Removal instructions for the TopNotch Search browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is TopNotch Search?
TopNotch Search is a rogue browser extension that operates as a browser hijacker. It changes browser settings to promote (via redirects) the tn-search.com fake search engine (and potentially others). Additionally, TopNotch Search likely collects browsing-related data.
TopNotch Search browser hijacker overview
Browser hijackers modify browser settings (e.g., default search engine, homepage, new tab/window, etc.) to endorse websites. Due to these altered settings, users can be forced to visit the reassigned page whenever they enter a search query into the URL bar or open a new browser tab/window.
At the time of research, TopNotch Search produced redirects landing on the tn-search.com site. Usually, fake search engines cannot provide search results and lead users to legitimate Internet search websites. Tn-search.com is no exception; it leads to the Yahoo search engine (search.yahoo.com). Note that this page could land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation might impact redirects.
Brother-hijacking software often uses persistence-ensuring techniques, such as denying access to removal-related settings for undoing user-made changes – to prevent browser recovery.
Furthermore, this software usually possesses data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This vulnerable information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like TopNotch Search on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | TopNotch Search |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | TopNotch Search |
| Promoted URL | tn-search.com |
| Detection Names (tn-search.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (tn-search.com) | 3.33.130.190 |
| 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 written about countless browser hijackers; Searchninjapro, MagnaEngine, EXYZ Search, and UKASEE are but a few of our newest articles.
Browser-hijacking software appears legitimate and innocuous, yet seldom operates as advertised. Its "useful" and "advantageous" features are typically fake and nonfunctional, as their purpose is to serve as bait to trick users into downloading/installing the extension/app.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.
How did TopNotch Search install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Most users access these webpages through redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
Additionally, browser-hijacking software can be bundled with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate browser hijackers. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installation upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is important to always research software before downloading/purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified channels. Installation processes have to be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or 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 TopNotch Search, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of tn-search.com redirecting to the Yahoo search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by TopNotch 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:
- What is TopNotch Search?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove TopNotch Search browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove tn-search.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove tn-search.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
TopNotch Search 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.
TopNotch Search browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove TopNotch Search 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "TopNotch Search" 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 "TopNotch Search" (or simply "TopNotch"), look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.tn-search.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 "tn-search.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 tn-search.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 "TopNotch Search" (or simply "TopNotch"), 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 "TopNotch Search" (or simply "TopNotch"), remove hxxp://tn-search.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 tn-search.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 tn-search.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 tn-search.com website?
Software that causes rogue redirects is developed for profit. In other words, the developers/publishers generate revenue through redirects to websites like tn-search.com.
Is visiting tn-search.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Webpages like tn-search.com usually collect (and sell) visitor data.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser-hijacking software is primarily distributed via deceptive promotional webpages, bundled installation setups, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, online scams, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove TopNotch Search browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed browser-hijacking apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal, especially when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these instances, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Browser-hijacking software might also be capable of blocking access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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