How to Remove Search Protect from Your Computer

Search Protect is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that often gets installed along with free software. It can modify your browser settings and prevent you from changing them, redirecting you to various search engines and sites. In this article, we'll go through how to fully remove Search Protect from your computer.

Step 1: Uninstall Search Protect via "Programs and Features"

The first step is to try removing Search Protect through the Windows uninstallation tool. Here's how:

  • Open the Control Panel.
  • Go to Programs and Features or Add or Remove Programs.
  • Find Search Protect in the list of installed programs.
  • Select the program and click Uninstall.

If Search Protect uninstalls successfully, proceed to the next step. If it doesn't, move to Step 2.

Step 2: Use Antivirus Software

Many antivirus programs can automatically detect and remove programs like Search Protect. Run a full system scan with updated antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes, Kaspersky, or Avast, and remove any detected threats.

Step 3: Manually Remove Residual Files and Registry Entries

If there are residual files or registry entries left after uninstalling Search Protect, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Registry Editor (press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter).
  2. Use the search function (Ctrl + F) and type Search Protect to locate related registry entries.
  3. Delete any entries associated with Search Protect. Be cautious and only delete entries that you are sure belong to this program.

Note: Before editing the registry, create a backup to restore your system in case of any mistakes.

Step 4: Clean Browsers from Unwanted Extensions and Settings

After removing the program, it’s recommended to check your browsers for unwanted extensions and reset settings:

  • Google Chrome: Open settings, go to Extensions, and remove suspicious add-ons. Then, reset settings by going to Settings > Reset and clean up.
  • Mozilla Firefox: Open the Add-ons menu and disable suspicious extensions. To reset, go to Help > Troubleshooting Information and select Refresh Firefox.
  • Microsoft Edge: Open Settings > Extensions, remove unwanted add-ons, and reset settings through Reset settings.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Once you've completed all the steps, restart your computer to ensure that all residual data from Search Protect is fully removed.