How to remove GamingSearch hijacker

What is GamingSearch

GamingSearch is a browser hijacker that comes to the computer without the consent of the user. This is a search engine that looks very similar to similar search engines, such as Google or Yahoo. Moreover, the developers promise that this will increase the efficiency of the browser and search, and also has useful functions for searching games of various genres. In fact, this is not so. This is an annoying potentially unwanted program, namely malware. After penetration, this changes the browser settings, including the homepage. Moreover, it can collect and analyze user data, including browser history, internet activity. This information may be disclosed to third parties for commercial purposes. We strongly recommend that you remove GamingSearch hijacker if you find it on your system.

In most cases, potentially unwanted programs, such as adware and malware, come without the user’s consent, complete with free programs and the Internet. This happens because users rarely pay attention to the installation package that they receive when they download a program. Scammers often hide malware as an additional component of the installation package. You need to closely monitor the installation process, and also pay attention to the list of components and elements of the program. Moreover, you need to use special software that is able to prevent the penetration of such threats. If GamingSearch has already penetrated your computer, then you need to use our recommendations, which are listed below, to remove it.

GamingSearch Removal Guide

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

GamingSearch Automated Removal Tools:

Solution for Windows and Mac users:

Download Removal Tool

Malwarebytes 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.

Solution for Mac user:

Download Combo Cleaner Antivirus (Mac)Malwarebytes for Mac is a removal tool, that is able to locate and eliminate GamingSearch pop-up from your Mac and boost your computer’s productivity.

How to remove GamingSearch manually

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

Uninstall GamingSearch 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 GamingSearch;
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 GamingSearch;
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 GamingSearch 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 GamingSearch 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 GamingSearch;
4. Move it to trash bin;
5. Follow on-screen instructions;

GamingSearch won’t uninstall:

Sometimes, some malicious process or service won’t allow user to uninstall GamingSearch 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 GamingSearch. 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 resetting browser settings to default.

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.

Safari:

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

How to prevent malware infection?

As many potentially unwanted programs, GamingSearch uses “bundling” to get installed on personal computers. Let me explain how it works. Malware is bound to freeware, so it can be installed with this freeware. To avoid malware installation, we recommend you not to download suspicious software from unknown sources and try to use only trusted websites.

Be attentive while installing those programs. Also try to use custom/advanced setup options to disable malware installation. But better to download only licensed software from official websites. If you still want to download such installers, make sure to uncheck or decline all unwanted offers.