Private Searching is a Google Chrome browser extension that can be installed without approval from user. It normally sneaks onto the computer alongside freeware or dubious third-party applications. Users are not aware that simply downloading freeware from unknown sources can cause adware such as Private Searching to enter the computer discretely. Thus, be careful when acquiring programs online. If possible, download applications only from legitimate sources and official websites.
During the installation of freeware, an unsuspecting computer user is also loading Private Searching and other contents of the package. It is unknown to them that this type of software bundle has several adware and potentially unwanted program in it. In this case, it incorporates Private Searching onto the browser that causes unwelcome modification. The result is abrupt presence of privacy search feature on the homepage, replacing entirely the previous setup.
By employing invasive technique, some people deemed the sudden existence of Private Searching as one form of virus infection. However, security experts only categorized this type of threats as potentially unwanted program (PUP). Similar to previous variants like Private Browsing and Private Search Plus, Private Searching can only affect internet browser applications. It is not designed to inflict damage on system files and operating system in general.
Even though Private Searching is not classified as computer virus, we believe that online browsing is not secured during its presence. As we know, adware is capable of monitoring user’s browsing habit and may redirect some searches to suspicious web pages. Thus, we made a simple guide on this page to get rid of Private Searching instantly using effective techniques.
How to Remove Private Searching
This section contains comprehensive guide to help you remove threats from the affected computer.
Procedures on this page are written in a manner that can be easily understand and execute by computer users.
Step 1 : Use Add/Remove program of Windows to Uninstall Private Searching
The main cause of homepage hijacking and browser redirect could be software that you may have installed on the computer. We need to uninstall the culprit program.
1. Click Windows Start button. Next, select Control Panel from the list. Alternatively, press Windows key + R on keyboard and run appwiz.cpl command.
2. Find the ‘Programs‘ area and click on Uninstall a program. This opens up a window showing existing software installed.
3. Look for and remove Private Searching entry. If not present, look for any suspicious labels that was installed recently.
4. Click on Uninstall to start removing the program.
Step 2: Scan and Delete Adware with AdwCleaner
1. Download the tool called AdwCleaner from the location stated below.
Click here to download AdwCleaner (this will open a new window)
2. Once you have completed the download, please close all running programs on the computer.
3. Locate the file and double-click on adwcleaner_Ver.exe to start running the tool. Then, click on Scan button.
4. It searches for presence of harmful programs, plug-ins, add-ons, or any data that were found malicious and linked to Private Searching. You need to Clean all items detected by this tool.
5. Once scan is done, the tool may need to reboot your computer to finalize the cleaning process.
6. After reboot, AdwCleaner will display the log file of the recent scan.
Step 3: Remove Adware Add-on and Cleanup the Browser
After the previous scans, you may have deleted Private Searching from the affected browser. This next step will ensure that no more module of adware will be left on the browser. This free tool scans and checks the browser for unwanted add-on and extension, and if found, Avast Browser Cleanup will give you a report and suggestion.
1. Download this free tool and save it to your desktop.
Avast Browser Cleanup Download Link (This will open in a new window)
2. Please install the program. Start the process by double-clicking on the executable file avast-browser-cleanup-sfx.exe.
3. When run, Avast Browser Cleanup performs a test on the browser. If unwanted entries were found, it will display a button ‘Remove all add-ons listed below and cleanup browser.’ You may remove all or delete one entry at a time.
4. Avast Browser Cleanup will confirm before it permanently deletes the add-on. Please click Yes to proceed with the removal of Private Searching on the affected browser.
Step 4: Remove Private Searching from Google Chrome
Option 1 – Delete Malicious Extension from Chrome Browser
One way to remove Private Searching from Google Chrome is simply to delete the Extension. Please follow these steps:
1. Open Google Chrome browser.
2. Type the following in the address bar: chrome://extensions
3. On Extensions window, please delete Private Searching by clicking on Remove or Trash icon.
4. Google Chrome will prompt for the confirmation of Private Searching removal. Please click on Remove button to proceed.
5. You may now restart Chrome browser.
Option 2 – Restore Google Chrome to Default Settings
Resetting Google Chrome to default settings is helpful in deleting hard-to-remove extension such as from Private Searching. This method is highly advisable to perform if you have difficulty in removing unwanted extension.
1. Open Google Chrome application.
2. In the address bar please type the this string: chrome://settings/ and then, press Enter on keyboard.
3. Scroll down, then click Advanced…
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page until you see Reset and Clean Up section.
5. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults button. If it prompts for confirmation, please click Reset Settings to proceed.
This function will reset your home page, new tab page, search engine, and other areas affected by Private Searching. Unwanted extensions will also be removed from the browser. This will not affect your bookmarks, history, and other saved data.
