Switch2Search Removal Guide

Switch2Search is a new Google Chrome new tab page plugin that offers you easy search relating to your favorite social networking sites and a switch between popular search engines as well; however, we have found this tool questionable after careful research. Since this application also changes your home page setting, you will be exposed to its potentially unreliable content every time you launch your Google Chrome browser. But you cannot be all relaxed if you use other browsers because this search engine can show up in your Chrome after you install a whole package of malware threats. This means that if you find this extension in your browser, it is quite possible that you will find other malware infections on board, too. This is why you cannot take it lightly and leave this tool and any other potentially harmful applications on your system if you want it secure. We advise you to delete Switch2Search before you get exposed to malicious websites and find yourself in more trouble than you would expect.

You can find official sources for this plugin where you can directly install it. One such source is its own official page at switch2search.com, which redirects you to the Chrome web store (chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/switch2search/nopaljolpjpgecigkbhcdlblgheccnda) after you click on the “Download Now!” button. The statistics on the web store window show clearly and convincingly that users rarely install this tool through these channels; at least, we would not call the mere 9 downloads a popular extension. So obviously, there has to be an alternative way to get infected by this annoying search engine. This alternative is called software bundling.

You may have noticed that a lot of times when you install even legitimate software, there could be additional free tools or browser changes you may install at the same time from the same package. Well, unless you decide otherwise and untick the designated checkboxes if they are revealed. It is possible that you cannot see these boxes if you do not choose the custom or advanced option at the beginning of the installation process. This is how most users let malware threats on board because they do not make sure what they are actually installing. Unfortunately, schemers use such bundles to spread malicious software installers packed together. This is how you can end up with a number of adware apps, browser hijackers, Trojans, and potentially unwanted programs as well. You can drop such a payload by clicking on unsafe third-party advertisements, such as pop-ups and banners. These ads can be displayed by suspicious file-sharing and gaming sites but it is also possible that your system is infected with malware that is capable of showing you such ads. In any case, you should scan your computer ASAP with a reliable online malware scanner, but do not forget to remove Switch2Search first.

This search engine looks totally fine and legitimate at first sight. In fact, it may also seem to be attractive with the choice of beautiful background images, popular search engines (Bing, Yahoo, and Google), and social websites (Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook). However, do not be fooled by these attractions. Unfortunately, you cannot trust this plugin because it may present to you unreliable search result. It is possible because this tool has a capability to integrate third-party ads and links into the results pages no matter which engine you choose to use. If crooks exploit this tool and inject their infected links into these pages, your clicks may take you to malicious websites. It is possible that one click results in opening several new tab pages, which may mean multiple threats to you. But you may also see ads that seem totally relevant to you, mirroring your taste. Clicking on these can land you on a fake web-shop where your credit card details could get stolen and you may lose money as a consequence. If you do not wish to experience these scenarios, you should remove Switch2Search right away.

Of course, we cannot call this infection a dangerous threat but, as you can see, it can still put your virtual security at risk if you are not careful enough with your clicks. Please follow our instructions if you have never removed an extension from your Google Chrome browser before. Keep in mind that eliminating Switch2Search will not necessarily mean that your PC is entirely safe for you to use. If you want full security, you need to remove all infections. If you do not want to accomplish this all manually, we suggest that you find a reliable anti-malware program and download it as soon as possible. It is also important that you keep away from suspicious websites and do not on third-party advertisements if you want to safeguard your PC; unless, of course, your computer is protected with security software because that could save you in these situations, too.

How to remove Switch2Search from browser

Google Chrome

1. Press Alt+F and select Settings.
2. Choose Extensions on the left.
3. Select the unwanted extension and click on the trash can on the right.
4. Click Remove.