How to remove the StreamSearchWeb browser hijacker?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
StreamSearchWeb browser hijacker removal instructions
What is StreamSearchWeb?
StreamSearchWeb is a piece of rogue software classified as a browser hijacker. It promotes the streamsearchweb.com fake search engine by making modifications to browser settings. Furthermore, browser hijackers typically spy on users' browsing activity; hence, it is highly likely that StreamSearchWeb has such data tracking abilities as well. Due to the questionable techniques used to distribute browser hijackers, they are also categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
Browser hijackers mainly target popular browsers with large user bases. This software reassigns browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs - to the addresses of fake web searchers. StreamSearchWeb also makes these alterations to browsers when promoting streamsearchweb.com. Hence, with this browser hijacker installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and web searches done via the URL bar - redirect to the streamsearchweb.com web searcher. Illegitimate search engines seldom can generate search results, so they tend to redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Yahoo, Google, Bing, and other genuine ones. This is true of streamsearchweb.com as well. At the time of research, it either redirected to Yahoo (search.yahoo.com) or to searchlee.com. The latter is a fake search engine, and while it can provide search results - they are inaccurate and may promote untrustworthy/malicious content.
Browser hijackers can reset any changes users attempt to make to their browsers. Alternatively, they can restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, it is impossible to recover the browser without removing the software hijacking it. What is more, most browser hijackers can track data. They can record browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details). The collected data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, data-tracking software can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. To protect device integrity and user privacy, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
| Name | StreamSearchWeb |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | StreamSearchWeb |
| Promoted URL | streamsearchweb.com |
| Serving IP Address (streamsearchweb.com) | 172.67.208.179 |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes. |
TheStreamSearch, Newtab, Movieapp Search, and Search Button are some examples of browser hijackers. They appear ordinary and offer various "handy" features. However, the promised functionalities rarely work. In fact, this applies to nearly all PUAs. The sole purpose of unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant. PUAs can operate by hijacking browsers, causing redirects, delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns (adware), and collecting private data.
How did StreamSearchWeb install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed through download/installation setups of other programs. This false marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, used pre-set options, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive adverts are used to spread PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install these applications. PUAs may also have "official" download webpages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, only official and verified download channels must be used. Since untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (Torrent clients, Gnutella, eMule, etc.), and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer harmful and bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, functions, and so forth. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.). In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with StreamSearchWeb, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of streamsearchweb.com redirecting to the Yahoo search engine (GIF):
Appearance of streamsearchweb.com redirecting to the searchlee.com fake search engine (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is StreamSearchWeb?
- STEP 1. Uninstall StreamSearchWeb application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove StreamSearchWeb browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove streamsearchweb.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove streamsearchweb.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove streamsearchweb.com redirect from Internet Explorer.
StreamSearchWeb browser hijacker removal:
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 users:
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.
Mac OSX users:
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.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications (for example, "StreamSearchWeb"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the streamsearchweb.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
StreamSearchWeb browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "StreamSearchWeb" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "StreamSearchWeb", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.streamsearchweb.com) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select “Remove”.
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "streamsearchweb.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the streamsearchweb.com redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "StreamSearchWeb", as well as all other recently installed browser plug-ins.
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window disable "StreamSearchWeb", remove hxxp://streamsearchweb.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with streamsearchweb.com redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the streamsearchweb.com redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Internet Options", in the opened window remove hxxp://streamsearchweb.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you launch Internet Explorer. You can also enter about: blank to open a blank page when you start Internet Explorer.
Change your default search engine:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". In the opened window, select "Search Providers", set "Google", "Bing", or any other preferred search engine as your default and then remove "StreamSearchWeb".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the streamsearchweb.com redirect, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove streamsearchweb.com redirect from your Internet browsers, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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