• Downloads
  • Threats
    • Adware
    • Browser Hijacking
    • Phishing
    • Ransomware
  • Questions and Answers
  • Recover Encrypted Files
  • Free Malware Removal Tools

MyAntiSpyware

Menu
  • Downloads
  • Threats
    • Adware
    • Browser Hijacking
    • Phishing
    • Ransomware
  • Questions and Answers
  • Recover Encrypted Files
  • Free Malware Removal Tools

How to uninstall FreeStreamSearch from Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge

Myantispyware team November 24, 2020    

What is FreeStreamSearch?

According to cyber threat analysts, FreeStreamSearch is a PUP (potentially unwanted program) from the category of Browser hijackers. Browser hijacker is a kind of software that is designed to change the web-browser settings without the knowledge or permission of the computer user, and it usually redirects the affected system’s web browser to some advertisement-related web-pages. A browser hijacker initiates numerous popups, redirects user web searches to its own webpage, alters the default web-browser search engine or homepage, installs multiple toolbars on the web browser and generates multiple pop-up advertisements. If your PC has been affected by a browser hijacker you may need to follow manual steps or use a malware removal tool to revert changes made to your internet browsers.

FreeStreamSearch

Typically, browser hijackers and potentially unwanted programs promote specially created webpages by setting their address as the home page or search provider of the affected web-browser. In this case, the FreeStreamSearch browser hijacker changes the browser settings to freestreamsearch.com. That is, in other words, this browser hijacker are created for the sole purpose of forcing the user to visit the freestreamsearch.com address when the user opens the start page or uses the search provider. Therefore, the only way to remove a browser redirect to this unwanted website is to completely get rid of the browser hijacker associated with it. The reason for this is that potentially unwanted programs and browser hijackers often block the ability to change browser settings, thus preventing the user from restoring the startpage and search provider. For example, in this case, to delete freestreamsearch.com from the address of the homepage and search provider, the user needs to uninstall the FreeStreamSearch browser hijacker.

FreeStreamSearch ads

Another reason why you need to remove FreeStreamSearch is its online data-tracking activity. It can collect sensitive info, including:

  • IP addresses;
  • URLs visited;
  • search queries/terms;
  • clicks on links and advertisements;
  • browser version information.

To find out how to get rid of FreeStreamSearch, we suggest to read the steps added to this blog post below. The guide was created by security professionals who discovered a way to remove the browser hijacker out of the PC system.

How can a browser hijacker get on your computer

Usually, PUPs and browser hijackers gets into your computer as part of a bundle with free applications, sharing files and other unsafe programs which you downloaded from the Internet. The PUPs authors pays software creators for distributing broser hijackers within their apps. So, additional programs is often included as part of the setup package. In order to avoid the installation of any hijackers such as FreeStreamSearch: select only Manual, Custom or Advanced setup type and disable all third-party applications in which you are unsure.

Threat Summary

Name FreeStreamSearch
Type redirect virus, browser hijacker, search engine hijacker, PUP, home page hijacker
Associated domains freestreamsearch.com
Affected Browser Settings home page, newtab URL, search provider
Distribution suspicious pop-up advertisements, free programs setup files, fake software updaters
Symptoms Unwanted ads appear on web-pages that you are visiting. Your internet browser is redirected to web-pages you did not want. There is an unexpected program in the ‘Uninstall a program’ section of your Control Panel. Unwanted internet browser toolbars on your desktop. Your web browser search provider has changed without your permission.
Removal FreeStreamSearch removal guide

How to remove FreeStreamSearch hijacker

When a hijacker like FreeStreamSearch gets installed on your device without your knowledge, it is not easy to remove. In most cases, there is no Uninstall program which simply uninstall a browser hijacker from the PC system. So, we recommend using several well-proven free specialized tools like Zemana Anti Malware (ZAM), MalwareBytes Anti-Malware or HitmanPro. But the best way to remove FreeStreamSearch will be to perform several manual steps, after that additionally use free malware removal tools.




