What is SearchGames4U?
The computer security experts have determined that SearchGames4U (Search Games 4U) is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) belonging to the group of Browser hijackers. A browser hijacker is a part of software whose motive is to generate revenue for its author. It have various methods of earning by displaying advertisements forcibly to its victims. Browser hijackers can display unwanted advertisements, modify the victim’s web browser search engine and home page, or redirect the victim’s browser to unrequested web sites. Below we are discussing methods which are very effective in removing browser hijackers. The few simple steps will also help you to remove SearchGames4U from your internet browser.
The SearchGames4U hijacker will modify your web browser’s search engine so that all searches are sent via feed.searchgames4u.com that redirects to Bing, Yahoo or Google Custom Search engine which displays the search results for your query. The devs behind this hijacker are using legitimate search provider as they may make money from the advertisements that are displayed in the search results.
And finally, the SearchGames4U hijacker be able to gather a wide variety of your personal data such as what web-pages you are opening, what you are looking for the Internet and so on. This information, in the future, may be transferred third party companies.
Browser hijackers are usually written in ways common to malware, spyware and adware. In order to get rid of browser hijacker and thus delete SearchGames4U, you will need complete the steps below or run free removal tool listed below.
How can a browser hijacker get on your PC system
Most often, PUPs and browser hijackers spreads bundled with the installers from file sharing web sites. So, install free programs is a a good chance that you will find a bundled browser hijacker. If you don’t know how to avoid it, then use a simple trick. During the installation, select the Custom or Advanced installation type. Next, click ‘Decline’ button and clear all checkboxes on offers that ask you to install additional apps. Moreover, please carefully read Term of use and User agreement before installing any software or otherwise you can end up with another unwanted program on your computer such as this hijacker.
Threat Summary
Name | SearchGames4U (Search Games 4U) |
Type | startpage hijacker, search engine hijacker, browser hijacker, redirect virus, PUP |
Associated domains | feed.searchgames4u.com, install.searchgames4u.com, portal.searchgames4u.com, get.searchgames4u.com |
Affected Browser Settings | search provider, start page, new tab page URL |
Distribution | fake software updaters, free programs installers, malicious pop-up advertisements |
Symptoms | Pop up advertisements won’t go away. When you go to a website, you are occasionally redirected to another web-site that you do not intend to visit. New entries appear in your Programs folder. Unexpected browser plugins or toolbar keep coming back. Your browser homepage has replaced without your permission. |
Removal | SearchGames4U removal guide |
How to remove SearchGames4U hijacker
There are a few solutions which can be used to delete SearchGames4U. But, not all potentially unwanted apps like this hijacker can be completely deleted utilizing only manual ways. In most cases you are not able to uninstall any browser hijacker using standard Windows options. In order to remove browser hijackers you need complete a few manual steps and run free malware removal tools. Most cyber threat analysts states that Zemana, MalwareBytes or HitmanPro utilities are a right choice. These free applications are able to search for and get rid of SearchGames4U from your device and revert back your browser settings to defaults.
To remove SearchGames4U, complete the steps below:
- How to manually remove SearchGames4U
- Automatic Removal of SearchGames4U
- How to stop SearchGames4U redirect
- Finish words
How to manually remove SearchGames4U
Read this section to know how to manually delete the SearchGames4U browser hijacker. Even if the step-by-step instructions does not work for you, there are several free malicious software removers below that can easily handle such browser hijackers.
Removing the SearchGames4U, check the list of installed apps first
Some programs are free only because their setup file contains a browser hijacker such as the SearchGames4U. This unwanted software generates profit for the authors when it is installed. Many browser hijackers can be deleted by simply uninstalling them from the ‘Uninstall a Program’ that is located in MS Windows control panel.
Windows 8, 8.1, 10
First, press Windows button , then click Search . Type ‘Control panel’and press Enter as shown in the following example.
Once the ‘Control Panel’ opens, press the ‘Uninstall a program’ link under Programs category as shown in the following example.
You will see the ‘Uninstall a program’ panel like the one below.
Very carefully look around the entire list of applications installed on your PC. Most likely, one of them is the SearchGames4U hijacker. If you’ve many software installed, you can help simplify the search of harmful software by sort the list by date of installation. Once you have found a questionable, unwanted or unused program, right click to it, after that press ‘Uninstall’.
Windows XP, Vista, 7
First, click ‘Start’ button and select ‘Control Panel’ at right panel as shown in the figure below.
After the Windows ‘Control Panel’ opens, you need to click ‘Uninstall a program’ under ‘Programs’ as displayed in the following example.
You will see a list of applications installed on your device. We recommend to sort the list by date of installation to quickly find the apps that were installed last. Most likely, it is the SearchGames4U browser hijacker. If you are in doubt, you can always check the program by doing a search for her name in Google, Yahoo or Bing. When the program which you need to delete is found, simply press on its name, and then press ‘Uninstall’ as displayed in the figure below.
Remove SearchGames4U hijacker from browsers
This step will show you how to get rid of malicious addons. This can get rid of SearchGames4U hijacker and fix some browsing problems, especially after browser hijacker infection.
Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox |
---|---|
You can also try to get rid of SearchGames4U browser hijacker by reset Chrome settings. |
If you are still experiencing issues with SearchGames4U browser hijacker removal, you need to reset Mozilla Firefox browser. |
Internet Explorer | Safari |
Another way to delete SearchGames4U hijacker from IE is reset IE settings. |
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Automatic Removal of SearchGames4U
Malware removal utilities are pretty useful when you think your computer is infected by browser hijacker. Below we’ll discover best utilities that be able to scan for and remove SearchGames4U from your PC.
