How to remove top-search.xyz from your browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of site is top-search.xyz?
Our examination has revealed that top-search.xyz is a fake search engine. Such search engines are usually promoted through browser hijackers, which users unknowingly install on computers or add to browsers as apps. As a result, the browser settings are modified without their knowledge or consent.
More about top-search.xyz
Once a search query is entered, top-search.xyz redirects users to bing.com (it shows results from Bing). Even though Bing is a legitimate search engine, fake search engines like top-search.xyz should not be trusted. Such fraudulent search engines can display misleading results, contain malicious links, and collect search queries and other information.
Visiting/using fake search engines or websites promoted through browser hijackers can expose computers to various security risks. This includes the risk of malware infections, phishing attacks, and identity theft.
It is common for fake search engines to be promoted via browser hijackers. These apps promote fake search engines by modifying the browser settings on computers without knowledge of or consent from users. Once installed/added, browser hijackers change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page of the browser to the fake search engine.
| Name | top-search.xyz browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Supposed Functionality | Accurate search results |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Detection Names | Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
More about browser hijackers
Removing browser hijackers can be relatively straightforward, but it may depend on the specific hijacker and the extent of its modifications to the browser. In some cases, simply resetting the browser to its default settings can remove the hijacker. This can typically be done through the browser's settings menu.
However, more sophisticated browser hijackers can be difficult to remove and may require specialized tools. Examples of browser-hijacking apps are Tropical Horizons Wallpapers, Homerun Extension, and CovidDash.
How did top-search.xyz promoting software install on my computer?
Users can end up having their browsers hijacked through a variety of methods. One common method is through software bundling, where a browser hijacker is included with other software downloaded from the internet.
Additionally, users may inadvertently install browser hijackers through malicious websites, such as those promoting fake software updates or offering free downloads. Clicking on malicious links or pop-ups can also lead to browser hijacking.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Avoid downloading software from untrusted websites or those that have a poor reputation. Only download from trusted sources such as official pages and verified stores. Be wary of clicking on links or pop-ups from unknown sources.
When installing software, always choose the custom or advanced installation option, which allows you to review and deselect any additional programs or browser extensions that may be bundled with the software. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
top-search.xyz redirects to bing.com (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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Quick menu:
- What is top-search.xyz?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove top-search.xyz browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove top-search.xyz homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove top-search.xyz redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
top-search.xyz redirect 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, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the top-search.xyz website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
top-search.xyz redirect 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.top-search.xyz) 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 "top-search.xyz", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the top-search.xyz browser hijacker, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove hxxp://top-search.xyz 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 "Accept the Risk and Continue".
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 top-search.xyz browser hijacker 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 top-search.xyz browser hijacker, 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit top-search.xyz website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit a website like top-search.xyz is usually to generate traffic or revenue for the website owner. Browser hijackers may modify the browser settings and redirect users to a particular website, such as top-search.xyz, in order to increase the website's page views or clicks on advertisements.
Is visiting top-search.xyz a threat to my privacy?
Visiting top-search.xyz website by itself may not necessarily be a direct threat to your privacy, but it could potentially expose you to other privacy risks. For example, if top-search.xyz is promoted by a browser hijacker, it may collect information about your browsing habits, search terms, and personal information that you enter into the search bar.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers can infiltrate your computer through software bundling, malicious email attachments or links, or by downloading suspicious extensions, add-ons or visiting malicious websites.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove a browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner can detect and remove browser-hijacking applications. However, manual removal may not be sufficient as multiple browser hijackers can be present and reinstall each other, and some settings may not be modifiable while a browser hijacker is present.
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