How to remove the FreeSportSearch browser hijacker?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is FreeSportSearch?
FreeSportSearch is a browser hijacker promoting the freesportsearch.com fraudulent search engine. Software within this classification works by modifying browser settings to cause redirects to fake web searchers. Furthermore, most browser hijackers have data spy on users' browsing habits. Since users typically download/install browser hijackers inadvertently, they are also categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
FreeSportSearch browser hijacker in detail
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, new tab/window, and default search engine URLs - to fraudulent web searcher addresses. FreeSportSearch also operates in this manner. Hence, with it installed: every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to freesportsearch.com.
Illegitimate search engines are seldom able to generate search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine ones. Freesportsearch.com is not an exception to this; it has been observed redirecting to Yahoo (search.yahoo.com) and searchlee.com (potentially others).
While searchlee.com can provide search results, it is deemed to be a fake search engine. The results generated by it are inaccurate and may include untrustworthy and malicious content.
Browser hijackers use persistence-ensuring techniques. They can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Hence, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
FreeSportSearch likely has data tracking abilities. Browser hijackers usually monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, personally identifiable details, etc.). The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of data-tracking software on browsers/systems can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. Therefore, to ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
| Name | FreeSportSearch |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | FreeSportSearch |
| Promoted URL | freesportsearch.com |
| Serving IP Address (freesportsearch.com) | 104.21.57.94 |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Browser hijackers in general
TopSearchConverters, Movie Finder, Newtab Plus - are a few examples of browser hijackers. They appear legitimate and offer a broad range of "useful" features. However, the functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
Practically all PUAs lure users into download/installation and/or purchase with promises of nonexistent functionalities. The sole aim of unwanted apps is to generate revenue at user expense. PUAs are designed to hijack browsers, cause redirects, run intrusive advertisement campaigns (adware), and gather private information.
How did FreeSportSearch install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via download/installation setups of other setups. "Bundling" is the name of this false marketing tactic - packing ordinary software with unwanted or malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements are used to spread PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install these applications. Some PUAs also have "official" promotional pages from which they can be downloaded and/or purchased.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is crucial to research software prior to download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with FreeSportSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of freesportsearch.com redirecting to the searchlee.com fake search engine (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is FreeSportSearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall FreeSportSearch application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove FreeSportSearch browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove freesportsearch.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove freesportsearch.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
FreeSportSearch browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications (for example, "FreeSportSearch"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the freesportsearch.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
FreeSportSearch browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "FreeSportSearch" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "FreeSportSearch", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.freesportsearch.com) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select “Remove”.
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "freesportsearch.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the freesportsearch.com redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "FreeSportSearch", as well as all other recently installed browser plug-ins.
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window disable "FreeSportSearch", remove hxxp://freesportsearch.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with freesportsearch.com redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the freesportsearch.com redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
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