Removing Renew Search adware-type browser extension and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Renew Search?
While inspecting untrustworthy download websites, our research team discovered the Renew Search browser extension. It promises to provide additional search options when the results from regular searches prove to be inadequate or when a desired webpage is unavailable. However, our analysis revealed that Renew Search operates as adware instead.
Renew Search adware overview
It has to be mentioned that advertising-supported software (adware) may not display advertisements if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to particular websites are not made, or other conditions are unmet. However, regardless of whether Renew Search delivered ads or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software once clicked on.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Renew Search spies on users' browsing activity. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, and so on. The gathered information is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like Renew Search on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Renew Search |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Renew Search |
| Supposed Functionality | Additional search options when regular search is insufficient or when a website is inaccessible. |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; Settings, Files Download Now, Down Assist, and Dark-Display are merely some examples of our latest finds. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" functionalities. However, the promised features are rarely operational.
How did Renew Search install on my computer?
We obtained Renew Search from its "official" promotional webpage. Adware is also endorsed through scam sites. Most users access such websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
We recommend being vigilant when browsing since deceptive and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous, yet they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you experience advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Renew Search, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Renew Search adware:
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 Renew Search?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Renew Search application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Renew Search ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Renew Search' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Renew Search extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Renew Search adware 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 "Renew Search", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Renew Search ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Renew Search adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
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 "Renew Search", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by renew search, 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Renew Search".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by renew search 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, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
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 upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by renew search, 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:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware endangers device integrity and user safety. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat since advertising-supported software usually has data tracking abilities. Adware-delivered adverts endorse harmful/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware displays various advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some adware-types can force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers primarily generate revenue via affiliate programs by promoting websites, apps, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Renew Search adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware itself has been (manually) eliminated - various file leftovers may remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, such components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, removing adware thoroughly - is crucial.
Outstanding!
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