Use Zemana to remove SearchGames4U hijacker
If you need a free tool that can easily find and delete SearchGames4U browser hijacker, then use Zemana. This is a very handy application, which is primarily designed to quickly look for and get rid of adware software and malicious software hijacking browsers and modifying their settings.
- Installing the Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM) is simple. First you will need to download Zemana on your personal computer by clicking on the following link.
Zemana AntiMalware
162821 downloads
Author: Zemana Ltd
Category: Security tools
Update: July 16, 2019
- Once you have downloaded the setup file, make sure to double click on the Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup. This would start the Zemana Free installation on your personal computer.
- Select setup language and click ‘OK’ button.
- On the next screen ‘Setup Wizard’ simply click the ‘Next’ button and follow the prompts.
- Finally, once the installation is done, Zemana AntiMalware (ZAM) will run automatically. Else, if doesn’t then double-click on the Zemana Anti Malware (ZAM) icon on your desktop.
- Now that you have successfully install Zemana AntiMalware, let’s see How to use Zemana Anti Malware (ZAM) to remove SearchGames4U browser hijacker from your computer.
- After you have launched the Zemana AntiMalware, you’ll see a window such as the one below, just click ‘Scan’ button . Zemana utility will start scanning the whole computer to find out hijacker.
- Now pay attention to the screen while Zemana Free scans your computer.
- Once the system scan is finished, Zemana Anti Malware (ZAM) will display a list of detected threats. Make sure all threats have ‘checkmark’ and click ‘Next’ button.
- Zemana Free may require a reboot computer in order to complete the SearchGames4U hijacker removal procedure.
- If you want to permanently delete browser hijacker from your computer, then press ‘Quarantine’ icon, select all malware, adware, potentially unwanted programs and other threats and press Delete.
- Reboot your PC to complete the hijacker removal process.
Get rid of SearchGames4U browser hijacker from web-browsers with HitmanPro
If the SearchGames4U issue persists, run the HitmanPro and scan if your web-browser is affected by browser hijacker. The Hitman Pro is a downloadable security utility that provides on-demand scanning and helps get rid of adware software, potentially unwanted apps, and other malware. It works with your existing antivirus.
Download HitmanPro on your Microsoft Windows Desktop from the link below.
Download and use Hitman Pro on your device. Once started, click “Next” button . Hitman Pro utility will start scanning the whole PC system to find out SearchGames4U hijacker. A scan can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of files on your computer and the speed of your PC. While the HitmanPro program is checking, you may see how many objects it has identified as threat..
Once Hitman Pro has finished scanning your PC, a list of all threats detected is created.
When you are ready, click Next button.
It will display a dialog box, click the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial to remove all malware found.
How to remove SearchGames4U with MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM)
If you’re still having problems with the SearchGames4U hijacker — or just wish to check your PC system occasionally for browser hijacker and other malicious software — download MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM). It is free for home use, and finds and deletes various unwanted programs that attacks your computer or degrades personal computer performance. MalwareBytes can remove adware, potentially unwanted programs as well as malicious software, including ransomware and trojans.
- Download MalwareBytes Anti Malware from the following link.
Malwarebytes Anti-malware
324494 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: April 15, 2020
- After the download is done, close all applications and windows on your device. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s named MBsetup.
- Choose “Personal computer” option and press Install button. Follow the prompts.
- Once installation is finished, click the “Scan” button to locate SearchGames4U browser hijacker. This process can take some time, so please be patient. During the scan MalwareBytes will search for threats present on your computer.
- As the scanning ends, you can check all threats found on your computer. Review the results once the utility has done the system scan. If you think an entry should not be quarantined, then uncheck it. Otherwise, simply click “Quarantine”. Once disinfection is complete, you can be prompted to reboot your personal computer.
The following video offers a tutorial on how to remove hijackers, adware and other malicious software with MalwareBytes AntiMalware.
How to stop SearchGames4U redirect
Run an ad-blocking tool such as AdGuard will protect you from malicious ads and content. Moreover, you can find that the AdGuard have an option to protect your privacy and stop phishing and spam webpages. Additionally, adblocker programs will help you to avoid annoying popups and unverified links that also a good way to stay safe online.
Download AdGuard on your Windows Desktop by clicking on the following link.
26347 downloads
Version: 6.4
Author: © Adguard
Category: Security tools
Update: November 15, 2018
After downloading it, start the downloaded file. You will see the “Setup Wizard” screen as on the image below.
Follow the prompts. When the installation is done, you will see a window such as the one below.
You can click “Skip” to close the installation program and use the default settings, or press “Get Started” button to see an quick tutorial which will assist you get to know AdGuard better.
In most cases, the default settings are enough and you don’t need to change anything. Each time, when you launch your PC, AdGuard will start automatically and stop undesired advertisements, block SearchGames4U, as well as other harmful or misleading webpages. For an overview of all the features of the application, or to change its settings you can simply double-click on the AdGuard icon, that is located on your desktop.
Finish words
Now your device should be clean of the SearchGames4U browser hijacker. We suggest that you keep Zemana Free (to periodically scan your PC for new hijackers and other malware) and AdGuard (to help you stop undesired pop-up ads and malicious webpages). Moreover, to prevent any browser hijacker, please stay clear of unknown and third party applications, make sure that your antivirus program, turn on the option to scan for potentially unwanted software.
If you need more help with SearchGames4U related issues, go to here.