How to remove Smartsearch.pw (Mac and Windows)

What is Smartsearch.pw?

Smartsearch.pw is a malware, that may be installed on a computer without user’s knowledge. This kind of applications – browser hijackers – are notorious for their distribution methods. One of these methods is called bundling, which means Smartsearch.pw is usually installed without user’s participation with some other downloaded from the internet program. This browser hijacker is able to change shortcuts on your desktop, so that every time you try to open browser and click on its shortcut, you’ll open Smartsearch.pw. Even if you have performed browser resetting, you’ll still get the same annoying webpage. In this article you may learn how to remove Smartsearch.pw.

Search engine of this browser hijacker will spoil your online searching because of misleading redirection to various unneeded websites. Another malicious feature of Smartsearch.pw is personal information tracking. It can monitor your searching queries, browsing story, geolocation, all the keyboard and mouse inputs you make in your web browser. All the stolen information may be shared and misused by third-parties to generate revenue.

How to remove Smartsearch.pw from your computer?

Solution for Windows user: You may try to use anti-malware tool to remove Smartsearch.pw from your computer and clean up your browser.

Download SpyHunter 5 _{SpyHunter provides an opportunity to remove 1 detected malware for free during trial period. The full version of the program costs $39,99 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.}

Solution for Mac user: In order to remove Smartsearch.pw from Mac computer you may use this application. It is simple, effective and easy-to-use.

Download CleanMyMac

How to remove Smartsearch.pw manually

Step 1: Remove Smartsearch.pw from Control Panel

In order to get rid of Smartsearch.pw, first thing you need to do is to uninstall malicious program from your computer. When removing Smartsearch.pw, try to find suspicious recently installed programs and delete them too, as it’s pretty common that any malware comes with some other unwanted programs.

Mac OSX:

1. Open Finder.
2. Select Applications in the Finder menu.
3. Search for Smartsearch.pw or Smartsearch.pw Uninstaller, then choose it and follow instructions.
4. Drag malicious application from the Applications folder to the Trash.

Windows XP:

1. Select Start.
2. Control Panel.
3. Then choose Add or Remove Programs.
4. Search for Smartsearch.pw.
5. Click Uninstall.

Windows 7/Windows Vista:

1. Select Start.
2. Then Control Panel.
3. Choose Uninstall a Program.
4. Find Smartsearch.pw and choose Uninstall.

Windows 8/Windows 8.1:

1. Open the Menu.
2. Select Search.
3. After that choose Apps.
4. Next Control Panel.
5. Then as in Windows 7, click Uninstall a Program under Programs.
6. Find Smartsearch.pw, select it and choose Uninstall.

Windows 10:

1. Click on the Start button (or press the Windows key) to open the Start menu, then select Settings at the top.
2. Choose App & features on the left menu.
3. On the right side, find Smartsearch.pw and select it, then click on the Uninstall button.
4. Click on Uninstall to confirm.

Step 2: Remove Smartsearch.pw from browsers

Once you’ve uninstalled the application, remove Smartsearch.pw from your web browser. You need to search for recently-installed suspicious add-ons and extensions.

Safari:

1. Open Safari
2. Choose Safari menu.
3. Select Extensions.
4. Search for suspicious and unknown extensions that may be related to Smartsearch.pw.
5. Choose Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome
2. Push Alt + F.
3. Choose Tools.
4. Select Extensions.
5. Search for Smartsearch.pw.
6. Select the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Push Shift + Ctrl + A.
3. Select Smartsearch.pw.
4. Choose Disable or Remove option.

Internet Explorer:

1. Open IE.
2. Push Alt + T.
3. Choose Manage Add-ons option.
4. Click Toolbars and Extensions.
5. Next select Disable Smartsearch.pw.
6. Choose More information link in the left-bottom corner.
7. Click Remove button.
8. If this button is grayed out – perform alternative steps.

Step 3: Removing malicious link from your browser shortcuts

Sometimes even removing of malicious program from your computer and web browser can’t help. If you are still facing unknown webpage when you open your web browser, then you might have your browser shortcut changed. It’s pretty common trick that perform most of browser hijackers. They change your browser shortcut so that every time you open it you’ll see not your homepage, but some advertisement webpage. But this issue is quite simple to fix. The instruction stated below matches most of the browsers.

1. Right-click on your browser shortcut, choose Properties.
2. If you see a link to some website after .exe in the Target field, read on.
3. Usually you are not able to delete a link from Target field, that’s why you need to click on the Open File Location button in this window.
4. Once you’ve opened file location, select chrome.exe/firefox.exe/iexplore.exe.
5. Right-click on this file and choose Sent to option, then Desktop (create shortcut).
6. New shortcut will have no additional redirection links.
7. Delete old infected shortcut. If you got one in your taskbar, delete it from there too.
8. Now you have new and clear shortcut without redirection to unknown websites.

Step 4: Resetting your browser search and homepage settings

To be sure that there is nothing left behind, we recommend you to reset your browser. It will restore your browser settings to default.

Reset browser setting in Safari:

1. Open Safari.
2. Select Safari menu.
3. Choose Reset Safari….
4. Click Reset button.

Reset browser settings in Google Chrome:

1. Click the Chrome menu (3 bar button) in the top right corner.
2. Choose Settings.
3. Click Show advanced settings.
4. Go to Reset browser settings section.
5. Click Reset browser settings.
6. In the dialog that appears, click Reset.

Reset browser settings in Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Go to Help.
3. Go to Troubleshooting information.
4. Click Reset Firefox… button.

Reset browser settings in Internet Explorer:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the cogwheel in the right upper corner.
3. Click Internet options.
4. Got to Advanced tab.
5. Click Reset button.
6. Put a tick near Delete personal settings checkbox.
7. Click Reset button.

There are all the manual instructions that will help you to find Smartsearch.pw and remove it on your computer. The most effective method to get rid of Smartsearch.pw is to perform the manual removal instructions and then use any automatic tool. The manual method will weaken the malicious program and the program