What is Switch2Search?
Switch2Search is a browser plugin that is supposed to “enhance your social search experience and your new tab background.” It might sound like a fun and useful extension, but our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com want to warn users that it could be potentially harmful as well. The application allows the user to switch between search engines and change the background from provided images gallery. However, the plugin may also display third-party advertising content while you search the Internet. Users might even encounter ads that have links to malicious web pages. Needless, to say that if you want to keep the system protected, it is better to stay away from such content. Therefore, we advise users to erase the application as it might show you such ads. Additionally, we prepared deletion instructions that are available below the text.
Where does Switch2Search come from?
The program might be suggested on bundled installers that users may find on doubtful web pages, e.g. torrent or other file-sharing websites. Once you launch the installer, you should not rush the process by clicking “accept” or other buttons without reading any terms. If the installer is bundled, it could suggest software that you do not want, so it is up to you to deselect it. Otherwise, users might end up installing applications just like Switch2Search without realizing it. Also, setup files from unreliable file-sharing web pages could be bundled with adware, potentially unwanted programs, browser hijackers, and other software that should be avoided. Thus, it is better to be focused during the installation process.
How does Switch2Search work?
Currently, Switch2Search works only on Google Chrome. Since it is a browser plugin, after the installation it should be visible in the browser’s extensions list, which you can check if you type Chrome://extensions in the address bar. According to the software’s description, the application should “configure New Tab page to Switch2Search.” The changes allow the user to choose a different search engine, e.g. Google, Bing, and so on. Also, you can pick a picture that you like and make it as a background image for chosen search engine.
The bad news is that the extension might alter the results by placing third-party advertising content in it. The software’s Privacy Policy document states that “The Content may be in the form of apps, buttons, gadgets, links to third party advertisements, websites, products and services.” Unfortunately, some of the third-party content could redirect you to malicious web pages that distribute similar unreliable applications or even infections, such as ransomware, Trojans, viruses. etc.
How to erase Switch2Search?
It seems to us that it is not worth to risk your computer’s security for a nice background picture. As for the variety of search engines, users can visit the original sites instead, they all have unique designs that you might like too. If you came to decision that it is better to remove the plugin, you could follow the deletion instructions below. The instructions will show users how to erase the extension from Google Chrome. We can also offer a legitimate antimalware tool that can eliminate Switch2Search too. Plus, if you may have installed more suspicious software over time, the tool could help you clean the system. If you still have some questions, do not hesitate to contact us via social media or leave a comment below the article.
Delete Switch2Search
- Launch Google Chrome.
- Type the following line into the address bar: chrome://extensions and click Enter.
- Find Switch2Search and press the trash bin button next to it.
- Select Remove.
tested removal of Switch2Search*
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