Video Search Extension

The Video Search extension is a browser hijacker that modifies browser settings without providing any real value. Once installed, it changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings to promote a questionable search provider. It may also monitor browsing activity and generate redirects to sponsored or potentially unsafe websites.

Threat Type	Browser Hijacker
Associated Domain	Video Search search provider
Detection Names	BrowserHijacker.VideoSearch, PUA.VideoSearch, Adware.VideoSearch
Symptoms	Homepage changes, search redirects, unwanted new tabs, inability to restore settings
Damage & Distribution	Privacy risks, tracking, exposure to misleading websites; distributed through bundled software and deceptive installers
Danger Level	Medium
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

What Video Search Extension Browser Hijacker Changes in Your Browser

The Video Search extension alters critical browser settings immediately after installation. Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers may start opening an unfamiliar page every time a new tab is launched. Searches typed into the address bar no longer use your preferred search engine and instead pass through the hijacker’s search service.

These fake search engines rarely generate results themselves. Instead, they often redirect queries through Yahoo, Bing, or other search providers while collecting browsing information in the process.

Common signs include:

• Search queries being redirected unexpectedly.
• Homepage and new tab pages changing without permission.
• Browser settings reverting after manual changes.
• Increased advertisements and sponsored links.
• Slower browser performance.

How Video Search Extension Browser Hijacker Hijacked Your Homepage

Most users don’t install browser hijackers intentionally. The Video Search extension commonly arrives through:

• Free software bundles.
• Fake update notifications.
• Dubious download websites.
• Misleading browser extension advertisements.
• Pop-ups claiming to improve video searching or browsing.

During installation, the additional extension may be pre-selected, causing it to enter the browser alongside legitimate software. Browser extensions have broad permissions, making them attractive targets for abuse by potentially unwanted applications.

Will Video Search Extension Browser Hijacker Steal My Data?

Browser hijackers are not usually as destructive as Trojans or ransomware, but they can still create privacy concerns.

The Video Search extension may collect:

• Search queries.
• Browsing history.
• Click patterns.
• IP address and approximate location.
• Browser and device information.

This information can be used for targeted advertising or shared with third parties. In some cases, malicious browser extensions have evolved into spyware capable of harvesting much more sensitive information.

How to Remove Video Search Extension Browser Hijacker

Remove Suspicious Extensions

Chrome

1. Open Chrome.
2. Type chrome://extensions into the address bar.
3. Locate Video Search or unfamiliar extensions.
4. Click Remove.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge.
2. Type edge://extensions.
3. Find Video Search or any unknown add-ons.
4. Click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the menu button and select Add-ons and Themes.
3. Choose Extensions.
4. Remove suspicious extensions.

Restore Search Engine Settings

1. Open your browser settings.
2. Go to the Search Engine section.
3. Select your preferred search provider.
4. Remove any unfamiliar search engines from the list.

Reset Browser Settings

If redirects continue:

• Chrome: Settings → Reset Settings → Restore settings to their original defaults.
• Edge: Settings → Reset Settings.
• Firefox: Type about:support and click Refresh Firefox.

Perform a Malware Scan

Browser hijackers are frequently installed alongside potentially unwanted programs. Running a full system scan with a reputable anti-malware solution can help detect leftover files and prevent the hijacker from returning.

Conclusion

The Video Search extension browser hijacker is more than just an annoying extension. By changing browser settings and redirecting searches, it creates privacy concerns and exposes users to questionable websites. Removing the extension, restoring browser settings, and scanning the system for additional unwanted software are the most effective ways to regain control of your browser.

Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Look for recently installed or unknown software.
3. Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.

For Mac:

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
3. Drag them to the Trash.
4. Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.

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Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected

Google Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
3. Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
4. Change your search engine:
   Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.
3. After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
4. Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
2. Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
3. Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.

Safari (Mac Only):

1. Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
2. Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
3. Under General, set your homepage.
4. Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.

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Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File

On Windows:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
2. Go to:
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
4. Save changes and reboot.

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Identify and remove hijacker entries.
4. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.

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Option 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter

If you want a faster and safer solution — especially if the hijacker reinstalls after manual removal — use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Visit the official download page: Download SpyHunter

Need help with the installation? Follow this page: SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install and Launch the Program

1. Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
2. Open SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now.
2. Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
3. Once the scan completes, click Fix Threats to eliminate them.

Step 4: Reboot and Recheck Your Browser

After cleaning, restart your device. Open your browser and check if your homepage and search settings are restored. If not, perform a quick browser reset using the manual steps above.

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How to Prevent Future Infections

• Avoid downloading freeware from third-party sites.
• Use custom/advanced installation and deselect optional offers.
• Keep your browser and OS updated.
• Regularly scan your system with SpyHunter for proactive defense.
• Don’t click strange pop-ups or redirect links from unknown sources.

Additional Security Suggestions

To stay safe online, it is important to stay informed about emerging threats and how they operate. For a deeper understanding of these risks, you can read our detailed guide on hijackers, which explains how they work, how they spread, and what steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim.