonealarm.commean the browser's default search engine was replaced. Chrome: Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, then Make default on Google, Bing or another engine you chose, and Delete on search.zonealarm.com.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 the hijacker's address there. 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 programs you did not mean to install
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10, and sort the list by install date. Look at what appeared around the day the problem started and uninstall every program you do not recognise or did not choose.
Free converters, PDF and video tools, "system optimizers" and unknown browsers are the usual carriers of ZoneAlarm Search. If a name is unclear, search for it before you remove it, so you do not uninstall a driver or a Windows component.
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.
Uninstall from Windows
Clean the system fully and remove ZoneAlarm Search
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.
Remove from Google Chrome
You may need to additionally check the browser and clean, shady content off of there
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 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.
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)
Make sure to eliminate all the toolbars related to ZoneAlarm Search
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.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
From our report of Mar 2021 · not reviewed since
Remove ZoneAlarm Search and all files that virus may create or install on the machine
You should think about the possibility that ZoneAlarm Search virus gets on the machine alongside other in-browser programs and can install them along the way.
For this reason, automatic removal of these potentially unwanted programs is recommended and required. Using professional tools, you can run a system scan and eliminate all files or applications associated with this program.
Such ZoneAlarm Search removal methods save you some time and allow you to terminate all intrusive applications, helps to clean the computer entirely. Any antivirus can run a system scan and eliminate existing malware, including such potentially unwanted programs.
But you can also find some tools that focus on keeping the machine clean in advanced. Choose a tool that can scan the machine and block PUP in before they enter the system.
Questions about ZoneAlarm Search
What is ZoneAlarm Search?
ZoneAlarm Search is a browser hijacker that installs without permission and alters browser settings. This potentially unwanted application sets its own search engine as the default homepage and installs other programs like Security Toolbar by Conduit.
Despite claims of being powered by Google, ZoneAlarm Search returns altered results and shows pop-up advertisements redirecting to sponsored domains. The hijacker affects various common web browsers with intrusive behavior and added material without your knowledge or approval. Its relation to Conduit, another browser hijacker, is not promising.
How does ZoneAlarm Search change my browser?
Once ZoneAlarm Search virus enters your system, Search.zonealarm.com gets set as your homepage, new tab preferences, and default search engine. Each time you browse online, results get filled with commercial content and redirects to shady pages.
All your search attempts go to ad-supported sites and potentially malicious pages. The hijacker interferes with your searches by injecting commercial material into results. Your browsing experience suffers dramatically through intrusive redirects and sponsored content appearing constantly throughout your sessions.
What personal information does ZoneAlarm Search collect?
ZoneAlarm Search tracks and collects information about your online browsing preferences. This data can be shared with third-party companies for targeted advertising. According to ZoneAlarm's privacy policy, they collect and transfer Personal Data globally, meaning your information can end up in databases outside your country.
The hijacker monitors your online activity to distribute targeted ads more effectively. This data sharing puts users' privacy at significant risk. Personal information is often used in malvertising campaigns or shared with companies related to ZoneAlarm Search.
How does ZoneAlarm Search reach my browser?
ZoneAlarm Search typically appears when users download or update ZoneAlarm Firewall or other ZoneAlarm programs on their computers. It can appear alongside other applications and potentially unwanted programs in bundles. Freeware installations commonly bundle ZoneAlarm Search as an optional component.
Users agree to install it unintentionally when selecting Quick or Recommended installation options. The browser hijacker may also be distributed through deceptive advertisements and fake update notifications. Software bundling remains the most common delivery method.
Does ZoneAlarm Search cause system damage?
Fake search engines and potentially unwanted programs cannot give value and significantly affect system speed and performance. The machine runs slower with constant redirects and commercial content. Unexpected redirects to malicious sites expose users to possibly malicious material leading to more severe infiltrations.
Redirects and commercial content only appear harmless but can result in serious consequences. Users risk phishing attacks, data theft, or additional malware installation. System stability decreases over time with the hijacker consuming resources.
Is ZoneAlarm Search malicious?
ZoneAlarm Search is not classified as malicious malware but behaves harmfully. It's categorized as a potentially unwanted program or browser hijacker due to its deceptive distribution and intrusive behavior.
It doesn't directly damage files or disable security software. However, it significantly harms user experience and privacy. The constant redirects expose users to dangerous websites.
Data collection and sharing threatens privacy. Malicious redirects increase infection risk. Though not malware in the traditional sense, ZoneAlarm Search creates an unsafe browsing environment.
How do I remove ZoneAlarm Search from my browser?
First, uninstall the application that brought ZoneAlarm Search. Open Control Panel, go to Programs > Uninstall a Program, find ZoneAlarm or related entries, and uninstall them.
Restart your computer. Then reset your browser settings to defaults. In Chrome, go to Settings and click Reset settings, then confirm.
In Firefox, click the Menu, select Help > Troubleshooting Information, and click Refresh Firefox. In Edge, go to Settings > Reset settings. Check your browser homepage and search engine after resetting.
How do I prevent ZoneAlarm Search and similar hijackers?
Always choose Advanced or Custom installation options when installing any software. Carefully review the program list before installation and deselect applications that seem shady or questionable.
Be particularly cautious with checkboxes that appear pre-ticked. Avoid freeware and shareware from less than reliable sources. Install antivirus and anti-spyware protection and keep it updated.
Do not rush installation processes. Read EULA and Privacy Policy sections before installing programs. Regularly monitor your browser homepage and default search settings.
Will Fortect remove ZoneAlarm Search?
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 ZoneAlarm Search, 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
- Wikipedia: Browser hijacker (read October 5, 2026)
- Losvirus: Losvirus (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 5, 2026)