What Is Ad-Aware SecureSearch?
Ad-Aware SecureSearch is a adware-type browser extension /add-on created to infect common web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox. Our PC security lab received many reports complaining that Ad-Aware SecureSearch was installed without permission and cannot be deleted from web browser. After a deep research, we find that Ad-Aware SecureSearch is distributed secretly with help of third party installer. When you download a freeware like media player, its installer will install several bundled applications such as Ad-Aware SecureSearch without your knowledge. If you do not use Custom Installation and check every details in the process, it’s difficult to avoid such adware because the options for deselecting them are usually present in small letter with gray color, which is almost impossible to notice.
As soon as being installed, Ad-Aware SecureSearch hinders your attempt for removing it from your browser. It is automatically enabled and the option for disable or delete does not usable. You can see a message below the extension saying ” This extension is managed and cannot be removed or disabled “, which is written by the adware itself to cheat you. Rooting on your browser, Ad-Aware SecureSearch will disturb you whenever you surf the web. It is used to display commercial third-party advertisements for creating revenue to its partners. You will see lots of annoying and irritating ads in forms of coupons, popups, banners and text almost on every website you access. Some of the Ad-Aware SecureSearch ads seem to save your money when you shop online, but in fact they are not reliable because they may redirect you to third party websites run by scammers. Moreover, some ads by Ad-Aware SecureSearch may trigger download of more infections. Therefore, we advocate for removing ASAP for good.
Furthermore, Ad-Aware SecureSearch can be made used by cyber criminal for collecting personal information. Adware usually contains codes used to track users’ online activities, so when Ad-Aware SecureSearch is injected on your browser, your IP address, your search query, your most viewed websites and even your accounts details stored on browser are all at risk. Once your sensitve information is collected by unknown third party, you may suffer from big financial loss because cyber criminal can use your info to design scams and do other illegal things. Before the situation gets worse, take action to delete Ad-Aware SecureSearch completely now.
How to Manually Remove Ad-Aware SecureSearch from Windows OS? (Steps)
>> If you are a Mac OS user, please read the Mac guide: How to Manually Remove Virus & Malware From Mac OS?
( Remember to BOOKMARK this page because some operations in the removal process may quit this page)
Step 1 – Uninstall suspicious and unwanted programs from Control Panel:
Windows 10
1. Uninstall suspicious and unwanted programs from Windows 10
- Click Start menu at bottom-left corner of your Win 10 screen:
- Select System :
- Select Apps & features, and then select Ad-Aware SecureSearch related apps or unwanted programs, then click Uninstall:
Windows 8
2. Get rid of suspicious and unwanted programs from Windows 8
– Press the Windows Key to open Start Screen. If it does not comes out, then use this option:
- Win 8 User – Hover the cursor in the bottom-left corner of your win 8 screen and wait for the Start Screen appears, then click on the icon to toggle over to the Start Screen
- Win 8.1 User – Click on the Start icon in the lower left-hand corner to open the Start Screen.
– Select Ad-Aware SecureSearch related apps or unwanted programs, and then click on Uninstall:
Win7 & Vista
3. Remove suspicious and unwanted programs from Win7 & Vista
- Click Start button and select Control Panel:
- Select “Uninstall a program”
- Select Ad-Aware SecureSearch or related unsafe apps , and then click Uninstall
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Step 2 – Delete suspicious and unwanted extensions from Web Browsers
Chrome
Delete suspicious and unwanted extensions from Google Chrome
Start Google Chrome and click the “Customize and control Google Chrome” icon at the top right corner >> Select More Tools and click Extensions:
Identify suspicious extensions related with Ad-Aware SecureSearch and click click trash icon to remove it:
Firefox
Uninstall suspicious and unwanted extensions from Mozilla Firefox
Start Firefox and click the 3 parallel lines icon at the top right corner and Click Add-ons :
Under Extensions tab: If you see unknown or suspicious add-ons listed, select it and click Remove:
IE
Remove suspicious and unwanted extensions from Internet Explorer
Start IE: Click on the cogwheel icon at the top right corner and click Manage Add-ons
Under Toolbar and Extension tab: Select suspicious extensions and click Disable button
Edge
Remove suspicious and unwanted extensions from Microsoft Edge
If you have enabled Extensions function on Edge, follow the steps here to delete suspicious and unwanted extensions:
Start Edge: Click the More (…) button ahe tog right corner and click Extensions:
Select the extensions you want to remove and click Uninstall
Opera Browser
Remove suspicious and unwanted extensions from Opera Browser
Start Opera Browser: Click Menu button at top left corner and select Extensions:
Select “All” list: Select suspicious and unwanted extensions and click the “X” button to uninstall it:
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Step 3 – Delete harmful registry files related with Ad-Aware SecureSearch from Regedit Editor.
1. Press Windows key and R key at the same to launch “Run” window >> Input regedit and click OK to launch Registry Editor:
2. In Registry Editor: Select Edit button and click Find >> Then type the virus name and click Find Next:
3. Right-click on the malicious registry files you find and click Delete:
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Step 4 (Optional) – Reset web browsers to remove malicoius items installed by Ad-Aware SecureSearch.
Chrome
Reset Google Chrome
Start Chrome browser and click on (☰) icon at top right corner And select Settings:
Type “reset” into search box and click Reset button at the bottom:
Click RESET to confirm:
Firefox
Reset Mozilla Firefox
Start Firefox: click on (☰) icon at the upper right corner >> Click Help >> Click “Troubleshooting Information”
Click the “Refresh Firefox” button and click another “Refresh Firefox” button when dialog box will appear on your screen.
IE
Reset Internet Explorer
Start IE browser: Click gear icon at the upper right corner and select “Internet option”
Now click“Advanced” and click on “Reset” button.
Check out the “Delete personal settings” box and click on “Reset” button.
Edge
Reset Microsoft Edge
Start Microsoft Edge browser: Click More (…) icon on the top right corner and select Settings :
Click Clear browsing data button and then click Clear to confirm:
Opera Browser
Reset Opera
Start Opera browser: Now click Help menu and select About Opera:
Copy the Paths of Profile and Cache, and then open them one by one by pasting them into the Search Box of Start Menu:
Delete the two folders: Profile and Cache and your opera will be reset.
If the guide doesn’t help, scan entire infected PC with Spyhunter anti-malware and let it help you fix all problems.