Removing software generating redirects to search.homesearchtab.com
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of website is search.homesearchtab.com?
Search.homesearchtab.com is the address of a fake search engine. Sites of this kind are considered fraudulent because they cannot provide search results. Additionally, these webpages gather information about their visitors. Fake search engines are commonly promoted (via redirects) by browser hijackers.
How do browser hijackers promote search.homesearchtab.com?
Typically, browser-hijacking software assigns promoted websites as browsers' default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs. Hence, with a browser hijacker installed: Web searches performed via the URL bar or new browser tabs/windows opened – result in redirects to the endorsed webpage (such as search.homesearchtab.com).
It is noteworthy that software within this category often relies on persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as denying access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes – to prevent users from recovering their browsers.
Fake search engines are rarely able to generate search results – therefore, they tend to redirect to legitimate Internet search sites. At the time of research, search.homesearchtab.com caused a redirect chain leading through searchtosearch.com before landing on the genuine Yahoo search engine (search.yahoo.com).
It is pertinent to mention that search.homesearchtab.com could produce different redirection chains, as factors like user geolocation might influence it.
As mentioned in the introduction, fraudulent search engines often collect information about their visitors. Data-tracking abilities are also standard in browser hijackers.
This software can target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. This vulnerable data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of browser-hijacking software on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | search.homesearchtab.com browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Detection Names | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address | 104.26.10.123 |
| 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. |
Fake search engine examples
Getsearchredirecting.com, find.nsrc-now.com, nhereugo.com, moresearchhh.com, and cratebox.net are merely some of our newest articles on fake search engines.
These websites and the software endorsing them usually appear legitimate and useful. However, any features that they promise tend to be nonfunctional. It must be stressed that even if a webpage or software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did search.homesearchtab.com promoting software install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites (that use scare tactics or other social engineering techniques). Most users access these webpages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to proliferate browser-hijacking software.
Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, intrusive adverts proliferate browser hijackers. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified 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, features, etc.
Fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears ordinary and harmless – therefore, we advise vigilance while browsing. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of search.homesearchtab.com redirecting (via searchtosearch.com) to Yahoo (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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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 search.homesearchtab.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove search.homesearchtab.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.homesearchtab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.homesearchtab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Search.homesearchtab.com 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, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Search.homesearchtab.com 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.search.homesearchtab.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 "search.homesearchtab.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 search.homesearchtab.com 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://search.homesearchtab.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 search.homesearchtab.com 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 search.homesearchtab.com 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on search.homesearchtab.com browser hijacker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit search.homesearchtab.com website?
The motivation behind developing software that causes redirects is profit. In other words, the developers/publishers generate revenue through redirects to websites like search.homesearchtab.com.
Is visiting search.homesearchtab.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Sites like search.homesearchtab.com usually collect visitor data. The gathered information may then be sold to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
The most prevalent distribution methods include: deceptive promotional webpages, bundled installers, freeware and free file-hosting websites, online scams, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove browser hijackers?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present. In these instances, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be unmodifiable when this software is installed. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion