Do you know what Default-search.net?
Default-search.net is a search engine owned and maintained by Aztec Media, which creates mobile applications and services based on platforms such as Facebook. The search engine may seem to be attractive visually; however, you may soon get disappointed in it because the search engine redirects you to Yahoo search results. Moreover, almost every button available on the startup page is associated with Yahoo, including options such as Images, Videos, Shopping, and News, all of which are located below the address box of the browser.
Default-search.net screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Default-search.net can be set as the home page and default search provider on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. The settings are made when the hijacker is distributed by the Windows Version Installer, which is signed by AnySend. The browser hijacker arrives at the computer together with the SystemK adware helper, which does not allow manual changes on the browsers. However, it is possible to rid the browser of Default-search.net, and the sooner you remove the browser hijacker, the better.
Default-search.net provides computer user with a very brief privacy policy, which covers basic privacy related issues. It states that Default-search.net does not automatically collect personal information about computer user unless they voluntarily share their name, email address, and other personally identifiable information with company.
However, Default-search.net does collect non-personally identifiable information, including search terms, clicks, information about your Internet browsers and operating system, Internet service provider, and some other details. The search engine uses browser cookies to record your preferences and store information about browsing related patters. The information collected may be used for various purposes, and, if you do not want to receive target advertisements or commercial offers in general, remove Default-search.net from your browsers. You can use the Yahoo search without Default-search.net, so do not hesitate but remove the browser hijacker from your PC. As for the search result provided by Yahoo, bear in mind that you may find sponsored links, some of which may have nothing in common with your search term. Yahoo is not liable for third parties’ links and you interact with them at your own risk.
When it comes to removal, the removal of the browser hijacker is not a complex procedure if you choose SpyHunter. This anti-spyware tool can remove Default-search.net for you and fight of Trojan horses, other browser hijackers, rogue anti-virus programs, ransomware infections, and many other threats.
In case you are determined to remove Default-search.net manually, use our removal guide and do not forget to scan the computer afterwards.
How to remove Default-search.net
Windows Vista and Windows 7
- Click Start.
- Select Control Panel and Click Uninstall a program.
- Remove the browser hijacker.
Windows XP
- Click Start.
- Select Control Panel.
- Click Add or Remove Programs.
- Uninstall the unwanted program.
Windows 8
- Move the mouse to the lower-left corner of the screen and right-click.
- Select Control Panel.
- Click Uninstall a program and remove Default-search.
Fix your browsers
Internet Explorer
- Press Alt+T and click Internet Options.
- Open the General tab and set a new home page.
- Click OK.
- Press Alt+T and click Manage Add-ons.
- Click Search Providers.
- Set a new default search engine.
Mozilla Firefox
- Press Alt+T and click Options.
- Open the General tab and change the home page.
- Click OK.
- Click the search engine icon on the left side of the search box and then set a new search provider.
Google Chrome
- Press Alt+F.
- Click Settings.
- Under On startup, select the third option and click Set pages.
- Set a new startup page.
- Under Search, click Manage search engines and set a new search engine.
In non-techie terms:
Default-search.net is a search engine promoted by a browser hijacker which can be bundled with various free applications. In order to remove the intruder from the computer, a powerful spyware and malware prevention tool should be implemented as soon as possible.