SearchSnacks Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SearchSnacks?
The Search Snacks browser add-on claims to make Internet searching and text translation tasks faster and easier by displaying in-page translation and search results (using the Bing search engine) of any selected text. It is compatible with Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.
Whilst such added functionality may seem legitimate, many Internet users refer to Search Snacks as a virus or malware.
These negative associations are made since this plug-in is distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' - the add-on installs on browsers together with free software downloaded from the Internet. Moreover, Search Snacks generates various banner, search, and pop-up ads when users surf the Internet.
This behavior is typical of adware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Be aware that, although this browser add-on is not a virus or malware, clicking advertisements generated by Search Snacks may lead to serious computer security and privacy issues.
A clear indication that your Internet browsers are infiltrated by this potentially unwanted application are "Powered by Search Snacks", "Ad Info", and "Ads by Search Snacks" advertisements generated whilst surfing the Internet. You are advised to remove this adware from your Internet browser/s.
Search Snacks is similar to other PUPs, which install without users' consent together with free software downloaded from the Internet. Examples include Webget, OnlineBrowserAdvertising, and Coupon Downloader, amongst many others.
These browser add-ons provide no significant value for users and cause various unwanted ads, which may lead to installation of malware or additional PUPs. The best way to avoid installation of adware is to be attentive when downloading free software.
If your download is managed by a 'download client', opt-out of installation of any promoted browser plug-ins by clicking the 'decline' button. When installing free software, choose the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' installation options, rather than 'Typical' or 'Quick'.
This will reveal any bundled browser extensions. If you observe advertisements caused by Search Snacks, use the removal guide provided to eliminate this potentially unwanted application from your Internet browser/s.
Deceptive free software installers used in SearchSnacks adware distribution:
Search Snacks adware installer setup:
SearchSnacks adware generating intrusive online ads ('Powered by SearchSnacks'):
In-text ads generated by this adware ('SearchSnacks Ads'):
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 Snacks?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Search Snacks application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Search Snacks plug-in from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove Search Snacks add-on from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Search Snacks extension from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove Search Snacks extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
SearchSnacks adware 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 "Search Snacks", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, which causes Search Snacks ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Search Snacks adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "SearchSnacks", select this entry and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by searchsnacks, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click on "Extensions". Locate: "SearchSnacks", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by searchsnacks, 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". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove "Search Snacks".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by searchsnacks 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, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
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 upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by searchsnacks, 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:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by searchsnacks or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
▼ Show Discussion