How to remove search-great.com from web browsers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is search-great.com?
We have inspected search-great.com and discovered that it is a fake search engine promoted by unwanted extensions that function as browser hijackers. One of the browser hijackers promoting search-great.com is My Horoscope Pro. Users should not trust search-great.com or the extensions promoting it.
More about search-great.com and the associated extension
We discovered that search-great.com is typically promoted by browser hijackers, which set it as the default search engine, homepage, or new tab page. It may also appear in the redirection chain as an intermediate site. During our analysis, we noticed that after entering a search query, search-great.com redirects users to other addresses.
Search-great.com can lead users to bing.com or redirect them to search.yahoo.com through myhoroscopepro.com and possibly other addresses. It is worth noting that both Bing and Yahoo search engines are legitimate. However, since search-great.com does not generate results and is promoted via a browser hijacker, it should be avoided.
Fake search engines can redirect users to malicious or fraudulent websites, exposing them to risks like scams, phishing attacks, and malware downloads. Users may be tricked into revealing sensitive information, paying for fake services, downloading harmful apps, or taking other actions.
Moreover, these fake search engines are typically used to gather personal information, track browsing activity, and potentially sell the data to third parties. Additionally, browser hijackers may make it difficult for users to revert to their preferred search engines or protect their privacy. Thus, it is highly advisable not to add browser hijackers to browsers or use sites like search-great.com.
| Name | search-great.com browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | My Horoscope Pro |
| Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Detection Names | Quttera (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (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
Given that search-great.com does not offer legitimate services and redirects users to other websites, it is advisable to avoid engaging with it. If search-great.com and (or) the promoting browser hijacker are already present, users should remove any associated browser extensions as soon as possible to regain control over their browser settings and ensure online security.
Examples of other fake search engines are octagonfind.com, search-2go.com, and search-owl.com.
How did search-great.com promoting software install on my computer?
One method of spreading browser hijackers is to bundle them with free or shady software. Users often unknowingly add these extensions when they accept offers in "Advanced", "Custom", or similar installation settings (when they do not change the provided settings) or by overlooking pre-ticked checkboxes.
Additionally, deceptive ads, notifications from untrusted websites, and fraudulent update prompts on dubious platforms can mislead users into adding or installing unwanted applications. Downloading files and apps from peer-to-peer networks, torrents, or other unreliable sources can also lead to browser hijacking.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Before installing any app, check its user reviews and ratings, and pay attention to any extra offers during installation—uncheck those you do not want. Download apps and files from official websites or app stores. Other channels/sources can host unwanted downloads. Avoid clicking ads, pop-ups, or links encountered on questionable websites.
Additionally, use a trusted security tool and make sure to regularly update both your apps and operating system for enhanced protection. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
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-great.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove search-great.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search-great.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search-great.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
search-great.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 (which cause browser redirects to the search-great.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
search-great.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 (e.g., "My Horoscope Pro"), 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-great.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-great.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-great.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-great.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-great.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-great.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-great.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 visit search-great.com website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit the search-great.com is likely to generate traffic for malicious purposes. Inreased traffic can be monetized in various ways.
Is visiting search-great.com a threat to my privacy?
Yes, visiting search-great.com can be a threat to your privacy. Websites like this are often associated with browser hijackers, which may track your online activities, collect personal information, and display intrusive ads.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are often spread by bundling them other software. Users may unknowingly add these extensions by accepting default settings. Deceptive ads, notifications from untrustworthy websites, and fake update prompts can also trick users into adding unwanted apps. Also, users may obtain browser hijackers via unofficial app stores, third-party downloaders, and similar sources.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove a browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner will detect and remove browser-hijacking apps. Manual removal may be ineffective since some hijackers can reinstall themselves, or multiple hijackers can be designed re-add each other. To fully restore settings, all hijackers must be removed at once.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion