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Removing Renew Search adware-type browser extension and the ads it displays

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

What is Renew Search?

While inspecting untrustworthy download websites, our research team discovered the Renew Search browser extension. It promises to provide additional search options when the results from regular searches prove to be inadequate or when a desired webpage is unavailable. However, our analysis revealed that Renew Search operates as adware instead.

Renew Search adware asking for permissions

Renew Search adware overview

It has to be mentioned that advertising-supported software (adware) may not display advertisements if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to particular websites are not made, or other conditions are unmet. However, regardless of whether Renew Search delivered ads or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software once clicked on.

Note that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, Renew Search spies on users' browsing activity. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, and so on. The gathered information is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like Renew Search on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Renew Search
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Renew Search
Supposed Functionality Additional search options when regular search is insufficient or when a website is inaccessible.
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; SettingsFiles Download NowDown Assist, and Dark-Display are merely some examples of our latest finds. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" functionalities. However, the promised features are rarely operational.

How did Renew Search install on my computer?

We obtained Renew Search from its "official" promotional webpage. Adware is also endorsed through scam sites. Most users access such websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

We recommend being vigilant when browsing since deceptive and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous, yet they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).

If you experience advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Renew Search, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the website used to promote Renew Search adware:

Website promoting Renew Search adware

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:

Renew Search 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.

Renew Search adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Renew Search", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Renew Search ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Renew Search adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Renew Search  ads 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 "Renew Search", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Renew Search ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by renew 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Renew Search ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Renew Search".

Removing Renew Search ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by renew 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 renew 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 renew search or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware endangers device integrity and user safety. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat since advertising-supported software usually has data tracking abilities. Adware-delivered adverts endorse harmful/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware displays various advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some adware-types can force-open sites and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers primarily generate revenue via affiliate programs by promoting websites, apps, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Renew Search adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware itself has been (manually) eliminated - various file leftovers may remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, such components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, removing adware thoroughly - is crucial.

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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.

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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 Renew Search QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Renew Search on your mobile device.
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