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How to remove privatesearches.org from the settings of a web browser

Also Known As: privatesearches.org redirect
Damage level: Medium

What is privatesearches.org?

We have tested privatesearches.org and found that it is a shady search engine that can show misleading results. Our team has discovered privatesearches.org after installing a fake Google Docs application downloaded from a deceptive page.

The fake Google Docs app promotes privatesearches.org by hijacking a web browser. Also, it adds the "Managed by your organization" feature to Chrome browsers.

privatesearches.org browser hijacker

More about privatesearches.org and the app promoting it

Results generated by privatesearches.org can include shady advertisements and links to potentially malicious pages. Privatesearches.org may promote various scams, untrustworthy applications, deceptive websites, etc. Thus, it is highly advisable not to trust search results from privatesearches.org.

The fake Google Docs application hijacks a web browser by making privatesearches.org the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. Also, it prevents users from removing privatesearches.org from the settings of a hijacked browser. Thus, privatesearches.org cannot be removed without removing the fake Google Docs app.

In addition to showing unreliable results, privatesearches.org may track users. It may collect browsing-related data that its developers could sell to third parties or misuse in other ways.

Threat Summary:
Name privatesearches.org redirect
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s) A fake Google Docs appication
Supposed Functionality Improved browsing experience
Affected Browser Settings Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Detection Names (Installer) Arcabit (Adware.Agent.YPK), Combo Cleaner (Adware.Agent.YPK), Emsisoft (Adware.Agent.YPK (B)), G-Data (Adware.Agent.YPK), Panda (Trj/Agent), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (privatesearches.org) N/A (VirusTotal)
Related Domains searchesmia.com - used in a redirect chain which leads to privatesearches.org
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 Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
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.

Browser hijackers in general

Browser-hijacking applications promote fake or shady search engines. These search engines can show results generated by legitimate or untrustworthy search engines or generate results that can include untrustworthy websites. Typically, users download and add browser hijackers to browsers inadvertently.

More examples of apps designed to hijack web browsers are Clean Notifications, Whiteboard New Tab, and Cities HD Backgrounds in Your New Tab.

How did privatesearches.org promoting software install on my computer?

The app promoting privatesearches.org is distributed via a deceptive installer. That installer is promoted on a deceptive page. A browser becomes hijacked after downloading a fake installer and finishing the installation. A screenshot of a deceptive page promoting privatesearches.org/fake Google Docs app is provided below.

Also, browser hijackers can be found in freeware installers. Users cause unexpected installations when they finish installation processes without deselecting included browser hijackers. Typically, installers containing browser hijackers or other unwanted apps have "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings or ticked checkboxes mentioning additional installations.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Do not trust advertisements on questionable, suspicious websites or allow such pages to show notifications. Download all apps from legitimate pages and stores. Avoid downloads from unofficial pages, third-party downloaders (and stores), P2P networks, etc.

Deselect unwanted applications (change "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings in downloaders and installers) before downloading and installing software. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Appearance of privatesearches.org displaying its results (GIF):

privatesearches.org shows its results

Deceptive page promoting a fake installer used to distribute a fake Google Docs app:

privatesearches.org browser hijacker deceptive promoter

Appearance of the fake Google Docs extension which promotes the privatesearches.org website:

privatesearches.org browser hijacker fake google docs app requests access

Appearance of searchesmia.com redirecting users to privatesearches.org:

searchesmia.com redirecting users to privatesearches.org

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:

privatesearches.org redirect 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.

privatesearches.org browser hijacker uninstall via Control Panel

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

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the privatesearches.org website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

privatesearches.org redirect removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing privatesearches.org related Google Chrome extensions

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate a fake "Google "Docs" app and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing privatesearches.org from Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.privatesearches.org) 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:

Removing privatesearches.org from Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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 "privatesearches.org", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the privatesearches.org redirect, 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 privatesearches.org related Mozilla Firefox extensions

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".

Change your homepage:

Removing privatesearches.org from Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove hxxp://privatesearches.org and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing privatesearches.org from Mozilla Firefox default search engine

In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".

In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button button.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with privatesearches.org redirect 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 browser hijackers from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

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

removing browser hijacker from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 3 - changing homepage

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.

removing browser hijackers from safari step 4 - changing the default Internet search engine

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...

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 browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 2

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 3

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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 Microsoft Edge (Chromium) puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the privatesearches.org redirect, 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 browser hijackers while downloading free software sampleA 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of forcing users visit privatesearches.org website?

Fake search engines like privatesearches.org are more profitable for their developers when they have more users.

Is visiting privatesearches.org a threat to my privacy?

Privatesearches.org can lead to untrustworthy pages and track users. Thus, using it to browse the web can cause issues related to online privacy.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

The fake Google Docs app is distributed via a fake installer (that installer is promoted on an untrustworthy page). In other cases, browser-hijacking apps are distributed via software bundles (mostly via freeware installers), notifications from dubious pages, and shady advertisements.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove a browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove any browser hijacker from your computer. It is important to mention that some browser hijackers can be designed to reinstall one another. Thus, if multiple browser hijackers are present, it may be required to remove all of them at once. It can be difficult to achieve it manually. Combo Cleaner removes unwanted apps automatically.

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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
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