Remove Google Custom Search - Here's how
If your search queries are forwarded to "Google Custom Search" in the browser, you must remove malware from the laptop. Otherwise, websites will appear with dubious content that, in the worst case, can load even more viruses onto your PC. This practical tip shows you how to remove Google Custom Search (GCS).
Step 1: Remove Google Custom Search from your browser
All your searches will be redirected to Google Custom Search because a program - such as malware - has changed the proxy settings on your computer. To prevent this, you must first adjust the Internet settings.
- Under Windows click on "Start" or open the search in the Control Panel and enter the term "Internet Options".
- As soon as you select the search result, a new window appears with the name "Internet Properties".
- Change here to the "Connections" tab.
- Below is the "LAN Settings" button.
- Remove the checkmark at "Use proxy server for LAN" and confirm the settings with "OK".
Step 2: Uninstall suspicious programs
The redirects should now be blocked, but there is probably still an unwanted application on your computer. It is now necessary to delete them.
- To do this, search for the recently added programs under Windows and remove them.
- In a separate practical tip you will find instructions on how to uninstall programs in Windows.
Step 3.1: Either ... delete toolbars from Chrome, Firefox, Opera and IE
If you do not want to lose all browser settings, you can try to expel the malware using milder methods. Usually the toolbars and add-ns are also uninstalled if you remove them as described in the second paragraph. However, some are more persistent, so you also have to delete them from the browser. The following practical tips will help you to uninstall the excess extensions:
- Remove add-ons from Chrome
- Remove extensions from Firefox
- Delete add-ons from Opera
- Uninstall add-ons in Internet Explorer
Step 3.2: Or ... Reset browser and delete Google Custom Search
However, it is even safer to reset your browser completely.
- Instructions for Google Chrome
- Instructions for Firefox
- Instructions for IE
- Instructions for Opera
Step 4: clean up browser links from GCS
Your browser links can also refer to an address with adware. Therefore, you still have to check them and clean them up accordingly.
- To do this, select the shortcuts of all your browsers one after the other by right-clicking (including the shortcuts in the taskbar).
- In the "Links" tab you will find the "Destination" entry. There should be nothing behind "C: \ ..... \ Mozilla Firefox \ firefox.exe". Delete any entries after "firefox.exe" and confirm with "Apply".
Step 5: Scan system for remains of Google Custom Search
To remove all instances of GCS, you should still scan your system with specialized scanners.
- AdwCleaner: Checks your system for adware.
- Malwarebytes - Malware Scanner: Powerful scanner for malware and other malware.
- Avast Browser Cleanup: Removes annoying and harmful toolbars and other adware.
It is still advisable to use an up-to-date virus scanner. In the next article you will find a test for 20 anti-virus programs.