What Is iStart Search Bar?
The iStart Search Bar software has been reported by security experts as being a potentially unwanted program and a browser hijacker. A browser hijacker is a type of malware that changes the settings of a web browser without the user’s knowledge or consent. It can redirect the user to websites they did not intend to visit, alter search results, display pop-up ads, and more.
This software’s main activity revolves around the ads it may show on your browsers. The app may attack Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and even Safari browsers. Once on your computer, this risky application could begin to modify the preferences and system properties of your browsers. This will result in the iStart Search Bar appearing instead of your typical search site. Your new tab and home tab pages may also be changed.
Read this article to learn how to fully remove the iStart Search Bar from your browsers and also your computer.
iStart Search Bar Summary
| Name | iStart Search Bar |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| 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 machine. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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iStart Search Bar – How Did I Get It?
The iStart Search Bar browser hijacker is very similar to other risky software we have recently detected, such as IncognitoSearchTech, SecuryBrowse and SearchConverterPro.
What is common between these apps is the methods they use to get inside your computer. The iStart Search Bar may be advertised as an “optional offer” or a “free extra” somewhere in the installation steps of another program you could have recently installed. Those steps are hidden in the “Custom” install mode and often users tend to miss them since they often click on the “Express” installation.
What Does It Do?
Once added to your computer, iStart Search Bar may start showing a lot of ads. These ads may appear under different forms, for example:
- Browser Redirects.
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Push notifications.
iStart Search Bar may not only slow your computer down via the ads it shows. These advertisements may have different types of trackers that are added in them. Such can be::
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- Cookies.
- Location trackers.
- LSOs
These objects can be added on your computer and they may remain for years of time if not cleaned up from your browser. They can be used to obtain different information concerning your online activities, like where you browse, what you search, where you click, what bookmarks you have and others. This information may be aggregated to you and along with other victims’ data, it may be sold or transferred to other parties without your knowledge or consent.
But tracking you is likely the least of your concern if you see this software appearing on your browser. The main reason for that is such risky software could lead you to very dangerous websites, since its creators do not care what type of ads they are showing to you. This means that the hijacker could sometimes advertise risky websites, such as:
- Scam surveys.
- Fake Tech Support.
- Fraud retailer stores.
- Phishing pages.
- Virus websites.
Is iStart Search Bar a Computer Virus?
No, iStart Search Bar is not a virus, but it has specific properties and is used for illegal activities to access emails, accounts, financial documents, and other sensitive data without the user’s knowledge or authorization.
Is It Dangerous?
Serious repercussions are associated with this program, varying from hampering the PC’s capability to stealing data and potentially causing irreparable harm.
How to Protect My Computer from iStart Search Bar?
These simple tips will help you protect against browser hijackers:
- Don’t download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
- Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
- Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
- Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
- Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
- Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.
Remove iStart Search Bar from Your Browser and Computer
For the removal of this nasty software, we recommend that you follow the iStart Search Bar removal guides below. They are made to help you delete this program from both your web browsers and your computer. To achieve the best removal results, be advised that security experts strongly advise that you get rid of it from your computer preferably by downloading and scanning your machine using anti-malware software. Such a professional program will effectively remove all the files that are unwanted or viruses from your computer and eliminate any trackers from it.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove iStart Search Bar from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for iStart Search Bar with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart Search Bar (Windows).
Get rid of iStart Search Bar from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart Search Bar files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as iStart 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 iStart Search Bar (Mac)
Remove iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart Search Bar will be removed.
Eliminate iStart 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".
iStart Search Bar-FAQ
What Is iStart Search Bar?
The iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart Search Bar Work?
Once installed, iStart 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.
iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart Search Bar Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this iStart 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 iStart 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 iStart Search Bar threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.