How to eliminate QuickSearch browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of extension is QuickSearch?
During our inspection of QuickSearch, we found that this extension functions as a browser hijacker. Its purpose is to promote a fake search engine by modifying the settings of a hijacked browser. Users should avoid adding QuickSearch to browsers and remove it if it is already present.
QuickSearch browser hijacker overview
QuickSearch changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to findflarex.com. Thus, users are forced to visit findflarex.com while using a browser hijacked by QuickSearch. As mentioned in the introduction, findflarex.com is a fake search engine. This is because findflarex.com does not present its results.
Instead, findflarex.com redirects users to boyu.com.tr, an unreliable search engine that can generate misleading results and advertisements. Clicking those results (or ads) can take users to websites designed to steal sensitive information (e.g., login credentials or passwords) or money, distribute malware, and more.
QuickSearch also enables the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers. Typically, this feature is used by companies or organizations to enforce specific policies. However, when activated by browser hijackers like QuickSearch, it can be exploited for harmful purposes.
For example, QuickSearch may be used to add, remove, or disable extensions, block access to certain websites, and collect data (including sensitive information). This poses significant privacy and security risks. Overall, it is highly advised not to add QuickSearch to web browsers.
It is worth noting that QuickSearch is distributed alongside other unwanted extensions, such as JsTimer. If any of these extensions have already been added, they should be eliminated as soon as possible.
| Name | QuickSearch |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | QuickSearch |
| Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
| Promoted URL | findflarex.com |
| Detection Names (findflarex.com) | alphaMountain.ai (Suspicious), Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (findflarex.com) | 104.21.35.227 |
| Detection Names (Installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| 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, a browser hijacker is an unwanted extension or application designed to change the settings of a web browser to promote some address (often a fake search engine). Using a hijacked browser can expose users to privacy and security risks, or even malware. Thus, it is recommended to download apps and extensions with caution.
More examples of browser hijackers are SearchPlus, MaxSearch, and FastFind.
How did QuickSearch install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are often spread through installers of free or untrustworthy software. Users might unintentionally install/add them by leaving the installation options like "Advanced" or "Custom" unchanged and quickly going through the setup process without reviewing the details.
Also, browser hijackers can be obtained via shady websites and unofficial app stores. They may be downloaded from unreliable sources like peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, free file hosting platforms, and third-party download managers.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Only download extensions, applications, or software from official websites or trusted app stores. Review installation settings and choose "Custom" or "Advanced" options to uncheck any unwanted offers before installing software. Do not click suspicious links, pop-ups, or ads. Keep all programs, as well as the operating system, up to date.
Also, regularly scan your computer using reliable antivirus software. If your computer is already infected with QuickSearch, 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 QuickSearch 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 QuickSearch?
- STEP 1. Uninstall QuickSearch application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove QuickSearch 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.
QuickSearch 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.
QuickSearch browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove QuickSearch 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 "QuickSearch" 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 "QuickSearch", 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 quicksearch 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 "QuickSearch", 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 "QuickSearch", 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 quicksearch 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 quicksearch 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?
The goal of redirecting users to the findflarex.com website is to make money for the site's operators. They can generate more revenue when the number of visitors is higher.
Is visiting findflarex.com a threat to my privacy?
Websites like findflarex.com usually collect different types of information about visitors. This could expose users to privacy risks.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are often installed/added unintentionally through free or unreliable software when users skip reviewing "Advanced" or "Custom" installation options. They can also be spread via shady websites, unofficial app stores, P2P networks, and third-party download managers.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove QuickSearch browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove browser hijackers. Manual removal may not work if multiple hijackers are added because they may reinstall one another. It may be required to remove all hijackers at once.
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