Question
Issue: How to Uninstall Yahoo Search?
All of a sudden I found Google search engine replaced by Yahoo Search. The default start page is set to Yahoo and the search engine is search.yahoo.com. I’m not sure, but it might be that I installed it by accident. I tried to remove it, but it reappeared when I reopened the browser. Please help.
Solved Answer
Yahoo Search is a legitimate search engine developed by Yahoo Holdings, Inc. It can be directly accessed on the Internet or set as a default search engine and start page by installing an add-on. Many people like the search and they are free to use it. However, the bulk of netizens condemns the activity of Yahoo company and opt for urgent Yahoo Search removal.
Why Internet Users Opt for Yahoo Search Removal?
Although Yahoo Search and search.yahoo.com start page are legitimate, Yahoo company is often accused of initiating doubtful activities. It often distributes Yahoo Search by bundling – as a free attachment of freewares and sharewares, which are usually dubbed as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). For example, the fact that Yahoo is distributed with Skype is well-known, so aware people simply unmark Yahoo Search engine and start page on during Skype installation setup to prevent unwanted changes. If, however, the PC user overlook Yahoo add-on, it is installed by default and, therefore, the start page and search engine on the default web browser are set to Yahoo search automatically.
Is Yahoo Search a virus?
Although security-related forums refer to Yahoo search as a redirect virus or browser hijacker, the original version of Yahoo Search is not malicious. However, the developer is often accused of exploiting bundling distribution strategy, which is why Yahoo may get installed on any web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, ect.) without requiring for user's permission explicitely. Moreover, Yahoo Search and search.yahoo.com are misused by many browser hijackers. For example, if the PC’s owner installed a freeware and ends up with Delta-Homes.com, Default-Search.net, InstallX Search Protect for Yahoo, Yahoo Mail, Yahoo Startnow or another PUP, he or she starts receiving search results from Yahoo. The truth is that these search results are may be sponsored, which means that they may contain third-party ads and links.
Removing Yahoo Search
If you have found out your default search engine replaced with the Yahoo search after the installation of a third-party utility, we would strongly recommend running a scan with FortectMac Washing Machine X9 or another professional anti-malware. It will remove all potentially unwanted programs, including the one that the one that was bundled with Yahoo Search.
You can also do the same manually, except that this option is much riskier because you may delete the wrong apps. Nevertheless, if you want to try, you should:
1. Right-click on Windows key and select Control Panel.
2. Open Programs & Features and check the list of apps.
3. Draw your attention to unknown and suspicious app that have been installed at the same day as Yahoo Search add-on.
4. Right-click on each of them and select Uninstall.
5. Now press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
6. Click Edit and Search.
7. Type the name of the app that you have recently uninstalled to check for its leftovers. Remove them as well.
IMPORTANT: the most important step is to reset your web browser’s default settings. Otherwise, Yahoo Search will not be removed. Select the web browser that is currently running the unwanted search and reset it. You can find the tutorials by clicking on the links below:
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Internet Explorer
Google Chrome
Get rid of programs with only one click
You can uninstall this program with the help of the step-by-step guide presented to you by ugetfix.com experts. To save your time, we have also selected tools that will help you carry out this task automatically. If you are in a hurry or if you feel that you are not experienced enough to uninstall the program by your own, feel free to use these solutions:
Access geo-restricted video content with a VPN
Private Internet Access is a VPN that can prevent your Internet Service Provider, the government, and third-parties from tracking your online and allow you to stay completely anonymous. The software provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, ensuring optimal performance and not slowing you down. You can also bypass geo-restrictions and view such services as Netflix, BBC, Disney+, and other popular streaming services without limitations, regardless of where you are.
Don’t pay ransomware authors – use alternative data recovery options
Malware attacks, particularly ransomware, are by far the biggest danger to your pictures, videos, work, or school files. Since cybercriminals use a robust encryption algorithm to lock data, it can no longer be used until a ransom in bitcoin is paid. Instead of paying hackers, you should first try to use alternative recovery methods that could help you to retrieve at least some portion of the lost data. Otherwise, you could also lose your money, along with the files. One of the best tools that could restore at least some of the encrypted files – Data Recovery Pro.
Ugnius Kiguolis is the founder and editor-in-chief of UGetFix. He is a professional security specialist and malware analyst who has been working in IT industry for over 20 years.
