What Is Searchhost.exe?
Searchhost.exe is a legitimate Windows file, part of Windows Search Indexer. However, there have been multiple cases of various malware, such as trojans and cryptocurrency miners, taking advantage of legitimate Windows files for their malicious purposes. In other words, Searchhost.exe could be exploited by malware. If you have noticed this file taking up lots of your computer’s resources, we suggest you run a full system scan to determine the cause of this behavior.
How to check whether Searchhost.exe is safe or not?
One way to perform such a check is by verifying the publisher of the file. You can do that by right-clicking the file and checking its properties for a legitimate publisher (in this case, Microsoft). If the file is signed by Microsoft, then it is most likely safe to use and you can leave the process running. However, if Searchhost.exe is not signed, then you should be alarmed that your system could be compromised. In any case, if you find yourself reading this article, then it is safe to assume that you have your doubts concerning Searchhost.exe.exe’s safety and origin. The best thing to do is making sure your Windows system is malware-free.
N.B. The article below will help you only in case Searchhost.exe is a malicious process.
Searchhost.exe Threat Summary
| Name | Searchhost.exe |
| Type | Infostealer, Malware, Trojan |
| Short Description | A dangerous malware which can steal sensitive information from infected systems. |
| Symptoms | Infected users may not notice any particular symptoms, as the infostealer is installed silently. |
| Distribution Method | Phishing emails, Exploit kits, Bundled with legitimate software |
| Detection Tool |
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Searchhost.exe – Overview
A malicious Searchhost.exe variant can invade Windows operating systems in a stealthy manner, via fake applications and infected sites. This type of malware can seriously damage an infected computer, as it may steal sensitive information and open a backdoor to more threats.
Other distribution tactics that the malware operators may use include fake software updates, malicious spam emails, and trojanized applications.
Shortly said, Searchhost.exe’s access to a computer enables it to create several malicious files that may compromise both the system and the network. Since such malware usually wants to remain undetected, you may spot it after it has successfully corrupted your operating system. One way to catch this threat is to notice that some of your installed programs do not run correctly.
The trojan may also aid the installation of additional malware on the system as it could open a backdoor. Since the added malware can be of any kind, your device may be hit by ransomware, spyware, another Trojan, adware, etc.
In most cases of trojan infections, the main goal is data theft. Hackers can steal sensitive login credentials for various accounts, perform fraudulent transactions, get access to your email accounts to send spam, and many more. We recommend using an advanced security tool for its complete removal. Otherwise, some elements installed by the infostealer may remain on your computer, leaving it vulnerable to future infections.
In a nutshell, these are the most common methods used by cybercriminals to spread trojans such as Searchhost.exe.exe:
- Exploit kits;
- Phishing emails;
- Bundled freeware installers;
- Fake updates and infected pages.
Due to its malicious nature that endangers your various accounts, we advise you to scan your system to make sure that it is safe.
How to Remove Searchhost.exe Trojan
To remove Searchhost.exe from your computer system, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. If the first two manual removal steps do not seem to work, we suggest what most security experts advise – to download and run a scan of your computer with a reputable anti-malware program.
Downloading this software will not only save you some time, but will also remove all of its associated malicious files. It will also protect your computer against malware in the future.
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Preparation before removing Searchhost.exe.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for Searchhost.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Searchhost.exe 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 Searchhost.exe 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.Step 3: Find virus files created by Searchhost.exe on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Searchhost.exe FAQ
What Does Searchhost.exe Trojan Do?
The Searchhost.exe Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like Searchhost.exe, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can Searchhost.exe Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can Searchhost.exe Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the Searchhost.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Searchhost.exe how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on Searchhost.exe?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the Searchhost.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.