How to remove Searc.me

What is Searc.me

Searc.me is a type of adware that infects computers and web browsers by changing browser settings and displaying unwanted advertisements. It typically enters a computer through bundled software installations, malicious websites, or email attachments. Once installed, Searc.me modifies browser settings such as the homepage, default search engine, and new tab page to redirect users to its own search engine and display advertisements.

Searc.me adware can also collect user data such as browsing history, search queries, and IP addresses to display targeted advertisements. This can lead to a compromised user experience, slower browsing speeds, and a higher risk of falling victim to other malware or phishing attacks. Users are advised to regularly scan their devices for adware and malware, avoid downloading software from untrusted sources, and be cautious of clicking on suspicious links or advertisements.

Searc.me Automated Removal Tools

Solution for Windows user

Download Spyhunter for Windows

SpyHunter 5 is a powerful malware detection and removal tool developed by EnigmaSoft Limited. It’s designed to provide robust protection against a wide range of malware threats, including viruses, trojans, worms, rootkits, and ransomware. SpyHunter 5 is particularly known for its effectiveness in dealing with complex and evolving malware types that traditional antivirus programs may struggle to detect.

Solution for Mac user

Download Spyhunter for Mac

SpyHunter for Mac is a comprehensive cybersecurity software developed by EnigmaSoft Limited, tailored specifically for macOS. It’s designed to offer advanced protection against a wide array of threats specifically targeting the Mac ecosystem, including malware, adware, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

Manual Searc.me Removal Guide

Below are step-by-step instructions to remove Searc.me 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 Searc.me.

Uninstall Searc.me or programs related to Searc.me from Windows or Mac

Windows 11:

1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. In the Start menu, locate and click on the Settings gear icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows key + I to open the Settings directly.
3. In the Settings window, click on Apps in the sidebar.
4. Click on Apps & features. This will show you a list of all the installed programs on your Windows 11 computer.
5. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find Searc.me.
6. Click on the three dots (…) next to the program you want to remove, and select Uninstall.
7. A prompt may appear asking for confirmation that you want to uninstall the program. Confirm by clicking Uninstall again.
8. Some programs may have their own uninstallation wizards that will open up. Follow any additional prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Check for Leftover Files (Optional): After uninstallation, some programs might leave behind residual files or settings. You can use third-party cleaning tools or manually check common locations like the Program Files folder or the Windows Registry for leftovers.

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 Searc.me or 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 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 Searc.me or programs potentially related to it;
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 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 Searc.me or programs potentially related to it;
5. Click Uninstall;
6. Follow the instructions on the screen or wait until program will be uninstalled.

Windows XP:

1. Click Start;
2. Click Control Panel;
3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs;
4. Find Searc.me or programs potentially related to it 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 Searc.me or apps potentially related to it;
4. Move it to trash bin;
5. Follow on-screen instructions;

Programs related to Searc.me won’t uninstall:

Sometimes, some malicious process or service won’t allow user to uninstall Searc.me 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 programs related to Searc.me. 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.

Remember, uninstalling a program will remove it from your computer along with its settings and data. If you think you might need the program again in the future, consider whether you have the installation files or access to download it again. Also, always be cautious when dealing with system or utility apps that come pre-installed with Windows, as removing them could affect system stability.

Remove Searc.me malicious extension

Here are detailed instructions for removing malicious browser extensions related to Searc.me from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari:

Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Access Extensions by clicking on the three vertical dots, hover over More tools, and click Extensions.
3. Find Searc.me.
4. Remove extensions by clicking on Remove.
5. Confirm Removal by clicking Remove in the dialog box.
6. Close and restart Chrome (Optional).

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Access Add-ons and Themes via the menu or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + A.
3. Select suspicious extensions in the Add-ons Manager.
4. Locate Searc.me.
5. Remove extensions by clicking on the three dots and selecting Remove.
6. Confirm and restart Firefox (Optional).

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Go to Extensions by clicking the three horizontal dots.
3. Find Searc.me.
4. Uninstall extensions by clicking Remove.
5. Confirm removal by clicking Remove in the pop-up.
6. Restart Edge (Optional).

Safari (macOS)

1. Open Safari.
2. Open Safari Preferences from the menu bar.
3. Switch to the Extensions tab.
4. Locate Searc.me.
5. Uninstall extensions by clicking Uninstall.
6. Confirm the uninstallation if prompted.
7. Restart Safari (Optional).

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove the Searc.me extension from the respective browsers. If you encounter any issues, ensure that you are using the latest version of the browser, as the process may vary slightly with different versions.

How to reset browser settings?

Resetting browser settigs can help resolve issues with the browser’s performance or functionality. It will restore browsers to their default settings, but it’s important to note that this action may clear your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Launch the Chrome browser on your computer.
2. Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the browser window and select Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Settings menu, scroll down and click on Advanced to expand more options.
4. Scroll down to the Reset and clean up section.
5. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
6. A prompt will appear, explaining what will be reset. Click on Reset settings to confirm.
7. Close and reopen Chrome to complete the reset process.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start the Firefox browser on your computer.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the browser to open the menu.
3. Click on Help (a question mark icon) at the bottom of the menu.
4. In the Help menu, click on Troubleshooting Information.
5. Click on Refresh Firefox at the top right of the new tab. This will open a dialog box explaining what will be reset.
6. Click Refresh Firefox in the dialog box to confirm.
7. Firefox will close and reset. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click Finish and Firefox will reopen.

Reset Microsoft Edge:

1. Start the Edge browser on your computer.
2. Click on the three horizontal dots (...) in the upper right corner of the Edge window to open the menu. Then select Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. On the left side of the Settings window, click on Reset settings. If you don’t see this option, you might need to click on the three lines at the top left to expand the sidebar.
4. Click on Restore settings to their default values. This option is intended to reset Edge to its original settings.
5. A prompt will appear warning you that resetting will restore your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be deleted. Click Reset to confirm.
6. Close and reopen Microsoft Edge to ensure the changes take effect.

Reset Safari:

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

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.

How to block unwanted pop-up ads and notifications, that promote Searc.me

In order to block pop-ups that promote Searc.me you can use AdGuard. AdGuard is a comprehensive ad blocking software designed to remove ads from web pages, block tracking cookies, and protect users from malware. It works across various devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. AdGuard is not just limited to blocking ads; it also offers features like parental controls and privacy protection, ensuring a safer and more streamlined browsing experience. It’s particularly popular among users who seek to enhance their online privacy and reduce distractions while surfing the web.

Download AdGuard

How to prevent malware infection?

As many potentially unwanted programs, Searc.me 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.