The below guide for devices using Windows, for Android phones, use How to remove virus from Android phone, and for Apple computers based on Mac OS use How to remove browser hijacker, pop-ups, advertisements from Mac

To remove FreeStreamSearch, execute the following steps:

  1. How to manually remove FreeStreamSearch
    • Remove dubious programs using Microsoft Windows Control Panel
    • Remove FreeStreamSearch from Firefox by resetting internet browser settings
    • Remove FreeStreamSearch hijacker from Internet Explorer
    • Remove FreeStreamSearch from Google Chrome
  2. Automatic Removal of FreeStreamSearch
    • Use Zemana AntiMalware (ZAM) to delete FreeStreamSearch hijacker
    • Remove FreeStreamSearch hijacker from internet browsers with HitmanPro
    • How to remove FreeStreamSearch with MalwareBytes Free
  3. Use AdBlocker to stop FreeStreamSearch redirect and stay safe online
  4. To sum up

How to manually remove FreeStreamSearch

To delete FreeStreamSearch browser hijacker, adware and other unwanted software you can try to do so manually. Unfortunately some of the browser hijackers won’t show up in your application list, but some hijackers may. In this case, you may be able to get rid of it via the uninstall function of your PC. You can do this by completing the steps below.

Remove dubious programs using Microsoft Windows Control Panel

When troubleshooting a PC system, one common step is go to Windows Control Panel and delete dubious applications. The same approach will be used in the removal of FreeStreamSearch browser hijacker. Please use instructions based on your MS Windows version.

Press Windows button Microsoft Windows key, then click Search Microsoft Windows search. Type “Control panel”and press Enter. If you using Windows XP or Windows 7, then click “Start” and select “Control Panel”. It will display the Windows Control Panel as shown below.
MS Windows control panel.jpg

Further, press “Uninstall a program” ControlPanel Uninstall
It will open a list of all applications installed on your computer. Scroll through the all list, and remove any questionable and unknown programs.

Remove FreeStreamSearch from Firefox by resetting internet browser settings

If your Mozilla Firefox web browser home page has modified by FreeStreamSearch without your permission or an unknown search provider opens results for your search, then it may be time to perform the web-browser reset. However, your saved bookmarks and passwords will not be lost. This will not affect your history, passwords, bookmarks, and other saved data.

Start the Mozilla Firefox and press the menu button (it looks like three stacked lines) at the top right of the web-browser screen. Next, click the question-mark icon at the bottom of the drop-down menu. It will open the slide-out menu.

Firefox help menu

Select the “Troubleshooting information”. If you’re unable to access the Help menu, then type “about:support” in your address bar and press Enter. It bring up the “Troubleshooting Information” page as displayed on the screen below.

Firefox troubleshooting info

Click the “Refresh Firefox” button at the top right of the Troubleshooting Information page. Select “Refresh Firefox” in the confirmation dialog box. The Mozilla Firefox will begin a procedure to fix your problems that caused by the FreeStreamSearch browser hijacker. Once, it is done, click the “Finish” button.

Remove FreeStreamSearch hijacker from Internet Explorer

By resetting Internet Explorer web browser you return your browser settings to its default state. This is first when troubleshooting problems that might have been caused by browser hijacker like FreeStreamSearch.

First, launch the IE, then click ‘gear’ icon IE tools menu icon. It will open the Tools drop-down menu on the right part of the browser, then press the “Internet Options” as shown on the image below.

reset Internet Explorer tools menu

In the “Internet Options” screen, select the “Advanced” tab, then click the “Reset” button. The IE will open the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” prompt. Further, click the “Delete personal settings” check box to select it. Next, click the “Reset” button like the one below.

reset IE settings

Once the task is complete, press “Close” button. Close the Internet Explorer and restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This step will help you to restore your internet browser’s home page, newtab and default search engine to default state.

Remove FreeStreamSearch from Google Chrome

Reset Chrome settings to get rid of FreeStreamSearch. If you are still experiencing issues with FreeStreamSearch, you need to reset Chrome browser to its original settings. This step needs to be performed only if browser hijacker has not been removed by the previous steps.

First launch the Chrome. Next, click the button in the form of three horizontal dots (Chrome menu button).

It will open the Chrome menu. Select More Tools, then click Extensions. Carefully browse through the list of installed extensions. If the list has the extension signed with “Installed by enterprise policy” or “Installed by your administrator”, then complete the following guidance: Remove Chrome extensions installed by enterprise policy.

