How to remove search.myprivate-search.com from browsers

What is search.myprivate-search.com?

Our analysis has revealed that search.myprivate-search.com is a fake search engine promoted via a browser hijacker (an unwanted extension) called Rapid Image Search. The browser extension forces users to visit search.myprivate-search.com by modifying the browser's settings. If such changes are noticed, they should be undone to avoid the associated risks.

Rapid Image Search browser hijacker overview

Search.myprivate-search.com is classified as a fake search engine because it does generate search results. Instead, it redirects users to search.yahoo.com and may cause redirects to other sites, including untrustworthy ones. It is important to note that search.yahoo.com is a legitimate search engine.

Using search.myprivate-search.com may lead users to scam websites and other shady pages (e.g., sites hosting unwanted or malicious applications). In such cases, users may be tricked into sharing sensitive information with scammers, transferring money to fraudsters, or installing potentially malicious apps.

Another reason to avoid search.myprivate-search.com is that it is promoted through a browser hijacker, Rapid Image Search. This extension promotes search.myprivate-search.com by making it the default search engine, new tab address, and homepage. It may not be possible to remove search.myprivate-search.com while Rapid Image Search is present (added to a browser).

Additionally, Rapid Image Search is capable of collecting data. The gathered information may include browsing-related details (e.g., visited websites and search queries) and even sensitive information. This could lead to privacy issues if the collected information is misused.

Lastly, Rapid Image Search may be designed to prevent users from removing it from their browsers. In such cases, it may be necessary to use tools like Combo Cleaner for removal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, search.myprivate-search.com is a fake search engine that redirects users to legitimate sites like Yahoo but can also lead to untrustworthy or malicious websites. It is promoted by the Rapid Image Search browser hijacker, which can collect sensitive data, change browser settings, and resist removal. To protect privacy and security, both the fake search engine and the hijacker should be fully removed.

More examples of fake search engines are search.searchsafe.tech, privacyonlinesearch.com, and search.ansiblealgorithm.com.

How did Rapid Image Search install on my computer?

Browser hijackers are often bundled with free or untrustworthy software. In such cases, hijacking typically happens when users accept the default installation settings instead of selecting advanced or custom options, which allow them to decline unwanted additions.

Hijackers can also be introduced through third-party sources such as unofficial app stores, download managers, peer-to-peer networks, and similar channels. Additionally, users may be tricked into downloading them via deceptive ads (or similar content) or fake notifications from unsafe websites.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Always download software from official websites or trusted app stores, and review installation steps carefully to avoid installing unwanted programs. Avoid interacting with ads, pop-ups, or links on suspicious websites, and never allow them to send notifications. Keep your operating system and applications up to date.

Regularly scan your device with reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to detect potential threats. If your computer is already infected with Rapid Image Search, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Search.myprivate-search.com redirects to search.yahoo.com (GIF):

Permissions asked by Rapid Image Search browser hijacker:

Website promoting Rapid Image Search 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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is search.myprivate-search.com?
• STEP 1. Uninstall Rapid Image Search application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove Rapid Image Search browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove search.myprivate-search.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove search.myprivate-search.com redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Rapid Image Search 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 (which cause browser redirects to the search.myprivate-search.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Rapid Image Search 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Rapid Image Search" 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 "Rapid Image Search", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.myprivate-search.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 "search.myprivate-search.com", 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 rapid image search browser hijacker, 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 "Rapid Image Search", 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 "Rapid Image Search", remove hxxp://search.myprivate-search.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 "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 rapid image search browser hijacker 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 rapid image search browser hijacker, 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 visit search.myprivate-search.com website?

Users are directed to search.myprivate-search.com primarily to boost traffic and make money for its operators. This allows them to show advertisements, track browsing habits, and send users to potentially harmful or untrustworthy websites.

Is visiting search.myprivate-search.com a threat to my privacy?

Search.myprivate-search.com is associated with a browser hijacker, and can collect user data. It may also direct users to unsafe websites and show unwanted ads, increasing the risk of privacy and security issues.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers are often installed or added alongside free or untrustworthy software, especially when users accept default installation settings. They can also be unknowingly downloaded from unofficial app stores, download managers, peer-to-peer networks, deceptive ads, or fake notifications from unsafe websites.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Rapid Image Search browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove browser hijackers. When multiple browser hijackers are present, they may be designed to prevent removal. In such cases, users have to remove all of them simultaneously.