Removal instructions for the YOUSearch browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is YOUSearch?
YOUSearch is a rogue browser extension that modifies browser settings. Due to these alterations, users experience redirects to the yousearch.today fake search engine. Additionally, this extension collects sensitive user data. This behavior classifies YOUSearch as a browser hijacker.
YOUSearch browser hijacker overview
Browser hijackers make modifications to the following browser settings – homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window. YOUSearch is not an exception. With this extension installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and Web searches performed via the URL bar – result in redirects to the yousearch.today website.
In most cases, fake search engines cannot generate search results, so they redirect to legitimate Internet search sites. At the time of research, yousearch.today landed on the Bing search engine (bing.com). Keep in mind that this webpage could lead elsewhere since redirects may be impacted by factors like user geolocation.
Browser-hijacking software often utilizes persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as preventing access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes – to complicate its removal.
Furthermore, YOUSearch has data-tracking functionalities. Browser hijackers usually collect browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like YOUSearch may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | YOUSearch |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | YOUSearch |
| Promoted URL | yousearch.today |
| Detection Names (yousearch.today) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (yousearch.today) | 95.110.206.145 |
| 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). |
| 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. |
Browser hijacker examples
We have examined thousands of browser hijackers; Search4word, FindFast Search, and BestWallpaper NewTab are but a couple of examples.
While browser-hijacking software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities – it seldom operates as advertised. However, it must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did YOUSearch install on my computer?
Browser hijackers can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The danger of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Browser-hijacking software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate browser hijackers. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
Since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous – it is essential to exercise caution while browsing. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with YOUSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of yousearch.today redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by YOUSearch browser hijacker:
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:
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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:
- What is YOUSearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove YOUSearch browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove yousearch.today homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove yousearch.today redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
YOUSearch browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
YOUSearch browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove YOUSearch browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "YOUSearch" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "YOUSearch", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.yousearch.today) 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 "yousearch.today", 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 yousearch.today 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 extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "YOUSearch", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "YOUSearch", remove hxxp://yousearch.today 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 "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 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with yousearch.today 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 yousearch.today 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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit yousearch.today website?
Redirects to sites like yousearch.today are generated because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) profit through them.
Is visiting yousearch.today a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Yousearch.today and other fake search engines usually collect (and sell) visitor data.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily spread via deceptive promotional webpages, bundled installers, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove YOUSearch browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed browser-hijacking apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be ideal. In cases where multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Removal-related settings might be inaccessible with browser-hijacking software present. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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