The Qcom Search Bar is a suspicious Chrome extension that functions similarly to a browser hijacker. Once installed, it modifies the your Chrome browser’s settings without permission, redirecting searches and homepage settings to unfamiliar and often dubious search engines.
The extension tends to manipulate search results, steering users toward potentially unsafe websites filled with ads, pop-ups, and other malicious content. Also, it may track browsing activity, collecting personal data for unauthorized purposes, further compromising user privacy.
Users often find it difficult to remove, as it can resist uninstallation efforts, making it a persistent and invasive presence in the browser. Thus, using an automatic removal tool may be the best option to remove all traces of Qcom Search Bar.
Qcom Search Bar Details
| Name | Qcom Search Bar |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Removal Time | Less than 15 Minutes |
| Removal Tool |
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Qcom Search Bar Chrome Extension – More Details
How does encountering such a suspicious browser extension impact your online experience? Learn more about questionable sites’ objectives and explore the options of dealing with them in the sections below.
First of all, let’s delve into the techniques such extensions and their creators use to spread across the web.
How Did I Get It?
The extension has been available for download on Chrome Web Store, but is currently disabled. However, it is still available for download on the Softonic platform:
N.B. While Softonic does provide legitimate software, the site is known for bundling downloads with additional unwanted programs, such as adware, toolbars, or other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). These extra installations can clutter your system, slow down performance, or even compromise your privacy and security.
If you decide to use Softonic, be cautious during the installation process. Always opt for custom installation if available, and carefully uncheck any additional software that you don’t want. In addition, it’s generally considered safer to download software directly from the official website of the developer or from well-known and trusted platforms like the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, or other reputable sources.
Is It a Virus?
By definition, such extensions are not classified as computer viruses but rather as adware and potentially unwanted programs. However, they are known to cause suspicious redirects which could take you to compromised and phishing pages.
Qcom Search Bar Browser Extension Removal Options
To remove Qcom Search Bar and all its associated components, you should consider completing several removal steps. The removal guide below provides both manual and automatic removal methods. To completely get rid of the files caused by visiting suspicious pages, we recommend that you combine the steps.
The manual removal may be quite a complicated process that requires tech-savvy skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, you can rely entirely on automatic removal via an anti-malware program.
Manual Versus Automated Removal Methods
While manual detection offers a firsthand check, it might not catch all adware and browser-hijacking components, especially those hidden within the system. Automated detection methods, using tools like antivirus programs, provide a more thorough approach.
They scan the device’s files and memory for known adware signatures and behaviors, offering a comprehensive method to identify and remove unwanted software. For users seeking a reliable solution for adware removal, SpyHunter can be a powerful ally in combating threats like the Qcom Search Bar extension, ensuring your device’s security and performance are not compromised.
If you’re an experienced user and prefer a hands-on approach, you can attempt to remove Qcom Search Bar’s files manually. However, proceed with caution, as manual removal involves altering system settings and registry entries, which can have unintended consequences if not done correctly.
- Uninstall suspicious applications: Start by removing any recently installed or unknown applications from your system.
- Clean your browsers: Remove suspicious extensions, reset your browser settings to default, and clear the cache to eliminate any adware residue.
- Scan for residual files: Look for and delete any leftover files or folders associated with Qcom Search Bar in your system directories.
- Keep in mind that manual removal does not guarantee complete eradication of all adware components, and using a dedicated tool like SpyHunter may still be necessary for a thorough cleanup.
Why Opt for a Professional Adware Removal Tool?
Choosing a professional adware removal tool is paramount for those aiming to efficiently and safely eliminate unwanted programs that cause redirects to Qcom Search Bar.
Tools like SpyHunter are crafted to quickly identify, isolate, and remove intrusive pieces of software, ensuring that every trace is eradicated completely. Unlike basic antivirus software, they offer a comprehensive scan that detects hidden adware, providing a clean slate for your device.
SpyHunter stands out as a critical ally in the battle against adware and browser hijackers. By offering a thorough scanning process, it can detect adware elements that standard antivirus programs may miss. SpyHunter’s tailored approach ensures that it can identify and neutralize the threats posed by adware.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Qcom Search Bar from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Qcom Search Bar with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Qcom Search Bar and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Qcom Search Bar on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Qcom Search Bar there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Qcom Search Bar (Windows).
Get rid of Qcom Search Bar from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Qcom Search Bar and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Qcom Search Bar. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Qcom Search Bar via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Qcom Search Bar files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Qcom Search Bar, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Qcom Search Bar (Mac)
Remove Qcom Search Bar from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Qcom Search Bar from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Qcom Search Bar from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Qcom Search Bar from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Qcom Search Bar will be removed.
Eliminate Qcom Search Bar from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Qcom Search Bar-FAQ
What Is Qcom Search Bar?
The Qcom Search Bar threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Qcom Search Bar?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Qcom Search Bar?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Qcom Search Bar Work?
Once installed, Qcom Search Bar can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Qcom Search Bar can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Qcom Search Bar Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Qcom Search Bar Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Qcom Search Bar how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Qcom Search Bar?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Qcom Search Bar threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.