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How to eliminate the Minimalist Search browser hijacker

Also Known As: minimalistsearch.com redirect
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is Minimalist Search?

Our research team discovered the Minimalist Search browser extension while browsing deceptive websites. After installing this piece of software on our testing system, we learned that it changes browser settings to promote (via redirects) the minimalistsearch.com fake search engine. Due to this behavior, Minimalist Search is classed as a browser hijacker.

minimalistsearch.com browser hijacker

Minimalist Search browser hijacker overview

Browser-hijacking software modifies browsers to promote illegitimate search engines; this typically entails assigning the endorsed websites as browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs.

Minimalist Search operates in this manner as well. Hence, with this extension installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and Web searches performed via the URL bar – result in redirects to the minimalistsearch.com webpage.

Fake search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they lead to legitimate Internet search websites. At the time of research, minimalistsearch.com landed on the Bing search engine (bing.com). Keep in mind that this site could land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation might influence redirects.

It is noteworthy that browser hijackers commonly use persistence-ensuring mechanisms (e.g., denying access to removal-related settings, undoing user-made changes, etc.) to prevent browser recovery.

Additionally, software within this classification usually spies on users' browsing activity, and such data-tracking abilities might be possessed by Minimalist Search. Target data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of browser-hijacking software like Minimalist Search on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Minimalist Search
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s) Minimalist Search
Promoted URL minimalistsearch.com
Detection Names (minimalistsearch.com) N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (minimalistsearch.com) 172.67.215.50
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.
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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.

Browser hijacker examples

Press-TabZenFocusZoneB - VeganSun-Rise, and News Express Pro are merely some examples of browser hijackers we have investigated recently.

This software typically appears legitimate and offers various "handy" functions. However, these functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational – their purpose is to lure users into downloading/installing the browser hijacker.

Note that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did Minimalist Search install on my computer?

Minimalist Search is promoted on a deceptive webpage, from which we acquired this extension. Browser-hijacking software is commonly endorsed on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites.

The majority of visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware.

Furthermore, browser hijackers can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate browser hijackers 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 advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online contact usually appears ordinary and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications on browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Minimalist Search, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Appearance of minimalistsearch.com redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):

Minimalist Search browser hijacker redirecting to Bing (GIF)

Permissions asked by Minimalist Search browser hijacker:

Minimalist Search browser hijacker asking for permissions

Website promoting Minimalist Search browser hijacker:

Website used to promote Minimalist Search 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:

Minimalist Search browser hijacker removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Browser-hijacking application uninstall via Control Panel

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.

Minimalist Search browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove Minimalist Search browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing minimalistsearch.com related Google Chrome extensions

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Minimalist Search" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing minimalistsearch.com from Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Minimalist Search", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.minimalistsearch.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:

Removing minimalistsearch.com from Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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 "minimalistsearch.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 minimalistsearch.com redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing minimalistsearch.com related Mozilla Firefox extensions

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Minimalist Search", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing minimalistsearch.com from Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "Minimalist Search", remove hxxp://minimalistsearch.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing minimalistsearch.com from Mozilla Firefox 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 Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button button.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with minimalistsearch.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, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...

removing browser hijacker from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 3 - changing homepage

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.

removing browser hijackers from safari step 4 - changing the default Internet search engine

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 2

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 3

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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 Microsoft Edge (Chromium) puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the minimalistsearch.com redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of browser hijackers while downloading free software sampleA 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 minimalistsearch.com website?

The purpose is profit. Cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) generate revenue through redirects to websites like minimalistsearch.com.

Is visiting minimalistsearch.com a threat to my privacy?

Most likely, yes. Sites like minimalistsearch.com tend to gather (and sell) information about their visitors.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

The most commonly used distribution techniques include: bundled installation setups, deceptive promotional webpages, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive ads.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Minimalist Search browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective, especially when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be unmodifiable with browser-hijacking software installed. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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