Happysearch.org Removal Guide

Do you know what Happysearch.org is?

Happysearch.org is a search engine that our malware analysts have classified as a browser hijacker that can replace your browser’s homepage address for the purpose of making you use it to browse the web. Therefore, you should remove it, especially if you got it accidentally because, as a browser hijacker, it is distributed in a highly malicious manner that involves using bundled software installers. Our malware analysts have concluded that its search results are full of commercial ads of unknown origin, so it may not be safe to use as a search engine.

Happysearch.org is compatible with the three most widely used browsers that include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. It was created for the purpose of replacing their homepage addresses and forcing you to use it as a regular search engine. And, indeed, you can use this browser as a regular search engine. However, you should know that its search results are full of commercial advertisements that generate income for its developers. The problem with the ads is that there are too many of them because the regular, real search results take up only a small part of the search results window. One look at the search results window shows that the ads are featured at the top and bottom of the search results window, as well as on a separate column on the right side of the window. The ads are supplied by unknown entities, so you cannot know whether the promoted links are actually legitimate and will not subject you to shady content.

Our malware researchers have looked through this hijacker’s official privacy policy and the policy states that this search engine can collect information about you. The collected information includes but is not limited to your browsing history, search queries, links clicked, browser type, IP address, and so on. All of this information can also be shared with third parties to present you with personalized advertisements that will make this hijacker’s developers and their advertising partners more money.Happysearch.org Removal GuideHappysearch.org screenshot
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According to our cyber security experts, Happysearch.org is most likely distributed using malicious bundled software installers. It is said that these installers were configured to inject this particular browser hijacker secretly and you cannot uncheck its installation because the installers do not allow you to do that. You may encounter these installers if you get your software from freeware websites because some of these websites make money of bundling free applications with adware, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs. Hence, you should pay closer attention to where you get your software to avoid getting malware such as Happysearch.org.

In concussion, Happysearch.org is a malicious search engine that is distributed in a highly deceptive manner and can get onto your browser without your knowledge or approval. Its search results are bound to feature promotional links that come from unknown sources. So this hijacker is a potential threat to your computer’s security. Therefore, it would be wise to remove it, and if you want to do that, then you can consult the removal guide we have included below.

Removal Guide

Google Chrome

  1. Simultaneously hold down Alt+F keys.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Click Set pages and erase this hijacker’s URL.
  4. Enter a URL.
  5. Click OK.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

  1. Simultaneously hold down Alt+T keys.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. Erase this hijacker’s URL.
  4. Enter a new URL in the home page address line.
  5. Click OK.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Simultaneously hold down Alt+T keys and click Options.
  2. Select General.
  3. In the Home Page box, erase this hijacker’s URL.
  4. Enter a URL.
  5. Exit the Options menu.

In non-techie terms:

Happysearch.org is not a regular search engine but a browser hijacker, which is a type of search engines that are distributed using illicit methods. It comes in software bundles and can replace your browser’s homepage address. Its search results feature ads and some of them can be of malicious nature, so you should mind your personal privacy and your computer’s security and remove it from your PC as soon as you can.