How to remove Defend Search from Windows/Mac

What is Defend Search

Defend Search is a browser hijacker, that may look like a legit browser extension to some users, but don’t let the appearance fool you. Though this application is not quite dangerous for a system, it may still become your headache. Defend Search will change your homepage and search engine without your consent. Modified search engine will display a lot of third-party advertisement. This extension will also collect your personal data, like search and browsing history. In this article you may learn how to remove Defend Search redirect.

Malware like this one is commonly installed without your knowledge with some other software that you may have downloaded from the internet – that’s called bundling, it’s quite widely spread method of malware distribution.

Defend Search Removal Guide

1. Download Defend Search Removal Tool.
2. Remove Defend Search from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS.
3. Remove Defend Search from browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari).
4. What should you do if Defend Search won’t uninstall.
5. How to protect PC from future infections.

Defend Search Automated Removal Tools:

Solution for Mac user:

Download Combo Cleaner Antivirus (Mac)

Malwarebytes for Mac is an anti-malware tool, that is able to locate and eliminate Defend Search malware from your Mac with all its leftovers.

Solution for Windows user:

Download Norton Security Thor Home may help you to get rid of this virus and clean up your system. In case you need a proper and reliable antivirus, we recommend you to try it.

Manual Defend Search Removal Guide

Below is step-by-step instructions to remove Defend Search from Windows and Mac computers. Follow this steps carefully and uninstall it from Control Panel, remove malicious browser extensions from browsers and remove files and folders belonging to Defend Search.

Uninstall Defend Search from Windows or Mac

Windows 7/Vista:

1. Click Start;
2. Click Control Panel;
3. Click Uninstall a program (if computer’s settings are sorted by Category);
   Click Programs and Features (if computer’s settings are sorted by Icons);
4. Find programs potentially related to Defend Search;
5. Click Uninstall;
6. Follow the instructions on the screen or wait until program will be uninstalled.

Windows 8/8.1:

1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, then tap Search (If you are using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, then click Search.);
2. Enter control panel in the search box, then tap or click Control Panel;
3. Under View by: select Large Icons, then tap or click Programs and features;
4. Find programs potentially related to Defend Search;
5. Tap or click the program, then tap or click Uninstall;
6. Follow the instructions on the screen or wait until program will be uninstalled.

Windows 10:

1. Tap or click Start and choose Settings;
2. In opened menu choose System;
3. Under System menu tap or click Apps & features tab;
4. Find Defend Search and other suspicious programs that can be related to it;
5. Tap or click on the program, then tap or click Uninstall;
6. Confirm action by clicking Uninstall.

Windows XP:

1. Click Start;
2. Click Control Panel;
3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs;
4. Find programs potentially related to Defend Search and click on them;
5. Click to Remove;
6. Follow the instructions on the screen or wait until program will be uninstalled.

Mac OS:

1. On the Finder menu click Go;
2. On the right side choose Applications;
3. Locate Defend Search;
4. Move it to trash bin;
5. Follow on-screen instructions;

Defend Search won’t uninstall:

Sometimes, some malicious process or service won’t allow user to uninstall Defend Search or remove is files. In such case, you can boot Windows in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with networking go to Control Panel and try to uninstall Defend Search. Safe Mode does not allow malicious processes or services to start with Windows.

Learn how to boot in Safe Mode in different versions of Windows.

How to reset browser settings?

After removing malware, we recommend to reset browser settings to default.

Safari:

1. Open Safari.
2. Select Safari menu.
3. Choose Reset Safari….
4. Click Reset button.

Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome;
2. a) Click on Options Icon or press Alt+E, Alt+F, then click Settings;
   b) Type “chrome://settings/” in address bar;
3. Click a link Show advanced settings;
4. Turn down and click Reset settings;
5. Click Reset.

Internet Explorer:

1. Open Internet Explorer;
2. Press Alt, click Tools, or Click on Gear Icon;
3. Click Internet Options;
4. Click Advanced tab;
5. Click Reset;
6. Mark Delete Personal Settings, Click Reset.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox;
2. a) Press Alt+H, then click Troubleshooting Information;
   b) Type “about:support” in address bar;
3. At the Right-Top Corner click Reset Firefox;
4. Click Reset Firefox.

How to prevent malware infection?

Malwarebytes

Download Norton Security

Malwarebytes AntiVirus is a reliable anti-malware application, that is able not only to detect and completely remove malware, but protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly.