How to remove MaxSearch browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of extension is MaxSearch?
During our inspection of MaxSearch, we found that it changes the settings of a web browser to promote a fake search engine. Thus, we classified MaxSearch as a browser hijacker. It is uncommon for users to add such extensions to browsers on purpose. If MaxSearch or a similar extension is present, it should be removed.
MaxSearch browser hijacker overview
MaxSearch hijacks a web browser by replacing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page with findflarex.com, a fake search engine. When used, findflarex.com does not provide any search results. Upon entering a search query, findflarex.com redirects to boyu.com.tr, a questionable search engine that may provide irrelevant and misleading results.
Thus, redirects from findflarex.com to boyu.com.tr might expose users to phishing websites, technical support scams, fake lotteries, giveaways, and other fraudulent schemes, as well as sites hosting potentially malicious software. Users should avoid dubious search engines and stick to reputable ones like google.com.
Additionally, MaxSearch can enable the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome web browsers. This feature is often used by organizations, companies, or other entities to set certain policies. However, when an extension like MaxSearch controls this feature, it could lead to various issues.
For instance, MaxSearch may exploit this setting to disable, remove, or add various extensions, change themes, collect sensitive information, restrict access to various web pages, and more. Thus, MaxSearch may expose users to privacy, security, and other risks. Overall, MaxSearch should not be trusted and removed from hijacked browsers.
Although, removing a browser hijacker can be difficult. Even after the initial removal, leftover files or settings may persist, often necessitating extra steps or specialized tools to completely eliminate the hijacker from both the browser and the system.
| Name | MaxSearch |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | MaxSearch |
| Supposed Functionality | This extension is supposed to enhance the browsing experience |
| Promoted URL | findflarex.com |
| Detection Names (Installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (findflarex.com) | alphaMountain.ai (Suspicious), Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (findflarex.com) | 172.67.180.87 |
| 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), fake Flash Player installers. |
| 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, browser hijackers can be harmful as they change the browser's settings to promote shady addresses and can collect different types of information (including sensitive data). If a browser has already been affected by a hijacker, it is crucial to remove it to ensure security and privacy. Our removal guide can be found below.
Some examples of browser hijackers are KittCat, HyperSearch, and Top Two.
How did MaxSearch install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are often distributed using dubious web pages or app stores by advertising them as legitimate and useful extensions. Deceptive ads can also trick users into downloading and adding browser hijackers. Downloads from P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar channels can also contain unwanted apps/extensions.
Additionally, browser hijackers can be added through freeware or unreliable software. It is common for such software to be bundled with questionable apps/extensions. Users agree to add/install them if they finish installations without rejecting unwanted offers (usually mentioned in "Advanced", "Custom", or similar options).
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download applications, extensions, and other software from official websites or reputable app stores. Pay close attention during installations and choose "Custom" or "Advanced" settings to deselect unwanted offers. Avoid clicking suspicious links, pop-ups, or advertisements.
Ensure your operating system and security software (along with other programs) are always up to date. Also, use a trusted security program for added protection. If your computer is already infected with MaxSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Findflarex.com redirects to boyu.com.tr (GIF):
Permissions asked by MaxSearch 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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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 MaxSearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall MaxSearch application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove MaxSearch browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove findflarex.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove findflarex.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
MaxSearch 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 (which cause browser redirects to the findflarex.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
MaxSearch browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove MaxSearch 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 "MaxSearch" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
If the extension is locked (you see the "Your browser is managed by your organization" feature enabled) read this article for detailed removal instructions.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "MaxSearch", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.findflarex.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 "findflarex.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 maxsearch 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 "MaxSearch", 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 "MaxSearch", remove hxxp://findflarex.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 maxsearch 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 maxsearch 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 visit findflarex.com website?
Redirecting users to the findflarex.com website boosts the site's traffic, allowing its operators to increase their revenue.
Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?
Findflarex.com could potentially expose users to undesirable content and might also gather various types of information.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are often spread through shady websites, deceptive ads, and unreliable app stores. They can also be bundled with freeware or downloaded from P2P networks and other third-party sources. Users might unintentionally install these hijackers if they do not reject unwanted offers during installation, typically found in "Advanced" or "Custom" settings.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove MaxSearch browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove browser hijackers from your computer. Manual removal can be incomplete, especially when dealing with multiple hijackers, as they may re-install one another. In these cases, users must simultaneously remove all hijackers for full resolution.
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