This article is created to help you remove Only-search.com browser hijacker from affected browsers and Windows system. In case that you want to start the removal right now, you can go straight to the instructions at the end of the article.
In case that the suspicious domain Only-search.com appears each time you open a preferred browser, you have installed a browser hijacker on your device. Browser hijackers are potentially unwanted programs that may sneak into the system without your knowledge and then alter essential browser settings. As Only-search.com is considered to act like a typical browser hijacker once it invades the system it changes the settings of your browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine. You may also notice an increased number of online advertisements during your browsing sessions.
Threat Summary
| Name | Only-search.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The domain Only-search.com can be set as homepage and new tab on each affected browser. A rogue search engine is set as default one. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of affected browsers can display the main page of Only-search.com hijacker. Many redirects and advertisements can occur during browsing sessions. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Only-search.com. |
Only-search.com – Spread Techniques
Only-search.com can be classified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) due to the shady techniques that are often used for its distribution. In general, PUPs may sneak into the system via compromised third-party installers. The unwanted app that appears each time you start the browser, may be hidden in freeware setups and bundled software packages. You can easily miss its installation as developers of many freeware programs do not disclose appropriately all the additional components of the installer. As a result, you may imperceptibly install them on the PC. In some cases, such unwanted side effect can be avoided by selecting the “Advanced” or “Custom” options of the setup where all the components should be described.
Only-search.com may be distributed also is via various online advertisements like banners, pop-ups, and pop-unders. They may land you on a compromised web page that is set to install the hijacker. Once you visit the page it may deliver the hijacker via a technique called drive-by-download.
Only-search.com hijacker can affect the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Edge, Internet Explorer and Safari.
Only-search.com – Impact
As a hijacker Only-search.com is likely to alter essential browser settings without your consent. And that’s the reason why you may see it appear on the homepage and each new tab page you open in the browser. The hijacker pushes a dubious search engine as well. The picture below depicts its main page:
Currently, its main page has a simple design that resembled a lot the design of some reliable search engines like Google and Bing. However, its search engine generates suspicious results 14 of which are well covert advertisements. This is a proof that one of the primary aims of Only-search.com creators is to trick you into clicking on the provided ads so they can gain money revenue via the pay-per-click advertising model.
Unfortunately, most of the web results are of unknown origin and visiting them may result in the delivery of severe malware infections.
Be careful what information you enter in the search field of Only-search.com as the website can record each your search query on its servers. Then as you may guess the owners of the hijacker may use the records to deliver you more targeted advertisements and sponsored content.
Only-search.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy page of Only-search.com gives insight on the kind of information obtained and collected by the website. The page can be accessed by the bottom navigation menu on the hijacker’s main page. The policy states that Babylon Ltd. is the company owner of Only-search.com hijacker. Yet another browser hijacker associated with the same owner is Opti-page.com.
The picture below depicts part of the Privacy Policy of Only-search.com:
In the policy the company acknowledges that their services automatically collect of the following details once a user chooses to utilize their services:
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Browser user agent
- Referring page
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- Date/time stamp
- email (in case you provide it)
Babylon Ltd. can use the obtained information to provide targeted advertisements and sponsored content during each your browsing session.
In addition, the website installs cookies on your computer. These cookies allow the hijacker to track more details about you and your browsing habits. Even though the cookies are not designed to obtain automatically any personally identifiable information, if you provide any details Only-search.com has the right to record them on its servers.
If you don’t feel quite comfortable with having a suspicious website that collects sensitive data you provide online, you should remove Only-search.com browser hijacker from your system and browser.
How to Remove Only-search.com Hijacker
Below are listed all the steps that will help you to remove Only-search.com hijacker completely from an affected Chrome, Mozilla, Explorer, or Safari browser. The guide includes steps that reveal how to remove the nasty program from the Windows system as well. You can choose whether to follow a manual or an automatic removal. Once you complete the manual removal some leftovers may remain on the system so you need to check out whether your PC is safe or not. With a scan of an advanced anti-malware tool, you will be able to locate all harmful files and remove them completely from the PC.
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 Only-search.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Only-search.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com (Windows).
Get rid of Only-search.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com. 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 Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Only-search.com, 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 Only-search.com (Mac)
Remove Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com will be removed.
Eliminate Only-search.com 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".
Only-search.com-FAQ
What Is Only-search.com?
The Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com?
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 Only-search.com?
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 Only-search.com Work?
Once installed, Only-search.com 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.
Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Only-search.com 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 Only-search.com?
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 Only-search.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.