This article is created in help of all users who want to remove GamesFriendly Search browser extension from affected browsers and PC.
GamesFriendly Search is a risky browser extension that is designed to alter essential browsers settings and then deliver a lot of nasty advertisements. It can change the settings of the preferred search engine and set a suspicious domain on the homepage and new tab page. Once installed on the browser it can obtain various details about you and your online behavior. The records are then used for advertising purposes and may be disclosed to third-parties.
Threat Summary
| Name | GamesFriendly Search |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The hijacker can change the homepage, search engine and new tab on each browser installed on the compromised machine. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of affected browsers will be switched to Newtab.review. You will be redirected and could see sponsored content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss GamesFriendly Search. |
GamesFriendly Search – Distribution
A few ways may be used for GamesFriendly Search delivery. The most common one is via third-party installers. А bundled package or a compromised freeware setup may install GamesFriendly Search hijacker without your awareness. The installations of additional potentially unwanted apps might be set by default. To prevent that side effect from you should try to find a Custom or an Advanced options menu and enter them. There you should be able to deselect the undesired additional content.
As another way of distribution of GamesFrienly Search appears to be the Chrome web store:
GamesFriendly Search is preliminarily developed to be compatible with Google Chrome browser. However, the redirect can affect the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Edge, Internet Explorer and Safari.
GamesFriendly Search – More Details
Once GamesFriendly Search gains access to the browser it alters essential settings to place a suspicious domain on the browser homepage and new tab page. Then it replaces the default search engine in order to force affected users to use a hoax one.
Instead of providing FREE unlimited games GamesFriendly Search can deliver additional undesired and harmful apps on the PC. Actually, its primary purpose is to collect various data from the users. As long as it is installed on the browsers it can:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Display notifications
- Change your search settings to: play.eanswers.com
The extension adds a green icon that appears next to the address bar. When clicked it opens an additional small window that provides several options:
- A search field only for games
- A few suggested games
- Hyperlink that lands on the domain of a gaming platform – f.cantstopplaying.com
- A share button
As long as the risky browser extension GamesFriendly Search is enabled it automatically obtains details about your browsing habits and online preferences. Unfortunately, the data records are used for the delivery of targeted content and a lot of annoying ads. As a result, you may notice slowed browser loads that significantly diminish your online experience. The ads are supposed to offer various kinds of products, services, games and apps that try to make you click on them.
Beware of intrusive banners, pop-ups, images, pages, pop-unders, links to sponsored content and other ads that are trying provide appealing game and other kinds of offers. Just a click on the wrong ad can land you on a compromised web page that is set to deliver severe malware infection like data locker ransomware.
GamesFriendly Search – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy page provides details about the kind of information collected from all users who having installed the GamesFriendly Search extension as well as how it is further used. The policy states that the intrusive extension is owned by FriendlyAppz. They may ask you to create an account in their platform afer GamesFriendly Search affects the browser. The registration step will ask you to provide the following information:
- Your name
- E-mail address
- Country of origin
- Telephone number
- Cookie information
- Website
- Company
If you want to keep your privacy it is better to avoid this step. In addiotion, they can obtain information related to your internet activity and online habits.
The collected data may be used for advertising purposes and further may be disclosed to third-parties. The prevention of any troublesome consequences as privacy theft and malware intrusions is possible by the complete GamesFriendly Search removal from the affected browsers and PC.
How to Remove GamesFriendly Search Redirect
To remove GamesFriendly Search manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal tutorial provided below. Have in mind that sometimes the manual removal may not be enough to eliminate completely the hijacker. So be advised to run a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool to locate all leftovers and then easily delete them with a few mouse clicks.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove GamesFriendly Search from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for GamesFriendly Search with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search (Windows).
Get rid of GamesFriendly Search from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search. 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 GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as GamesFriendly Search, 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 GamesFriendly Search (Mac)
Remove GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search will be removed.
Eliminate GamesFriendly Search 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".
GamesFriendly Search-FAQ
What Is GamesFriendly Search?
The GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search?
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 GamesFriendly Search?
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 GamesFriendly Search Work?
Once installed, GamesFriendly Search 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.
GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this GamesFriendly Search 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 GamesFriendly Search?
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 GamesFriendly Search threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.