Windows as we know it is based on hundreds if not thousands of small subprocesses that keep everything together. That said, these background processes can also be rather complicated to understand for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
A lot of malware authors name their malware after legitimate Windows services in an attempt to avoid detection. In this article, we’re talking about what is GetSearchRedirecting, what it does and whether or not it’s a virus.
Also read: What does XHCI hand off mean?
GetSearchRedirecting explained
GetSearchRedirecting is a browser hijacker malware that’s compatible with most Windows versions. The adware attaches itself to the main browser and starts spamming it with popups and banners. Users often get infected by visiting malicious sites that have the ability to run popups and execute malicious code in the browser, eventually infecting the system.
Outside of just spamming your browser with ads, the adware can also collect browsing data from the infected device, making it a serious threat.
How to tell you’ve been infected?
One of the first signs of infection is your browser being redirected to getsearchredirecting.com. Outside of this, seeing changes on your browser’s homepage or another search engine set as the default are also signs of infection.
New extensions that you haven’t installed can also show up when a browser is infected with malware. Last but not least, random pop-ups and notifications from applications or websites you don’t recognise are also an indicator.Â
Also read: Windows cannot connect to the printer: 8 Fixes
How to remove the adware?
Here are four solutions you can take to remove the GetSearchRedirecting adware.
Run an antivirus scan
Usually, running an antivirus scan will remove most if not all malware on your PC. Here’s how you can run a full scan on your PC using Windows Security.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Windows Security. Click the corresponding search result.
Step 2: Click Virus & threat protection.
Step 3: Click Scan options.
Step 4: Select Full scan and click Scan now to start scanning your PC for malware.
Alternatively, you can also use a third-party antivirus or antimalware like Malwarebytes to scan your PC and remove any suspicious software.Â
Also read: Can you Venmo yourself?
Remove the program in safe mode
If you’ve been infected, chances are the infectious program will show up in your apps and programs list in Windows settings. To safely remove it, boot your PC into safe mode and remove the program.
Step 1: Hold down the power button for about ten seconds to power off your PC.
Step 2: Press the power button again to boot your PC.
Step 3: As soon as you see the PC manufacturer’s logo, press and hold the power button for ten seconds.
Step 4: When your PC reboots, click on Troubleshoot.
Step 5: Head over to Advanced Options.
Step 5: Select Startup Settings.
After this, select Safe Mode with Networking and wait for your computer to finish booting. Once in the safe mode, open the task manager, right-click the malware’s process and select the Show file location option. This will take you to the folder where the malware’s files are stored. You can delete them from here and get rid of the malware for good.
Check for rogue DNS and Hosts
Checking the Windows hosts file and DNS settings for any rogue DNS or hosts set by the adware is also an important step in protecting your system.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Enter the following command and press enter. Be careful to omit the spaces in the path.
notepad % windir % / system32 / Drivers / etc / hosts
Step 2: Check to see if there are any suspicious IP addresses in the host file under the Localhost heading. If you see anything you suspect, remove it from the file.
Step 3: Press Windows key + I to open the Windows settings and click on Network & Internet.
Step 4: Click on Change adaptor options.
Step 5: Right-click on your active network (WiFi or LAN) and click Properties.
Step 6: Find Internet Protocol Version 4 in the list, click on it and then click Properties.
Step 7: Click the Advanced button at the bottom right.
Step 8: Check to see if there are any rogue DNS addresses in the DNS tab.
Once everything is in order, restart your system and you should be good to go.
Repair your system
If nothing else works, the best way to get rid of the virus is by simply reinstalling or repairing your OS.
The Windows Media Creation tool is a great way to install Windows and repair the OS. Using this, you can perform a clean installation or repair your OS without affecting your data.
You can download the Media Creation Tool here
Also read: What does ‘Failed to enumerate objects in the container’ mean? 5 Fixes
