What Is FreeSearchVideos
FreeSearchVideos is the name of a browser redirect, whose main idea is to get in your computer and get you to see various forms of ads. Applications, like FreeSearchVideos, are often monetized by showing you different types of ads, some of which may often lead to virus or scam sites. The main reason for that is because these ads are shown by ad networks that may not be verified through official channels, making FreeSearchVideos indirectly dangerous for your Mac.
Read this article if you want to learn more about how FreeSearchVideos works and how you can get rid of this nasty application from your computer.
FreeSearchVideos Summary
Name | FreeSearchVideos |
Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP / Scam Redirect |
Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your computer. |
Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FreeSearchVideos. |
FreeSearchVideos – What Does It Do?
FreeSearchVideos is an app that appears to be helpful but is actually considered a browser hijacker. Many apps, like this one exist out there and only recently we have written about some very nasty ones of this kind – File Converter Pro, NewProduct adware, Ad Cleaner, GetStreamSearch, BestSearchPDF and VideoSearchUSA.
These programs are not considered viruses, but they may be just as dangerous. For instance, most of them show ads that often contain trackers. These are small files dropped on your computer and they include cookies, pixels, tags, and other programs of this kind. The main issue this poses for your computer is you could have the following details from your browser to be gathered without your knowledge or consent:
- Where you have clicked online and what your mouse movements are.
- Sites that are bookmarked.
- Which pages you have visited.
- Your browsing history.
- Your search history.
And while trackers are a serious issue, they are not the biggest one. The main problem concerning this app is the following ads it might display on your machine, significantly slowing it down:
- Third-party site redirects.
- Web banners.
- Push promotion pop-ups.
- Browser pop-up ads.
- Ads that show up instead of search results.
- Highlighted text ads.
And be advised that these ads are mainly a problem, because they are shown for profit without any regards to the websites they might take you to. If you see them, there is a significant chance you could be misled into being redirected to the following risky domains:
- Fake surveys.
- Fraud websites.
- Fake software download sites.
- Endless redirect schemes.
- Fake or phishing sites.
- Viruses and other malware.
- Fake tech support scams.
This is why removing apps, like FreeSearchVideos from your computer is something that is strongly recommended by experts.
Remove FreeSearchVideos from Your Device
If you want to get rid of FreeSearchVideos from your machine, we would strongly recommend that you follow the removal instructions that have been posted beneath this article. These steps have been made with the main idea to best help you detect and remove FreeSearchVideos from your computer and the browsers installed in it. Furthermore, be advised that for the full and most effective removal of apps, like FreeSearchVideos you should make sure to scan your computer using advanced anti-malware software. Such a program is specifically created with the main purpose to best assist you in the detection and removal of such applications, malware and other viruses and protect your computer in the future as well.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove FreeSearchVideos from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for FreeSearchVideos with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall FreeSearchVideos 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:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos (Windows).
Get rid of FreeSearchVideos from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos. 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 FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FreeSearchVideos, 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 FreeSearchVideos (Mac)
Remove FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos will be removed.
Eliminate FreeSearchVideos 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".
FreeSearchVideos-FAQ
What Is FreeSearchVideos?
The FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos?
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 FreeSearchVideos?
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 FreeSearchVideos Work?
Once installed, FreeSearchVideos 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.
FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FreeSearchVideos 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 FreeSearchVideos?
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 FreeSearchVideos threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.