Launchpage.org is a deceptive search engine that imitates Google and forces you to use its services. It alters main browser settings without your permission. That’s why Launchpage.org is classified as a browser hijacker. One of its main goals is to obtain certain details from your browser as it needs them for the generation of sponsored content. Keep up with our removal guide for Launchpage.org hijacker.
Threat Summary
| Name | Launchpage.org |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable search engine that replaces browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Every time you open your preferred web browser it loads the main page of Launchpage.org. Main browser settings are altered. Your browser is inundated with many ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Launchpage.org. |
Launchpage.org Browser Hijacker – Spread and Impact
Launchpage.org is a hoax search engine that is considered by many as a virus but in fact is a browser hijacker. Browser hijackers are potentially unwanted programs that sneak into computer devices and modify browser settings without users’ consent. Even though they do not aim to damage affected PCs, their presence disrupts significantly system security.
In the majority of cases, the spread of potentially unwanted programs like Launchpage.org is realized via software bundles. So you might install them along with any desired and supposedly useful free third-party programs. Unfortunately, their installation could easily be missed as apps’ installers rarely disclose properly their presence. As a way to prevent unwanted apps from accessing your computer you could consider installing new apps with the help of the Advanced/Custom configuration option. Since sometimes this option reveals more information about present extra programs, it could help you to prevent their unattended installation.
In case of infection with Launchpage.org it could alter the settings of your browser homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. As a result, you start to see its main page every time you open the affected web browser.
By applying the above-stated changes this hijacker aims to force you to use its questionable services. Created in the same way as Google, the search engine aims to mislead you that it is a safe-to-use tool. However, it appears to be a hoax search engine that lacks its own database. So whenever you enter a search query, you are redirected to another browser tab where Google search results are displayed.
In addition, the hijacker could cause redirects to various poorly secured websites. Since such websites are often part of shady advertising campaigns, they are likely to present you misleading offers. So be advised to avoid any interactions with those websites.
Furthermore, once installed on your system, Launchpage.org becomes able to spy on almost all your online activities. This could be explained by the fact that it aims to learn more about your interests and then make you a target of tailored sponsored content. Eventually, as long as this undesired program is running on your device, it could be flooding your affected browser with lots of pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, in-text links and other types of online ads.
How to Remove Launchpage.org Browser Hijacker
In order to remove Launchpage.org hijacker along with all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. In the guide below you will find all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of this particular undesired program and strengthen the security of your device we recommend you to combine the steps. Have in mind that installed files associated with this hijacker may be detected with names different than Launchpage.org.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us at our email.
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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- Guide 1: How to Remove Launchpage.org from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Launchpage.org from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Launchpage.org from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Launchpage.org from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Launchpage.org from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Launchpage.org from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Launchpage.org from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Launchpage.org from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Launchpage.org
Step 2: Uninstall Launchpage.org and related software from Windows
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 3: Clean any registries, created by Launchpage.org on your computer.
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 Launchpage.org 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.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Launchpage.org from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Launchpage.org and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 Launchpage.org 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 Launchpage.org files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Launchpage.org, 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Launchpage.org 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Launchpage.org 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Launchpage.org 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Launchpage.org 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 Launchpage.org will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Launchpage.org 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.