Open the Google Chrome menu once again. Further, click the option called “Settings”.

open Chrome settings

The web browser will show the settings screen. Another way to show the Chrome’s settings – type chrome://settings in the internet browser adress bar and press Enter

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and press the “Advanced” link. Now scroll down until the “Reset” section is visible, similar to the one below and press the “Reset settings to their original defaults” button.

Google Chrome settings reset link

The Chrome will open the confirmation dialog box as shown in the following example.

Google Chrome settings reset dialog

You need to confirm your action, click the “Reset” button. The web browser will run the task of cleaning. Once it’s finished, the web browser’s settings including new tab page, homepage and search provider back to the values that have been when the Google Chrome was first installed on your personal computer.

Automatic Removal of FreeStreamSearch

Security professionals have built efficient malicious software removal tools to help users in removing browser hijackers , adware and potentially unwanted applications. Below we will share with you the best malicious software removal tools with the ability to scan for and remove FreeStreamSearch and other potentially unwanted applications.



Use Zemana AntiMalware (ZAM) to delete FreeStreamSearch hijacker

If you need a free utility that can easily search for and remove FreeStreamSearch hijacker, then use Zemana Free. This is a very handy application, which is primarily designed to quickly scan for and remove adware and malware affecting web browsers and changing their settings.

Download Zemana Free by clicking on the link below. Save it directly to your Microsoft Windows Desktop.

Zemana AntiMalware
Zemana AntiMalware
164867 downloads
Author: Zemana Ltd
Category: Security tools
Update: July 16, 2019

When the download is done, close all windows on your computer. Further, start the install file called Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup. If the “User Account Control” prompt pops up as displayed in the following example, click the “Yes” button.

Zemana uac

It will open the “Setup wizard” that will assist you install Zemana Anti Malware on the PC system. Follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.

Zemana SetupWizard

Once installation is done successfully, Zemana will automatically launch and you can see its main window like below.

Next, press the “Scan” button to begin checking your personal computer for the FreeStreamSearch hijacker. While the tool is checking, you may see how many objects and files has already scanned.

Zemana Anti Malware find FreeStreamSearch hijacker

After finished, you will be displayed the list of all detected items on your device. You may delete threats (move to Quarantine) by simply press “Next” button.

Zemana Anti Malware scan is finished

The Zemana Free will remove FreeStreamSearch hijacker and move the selected threats to the program’s quarantine. Once finished, you may be prompted to reboot your computer.

Remove FreeStreamSearch hijacker from internet browsers with HitmanPro

Hitman Pro is a portable tool that identifies and uninstalls unwanted programs such as browser hijackers, adware software, toolbars, other browser extensions and other malware. It scans your PC system for FreeStreamSearch browser hijacker and prepares a list of items marked for removal. Hitman Pro will only erase those unwanted programs that you wish to be removed.

  1. Installing the HitmanPro is simple. First you will need to download HitmanPro on your Windows Desktop from the following link.
    HitmanPro
    HitmanPro
    12222 downloads
    Author: Sophos
    Category: Security tools
    Update: June 28, 2018
  2. When downloading is finished, double click the Hitman Pro icon. Once this utility is started, click “Next” button to scan for FreeStreamSearch hijacker. Depending on your computer, the scan may take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. When a malware, adware or PUPs are found, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.
  3. When the scan is finished, HitmanPro will show a scan report. Make sure all items have ‘checkmark’ and click “Next” button. Now press the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial to get rid of all malicious software found.

How to remove FreeStreamSearch with MalwareBytes Free

We recommend using the MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) that are completely clean your computer of the browser hijacker. The free tool is an advanced malware removal program designed by (c) Malwarebytes lab. This program uses the world’s most popular anti-malware technology. It is able to help you remove hijacker, PUPs, malware, adware, toolbars, ransomware and other security threats from your PC for free.

Installing the MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) is simple. First you will need to download MalwareBytes Free by clicking on the following link. Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.

Malwarebytes Anti-malware
Malwarebytes Anti-malware
327126 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: April 15, 2020

Once downloading is done, close all programs and windows on your PC system. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s called MBSetup as shown in the following example.

