How to remove StartnSearch browser hijacker and the redirects it generates
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is StartnSearch?
StartnSearch is a rogue browser extension that makes alterations to browser settings. Due to these modifications, users are redirected to the startnsearch.com fake search engine. This behavior means that StartnSearch is a browser hijacker.
StartnSearch browser hijacker overview
After we installed StartnSearch on our test machine, it reassigned the browser's homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URL to the startnsearch.com website. Therefore, with this extension installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries entered into the URL bar – result in redirects to startnsearch.com.
In most cases, illegitimate search engines cannot provide search results. They typically redirect to genuine Internet search websites, and startnsearch.com is not an exception. It leads to the Google search engine (google.com). Note that startnsearch.com could land elsewhere since factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.
Browser-hijacking software commonly utilizes persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as undoing user-made changes or denying access to removal-related settings – to prevent users from restoring their browsers.
Furthermore, software within this category usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of StartnSearch. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like StartnSearch on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | StartnSearch |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | StartnSearch |
| Promoted URL | startnsearch.com |
| Detection Names (startnsearch.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (startnsearch.com) | 76.76.21.21 |
| 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). |
| 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 hijacker examples
We have examined thousands of browser hijackers; Colour Cure, The Cryptology, Delete Search History- Automagically!, QR Code Search – are merely some examples.
Browser-hijacking software tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users can be enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of various "handy" functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a browser extension or an application operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did StartnSearch install on my computer?
Browser hijackers can have "official" promotional webpages, and they are pushed through scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate browser hijackers.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements spread browser-hijacking software as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with StartnSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of startnsearch.com redirecting to the Google search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by StartnSearch 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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Quick menu:
- What is StartnSearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove StartnSearch browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove startnsearch.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove startnsearch.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
StartnSearch 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, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
StartnSearch 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "StartnSearch" 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 "StartnSearch", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.startnsearch.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 "startnsearch.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 startnsearch.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 "StartnSearch", 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 "StartnSearch", remove hxxp://startnsearch.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 startnsearch.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 startnsearch.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 to visit startnsearch.com website?
Redirects to sites like startnsearch.com are generated because cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) profit through them.
Is visiting startnsearch.com a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Webpages within the fake search engine classification usually collect information about their visitors. This data can then be sold to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
The most commonly used distribution techniques include: bundled installers, deceptive promotional webpages, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive adverts.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove StartnSearch browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected browser-hijacking applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be unmodifiable with this software installed. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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