How to remove Fast-Search adware

What are Sponsored Ads?

The "Fast-Search" application causes Sponsored Ads and browser redirects to fast-search.info website, which appear on various websites.

The developers (Fast-Search Apps) claim that their product helps users to quickly surf through webpages - "Fast-Search allows you to get to the next page faster. You don't need to scroll all the way down anymore, just click on the arrow on the right side of the screen and you're off to the next page".

These claims, however, are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimate software. In fact, Fast-Search is categorized as adware and an unwanted program. After stealth infiltration on Internet browsers, Fast-Search displays various intrusive online advertisements (marked as 'Sponsored Ads') and collects various Internet browsing-related information.

More about the application

This adware employs a virtual layer to display advertisements that do not originate from the visited websites. Furthermore, displayed ads may open in new browser tabs/windows, thereby increasing the chance of accidental clicks by users. The virtual layer allows developers to place various ads over website content.

Note that the displayed adverts (coupon, search, and other types) are marked as 'Sponsored Ads'. These usually lead to online stores or other similar commercial sites, however, there is a chance that users will be redirected to bogus sites containing infectious content.

Thus, clicking these ads may cause high-risk computer infections. In addition, users' Internet browsing activity is continually monitored, since Fast-Search adware collects various user information. According to its Privacy Policy, the collected information is protected and only used to provide users with the most relevant ads.

In fact, the collected information might contain PayPal/bank account login/passwords, and other personally identifiable information.

These details are later shared with third parties and could be misused, thereby causing serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Fast-Search adware is a threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety, and thus, should be uninstalled immediately.

Fast-Search Privacy Policy statement regarding data collection:

We may share your personally identifiable information with third parties who facilitate communication on behalf of Fast-Search Apps for Fast-Search Apps’ marketing and promotional efforts and/or for other information dissemination on behalf of Fast-Search Apps. We may sell, rent or share your personally identifiable information, provided we have received your prior permission, to third parties to send you marketing and promotional information not related to Fast-Search Apps that may be of interest to you. Your personally identifiable information may be transferred to third parties such as technical agents, payment processing vendors, consultants, advertising companies and among our affiliates for the performance of Fast-Search Apps services or making products available to you.

Fast-Search is an updated version of the FlowSurf browser hijacker. As with other bogus applications (for example, Sail Deals, CutThePrice, SquareTrace, and TomorrowGames), Fast-Search and FlowSurf promise features that supposedly enhance the Internet browsing experience.

None, however, provide any real value. Fast-Search uses the 'Pay Per Click' (PPC) advertising model to display advertisements - when users click ads, developers receive specific payments. They also generate revenue by sharing user information with third parties.

How did Fast-Search install on my computer?

Fast-Search is mostly distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', and thus, installs without users' consent. Bundling is a way to install third party (usually rogue) applications together with the chosen (often free) software. Since many users rush the download/installation procedures, this method is very effective.

Third party software is often hidden within the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings, and therefore, by skipping these steps, users inadvertently install bogus apps such as Fast-Search.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

If possible, use the direct download link when downloading freeware from download websites. If downloading via a download manager, closely analyze each step of the procedure, opting-out of any additionally-included programs. Your chosen software should be downloaded from a trusted source - usually the official website.

After downloading, use the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' options to install the application - this will reveal any third party software listed for installation and allow you to cancel it.

Deceptive free software installers used in FastSearch adware distribution:

Intrusive online advertisements displayed by Fast-Search adware ('Sponsored 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 Fast-Search?
• STEP 1. Uninstall Fast-Search application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove Sponsored Ads from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove Sponsored Ads adverts from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove 'Sponsored Ads' from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove Sponsored ads from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

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 any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove unwanted browser add-ons:

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Fast-Search" and all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fast-search, 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 plug-ins 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".

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by fast-search 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 fast-search, 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 fast-search or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Typically, adware diminishes the web browsing experience by showing annoying advertisements that conceal the contents of visited pages. Also, software of this type can slow down a computer and cause issues related to online privacy.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported applications display advertisements. Additionally, they can operate as browser hijackers. Sometimes, adware collects information about users.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

They use adware to promote various pages, services, products, etc. Adware developers do not always use legitimate methods for advertising. One of the most popular ways to monetize adware is by participating in affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove adware?

Yes, this application will find and remove installed adware. It is recommended to remove adware automatically to avoid leaving any data belonging to it in the system.

▼ Show Discussion