MalwareBytes for Windows icon

When the installation starts, you will see the Setup wizard which will help you setup Malwarebytes on your computer.

MalwareBytes Anti Malware for Windows install wizard

Once setup is complete, you’ll see window like below.

MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) for MS Windows

Now click the “Scan” button to perform a system scan for the FreeStreamSearch hijacker. A system scan can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your PC system. When a malicious software, adware or potentially unwanted software are detected, the number of the security threats will change accordingly. Wait until the the checking is complete.

MalwareBytes Free for Microsoft Windows search for FreeStreamSearch hijacker

Once the scan is done, MalwareBytes will show a list of found items. Next, you need to press “Quarantine” button.

MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) for Windows, scan for hijacker is finished

The Malwarebytes will now remove FreeStreamSearch browser hijacker and move the selected threats to the Quarantine. When finished, you may be prompted to reboot your computer.

MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM) for Microsoft Windows restart prompt

The following video explains steps on how to delete browser hijacker, adware and other malicious software with MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM).

Use AdBlocker to stop FreeStreamSearch redirect and stay safe online

It’s also critical to protect your internet browsers from harmful webpages and advertisements by using an ad blocking application like AdGuard. Security experts says that it will greatly reduce the risk of malware, and potentially save lots of money. Additionally, the AdGuard may also protect your privacy by blocking almost all trackers.

First, visit the page linked below, then press the ‘Download’ button in order to download the latest version of AdGuard.

Adguard
Adguard download
26854 downloads
Version: 6.4
Author: © Adguard
Category: Security tools
Update: November 15, 2018

After the downloading process is done, double-click the downloaded file to start it. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen as displayed on the screen below.

adguard ad blocking installer

Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed and an icon will be placed on your desktop. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick tutorial as shown in the following example.

adguard installation is competed

Click “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or click “Get Started” to see an quick guidance that will help you get to know AdGuard better.

Each time, when you run your computer, AdGuard will launch automatically and stop unwanted advertisements, block FreeStreamSearch, as well as other malicious or misleading webpages. For an overview of all the features of the program, or to change its settings you can simply double-click on the AdGuard icon, which is located on your desktop.

To sum up

Once you have done the few simple steps outlined above, your device should be free from FreeStreamSearch browser hijacker and other PUPs. The Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge will no longer show the FreeStreamSearch web-site on startup. Unfortunately, if the step-by-step tutorial does not help you, then you have caught a new hijacker, and then the best way – ask for help here.

 

Browser Hijacking

 Previous Post

How to remove Affixstreamsfix.store pop up redirect (Virus removal guide)

Next Post 

How to remove Lisp ransomware, Decrypt .lisp files.

Author: Myantispyware team

Myantispyware is an information security website created in 2004. Our content is written in collaboration with Cyber Security specialists, IT experts, under the direction of Patrik Holder and Valeri Tchmych, founders of Myantispyware.com.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

New Guides

Hunny7.com: A Task App Scam Exposed
HunnyCash.com Review, Free $100 Signup Bonus Scam Exposed
Totrades.com Bitcoin Promo Codes: A Crypto Scam
Nabadex.com Review: Bitcoin Promo Codes as a Scam
Remove Kwsrc4you.com Redirect: Chrome, Edge, Firefox

Follow Us

Search

Useful Guides

This setting is enforced by your administrator (Removal guide)
remove android virus
How to remove virus from Android phone
How to reset Google Chrome settings to default
How to remove browser hijacker virus (Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge)
Smart Captcha Virus redirect
What is a Virus that Redirects Web Pages? A Comprehensive Guide

Recent Guides

fake pop-up alert
How to remove Affixstreamsfix.store pop up redirect (Virus removal guide)
unwanted ads
How to uninstall PracticalConfig app/extension from Mac
Didatedimpo.top
How to remove Didatedimpo.top pop-ups (Virus removal guide)
FindConverterSearch
How to uninstall FindConverterSearch from Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
WRTenets
How to uninstall WRTenets from Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge

Myantispyware.com

Myantispyware has been a trusted source for computer security and technology advice since 2004. Our mission is to provide reliable tech guidance and expert, practical solutions to help you stay safe online and protect your digital life.

Social Links

Pages

About Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 - 2024 MASW - Myantispyware.com.