FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove Fast-Search adware

Also Known As: Ads by Fast-Search
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What are Sponsored Ads?

The "Fast-Search" application causes Sponsored Ads and browser redirects to fast-search.info website, which appear on various websites.

The developers (Fast-Search Apps) claim that their product helps users to quickly surf through webpages - "Fast-Search allows you to get to the next page faster. You don't need to scroll all the way down anymore, just click on the arrow on the right side of the screen and you're off to the next page".

These claims, however, are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimate software. In fact, Fast-Search is categorized as adware and an unwanted program. After stealth infiltration on Internet browsers, Fast-Search displays various intrusive online advertisements (marked as 'Sponsored Ads') and collects various Internet browsing-related information.

Sponsored Ads adware

More about the application

This adware employs a virtual layer to display advertisements that do not originate from the visited websites. Furthermore, displayed ads may open in new browser tabs/windows, thereby increasing the chance of accidental clicks by users. The virtual layer allows developers to place various ads over website content.

Note that the displayed adverts (coupon, search, and other types) are marked as 'Sponsored Ads'. These usually lead to online stores or other similar commercial sites, however, there is a chance that users will be redirected to bogus sites containing infectious content.

Thus, clicking these ads may cause high-risk computer infections. In addition, users' Internet browsing activity is continually monitored, since Fast-Search adware collects various user information. According to its Privacy Policy, the collected information is protected and only used to provide users with the most relevant ads.

In fact, the collected information might contain PayPal/bank account login/passwords, and other personally identifiable information.

These details are later shared with third parties and could be misused, thereby causing serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Fast-Search adware is a threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety, and thus, should be uninstalled immediately.

Fast-Search Privacy Policy statement regarding data collection:

We may share your personally identifiable information with third parties who facilitate communication on behalf of Fast-Search Apps for Fast-Search Apps’ marketing and promotional efforts and/or for other information dissemination on behalf of Fast-Search Apps. We may sell, rent or share your personally identifiable information, provided we have received your prior permission, to third parties to send you marketing and promotional information not related to Fast-Search Apps that may be of interest to you. Your personally identifiable information may be transferred to third parties such as technical agents, payment processing vendors, consultants, advertising companies and among our affiliates for the performance of Fast-Search Apps services or making products available to you.

Fast-Search is an updated version of the FlowSurf browser hijacker. As with other bogus applications (for example, Sail Deals, CutThePrice, SquareTrace, and TomorrowGames), Fast-Search and FlowSurf promise features that supposedly enhance the Internet browsing experience.

None, however, provide any real value. Fast-Search uses the 'Pay Per Click' (PPC) advertising model to display advertisements - when users click ads, developers receive specific payments. They also generate revenue by sharing user information with third parties.

How did Fast-Search install on my computer?

Fast-Search is mostly distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', and thus, installs without users' consent. Bundling is a way to install third party (usually rogue) applications together with the chosen (often free) software. Since many users rush the download/installation procedures, this method is very effective.

Third party software is often hidden within the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings, and therefore, by skipping these steps, users inadvertently install bogus apps such as Fast-Search.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

If possible, use the direct download link when downloading freeware from download websites. If downloading via a download manager, closely analyze each step of the procedure, opting-out of any additionally-included programs. Your chosen software should be downloaded from a trusted source - usually the official website.

After downloading, use the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' options to install the application - this will reveal any third party software listed for installation and allow you to cancel it.

Deceptive free software installers used in FastSearch adware distribution:

fastsearch adware installer sample 3 fastsearch adware installer sample 2 Fast-Search adware installer

Intrusive online advertisements displayed by Fast-Search adware ('Sponsored Ads'):

Sponsored Ads in Amazon Sponsored Ads in Google Sponsored Ads in YouTube

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Fast-Search adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Fast-Search adware from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Fast-Search" and all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Fast-Search adware from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fast-search, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Fast-Search adware from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing Fast-Search adware from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by fast-search removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fast-search, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by fast-search or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Typically, adware diminishes the web browsing experience by showing annoying advertisements that conceal the contents of visited pages. Also, software of this type can slow down a computer and cause issues related to online privacy.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported applications display advertisements. Additionally, they can operate as browser hijackers. Sometimes, adware collects information about users.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

They use adware to promote various pages, services, products, etc. Adware developers do not always use legitimate methods for advertising. One of the most popular ways to monetize adware is by participating in affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove adware?

Yes, this application will find and remove installed adware. It is recommended to remove adware automatically to avoid leaving any data belonging to it in the system.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Removal Instructions in other languages
Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Fast-Search QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Fast-Search on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.