Do you know what OptimumSearch is?
Do not expect to face “optimized” search results by using OptimumSearch. All that this extension can do is redirect you to Google Search, which of course, is already known as a versatile and effective search engine. Does the extension add its own search results to somehow change what you see? It does not, and that is good news because when the search results of trusted search engines are modified, that is usually done to promote advertisements. In general, it might seem that the extension is useless, and it is, but there is something else that we are worried about. Therefore, if you are postponing the removal of this extension simply because it does not seem malicious, you are doing yourself a disservice. Keep reading, and you will learn how to delete OptimumSearch quickly and painlessly.
It does not look like OptimumSearch has an official download page, but it can be downloaded from the Chrome Web Store at chrome.google.com/webstore/detail//adcceelgokmaemjhicdafehglclmboci. If this is where you downloaded it from, how were you introduced to the installer? That is something you need to think about because if you remember being redirected to the installer page, you might need to refrain from visiting certain websites or clicking certain buttons. Of course, if you remember downloading the extension along with a different program attached to it, it is possible that you used a third-party software bundle. If that is the case, we warn you that malware could have been dropped onto your computer. Implement a trusted malware scanner to help you figure out if there is anything else that you must remove.
We classify OptimumSearch as a PUP (potentially unwanted program), and the reason for that is very simple – it is useless. You can easily use Google Search to find the results you need, and you do not need an additional extension for that. However, there is one other reason – the extension is also a data-gathering tool. When you install it, search.optimum.icu is set as the default search provider and New Tab page. Every time you enter keywords into this search tool, they are recorded. OptimumSearch also records your interaction with the search results you end up clicking. This data is collected and might be shared with unknown parties for research or marketing purposes. While third parties might not be able to approach you with ads or sponsored content in this situation, perhaps they could use the recorded data in the future or to profile users’ behavior. All in all, even if this is not done in a malicious way, it does not benefit you.
OptimumSearch screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
You might think that it is intrusive or that it does not offer anything useful, but whatever your outlook is, we are sure that you understand why removing OptimumSearch is the right move. The remaining question is how will you remove this PUP? You should have no problem deleting it manually, as shown in the guide below. If you follow it, you can also clear browsing data, which is how you can erase cookies and data that could be stored on behalf of the extension. And what should you do if other threats are found along with OptimumSearch? If that happens, you might be able to research and manually delete every single threat individually, but we suggest using the assistance of trusted anti-malware software.
Delete OptimumSearch from Google Chrome
- Launch the browser and then tap Alt and F keys together.
- When the Chrome menu shows up, click More tools.
- Click Extensions and then Remove the extension you identify as a PUP.
- Tap Ctrl, Shift, and Delete keys together for the Clear browsing data menu.
- Pick a time range, select boxes, and then click Clear data.
In non-techie terms:
OptimumSearch does not offer optimum-level services. It redirects to Google Search when you want to browse the web, and then it also gathers information about what you search and how you interact with the content introduced to you. Overall, the extension is neither useful nor completely transparent, and that is why it is classified as a potentially unwanted program, or PUP. We recommend deleting this PUP from your browser, and you have two main options. You can remove OptimumSearch manually, using the guide that you can see above, or you can install anti-malware software and let it erase the PUP automatically. This is the ideal option if you have faced multiple threats, and if you understand that protecting your system against undesirable programs and, most important, dangerous threats is easier said than done.