How to remove CyclinGuru browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is CyclinGuru?
Upon examination of the CyclinGuru browser extension, we found that it takes over a web browser by altering its settings with the aim of promoting a fake search engine called privatesearchqry.com. As a result, we have classified CyclinGuru as a browser hijacker.
CyclinGuru browser hijacker overview
CyclinGuru browser extension alters web browser settings, causing privatesearchqry.com to become the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. Consequently, users are forced to utilize a fake search engine that displays results obtained from Bing (privatesearchqry.com redirects users to bing.com).
It is crucial to keep in mind that utilizing dubious and fake search engines can lead to visiting questionable websites, promoting scams, potentially dangerous applications, and more. Despite Bing's legitimate search results, the usage of fake search engines should be avoided.
Additionally, browser hijackers like CyclinGuru may acquire various types of data from the hijacked browser, including search queries, browsing history, geolocation, operating system, and browser version, among other information. In some instances, sensitive information like login credentials and credit card details may also be compromised.
Therefore, it is advisable to eliminate browser hijackers as soon as possible to prevent data theft and other security concerns.
| Name | CyclinGuru |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | CyclinGuru |
| Supposed Functionality | Best tips and advices for cyclists and a seamless shopping experience |
| Promoted URL | privatesearchqry.com |
| Detection Names (privatesearchqry.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (privatesearchqry.com) | 216.239.36.21 |
| 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. |
More about browser hijackers
Browser hijackers can be designed to hinder users from modifying the affected settings by either locking them or rendering them inaccessible. This is frequently achieved by altering system settings and registry entries, installing supplementary software to strengthen the hijacking, or utilizing advanced techniques to avoid detection and elimination.
More examples of browser hijackers are Drinking Well, Spice, and Plant Planet.
How did CyclinGuru install on my computer?
Users may inadvertently hijack their web browsers by obtaining software or extensions from dubious sources, such as free software downloads or torrent websites. In certain cases, browser hijackers may be bundled with genuine software, and users may inadvertently install them while installing the intended software.
Furthermore, users can be deceived into installing browser hijackers via social engineering strategies, like counterfeit alerts or pop-up ads that assert a computer is infected and necessitate prompt action.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Exercise caution when downloading and installing free software. Download only from trustworthy sources and read the terms and conditions before installation. Ensure to keep your browser and security software up to date. Refrain from clicking on dubious pop-ups or advertisements. Employ dependable antivirus and anti-malware software.
Do not click on links from unfamiliar sources or those that appear suspicious. If your computer is already infected with CyclinGuru, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Privatesearchqry.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by CyclinGuru browser hijacker:
Website promoting CyclinGuru browser hijacker:
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 CyclinGuru?
- STEP 1. Uninstall CyclinGuru application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove CyclinGuru browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove privatesearchqry.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove privatesearchqry.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
CyclinGuru 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, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the privatesearchqry.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
CyclinGuru browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove CyclinGuru browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
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 "CyclinGuru" and other 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 "CyclinGuru", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.privatesearchqry.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 "privatesearchqry.com", 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 privatesearchqry.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 extensions 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 "CyclinGuru", as well as 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 "CyclinGuru", remove hxxp://privatesearchqry.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 "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 privatesearchqry.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 privatesearchqry.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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit privatesearchqry.com website?
The creators of the hijackers and fake search engines may have an affiliation with the owners of advertising networks and therefore seek to increase traffic to the website or display more advertisements to users.
Is visiting privatesearchqry.com a threat to my privacy?
Visiting privatesearchqry.com itself is not necessarily a direct threat to your privacy, but it is important to note that using fake search engines can be risky. Such websites may track your search queries, browsing history, and other data, which can compromise your privacy.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers can infiltrate your computer through various means, including bundling with legitimate software, infected browser extensions, clicking on malicious links, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and social engineering tactics.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove CyclinGuru browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove any present browser-hijacking applications. It is worth noting that multiple hijackers may be present designed to reinstall each other, making it necessary to remove all hijackers at once (which can be difficult to achieve manually).
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