How to remove bimq.co and associated apps from browsers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is bimq.co?
Upon inspection of bimq.co, we concluded that it is a fake search engine promoted via dubious browser extensions. As a rule, apps that promote fake search engines are browser hijackers. These extensions hijack browsers by changing their settings. Overall, it is advisable to remove bimq.co and associated apps from browsers.
More about bimq.co and browser hijackers
We found that bimq.co does not generate results. Upon entering a search query, bimq.co redirects users to bing.com, search.yahoo.com, and possibly other addresses. Both bing.com and search.yahoo.com are legitimate and reliable search engines. However, bimq.co may lead users to unreliable search engines and other dubious addresses.
Results provided by untrustworthy search engines can include deceptive or malicious websites that may compromise users' security and privacy. Also, these results can include misleading advertisements. Thus, it is strongly recommended not to trust questionable search engines, especially when they are visited through fake search engines like bimq.co.
As we mentioned in the introduction, bimq.co is promoted via unreliable extensions, most likely browser hijackers. Usually, these unwanted programs modify browser settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, and (or) new tab page. Also, browser hijackers can be designed to gather various data.
This data may include browsing history, search queries, clicked links, IP addresses, geolocation information, and even personally identifiable information. Unauthorized gathering of data by browser hijackers undermines user privacy and exposes individuals to security risks. Thus, it is strongly recommended to remove browser hijackers from affected browsers.
| Name | bimq.co browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Supposed Functionality | Bimq.co is supposed to operate as a search engine |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Detection Names | N/A (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), dubious websites, and similar channels. |
| 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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, fake search engines and browser hijackers should be avoided. Using them can compromise user privacy and diminish browsing experience. In order to remove browser hijackers, it may be necessary to use specialized tools as these apps may be difficult to remove manually. It is worth noting that there are numerous browser-hijacking apps.
Some examples are Explore Spot, SerachMates, and Gaming News Tab.
How did bimq.co promoting software install on my computer?
Quite often, browser hijackers are packaged with free or questionable software. Users might overlook the inclusion of a browser hijacker during installations and inadvertently install or add it. Typically, these additional offers can be found in and declined through the offered settings, such as "Advanced" or "Custom".
Web pages that distribute pirated content or other illicit downloads can also host browser hijackers. In other cases, users may inadvertently add or install such applications through deceptive advertisements, counterfeit software update notifications, alerts from untrustworthy websites, peer-to-peer networks, unofficial app stores, etc.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Obtain software and apps only from official websites or trusted app stores. Before downloading an app, check its reviews and ratings. When installing software, carefully read each step of the installation process. Look for checkboxes or settings that may indicate the installation of additional, unwanted apps.
Be cautious when clicking on links in emails, messages, or pop-up ads, especially if they seem suspicious or come from dubious sources. Install reputable antivirus software on your device and keep it updated. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
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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 bimq.co?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove bimq.co browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove bimq.co homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove bimq.co redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
bimq.co 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 bimq.co website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
bimq.co 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage 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.bimq.co) 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 "bimq.co", 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 bimq.co 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://bimq.co 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 bimq.co 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 bimq.co 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 bimq.co website?
The creators of fake search engines often rely on the volume of visitors to their websites as a direct source of revenue. The more visitors they can attract, the greater their potential earnings.
Is visiting bimq.co a threat to my privacy?
Yes, visiting bimq.co poses a threat to your privacy due to potential data collection and exposure to misleading ads.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
It is common for browser hijackers to be delivered via unofficial app stores, peer-to-peer networks, third-party downloaders, and deceptive advertisements. Additionally, users may inadvertently install or add them when downloading free or untrustworthy apps, as hijackers are often bundled with such software.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove a browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner is designed to thoroughly scan computers and eliminate any identified unwanted apps, including browser hijackers. Using tools like Combo Cleaner is advisable for removing such apps because manual removal may not always suffice, particularly when confronting multiple hijackers that can reinstall each other.
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