Searchgle.com Removal Guide

Since Searchgle.com looks like a legitimate search engine you might think that it is safe and presents reliable search results. However, beneath the surface, we found a browser hijacker set to infect your PC and replace your web browser’s homepage address and, therefore, we recommend that you remove it. Also, we have concluded that it is used to show ads on its main page and feature shady links in its search results. Apparently, this fictitious search engine was set up with the sole purpose of generating advertising revenue, so do not think that it will improve your search experience.

Let us begin our analysis with Searchgle.com’s origins. Our premise that it is a browser hijacker stems from the fact that it is distributed using a dishonest and outright malicious method. Our research has revealed that this browser hijacker is currently being bundled with malicious software installers that interact with your browser and replace the present homepage address with Searchgle.com. Such installers are mostly found on free software hosting websites, but we do not rule out the possibility of this particular browser hijacker being featured with a potentially unwanted program (PUP) on a dedicated distribution website. The main reason why it is a browser hijacker is not the fact that it changes the homepage address, but the fact that it does that in secret and some installers might not even allow you to deselect it when configuring the installation.

Our testing has shown that Searchgle.com is set to replace the homepage addresses of web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. It must be noted that in the case Chrome, this hijacker should also replace the new tab page as the homepage and new tab page settings in Chrome can be linked. While you can replace the homepage address without any obstructions, it must be said that Searchgle.com is made to look similar to Google.com. Take note that it features Google’s color scheme, except it does not say “Google” but “Search” on the main page. Furthermore, the main page is set to feature various ads on the main page. While analyzing this hijacker, we concluded that the ads displayed are safe, but that might not always be the case as this hijacker comes from an unknown company and, thus, there is no way of knowing whether it is trustworthy. Experience with hijackers from other creators leads us to assume that Searchgle.com might promote malicious content such as malware and scam websites.

Another thing worthy of mention is the fact that this browser hijacker may collect information about you. It does not state that it does because it does not have any legal documents that are a must for any legitimate search engine. However, we assume that, at the very least, it is configured to automatically collect non-personally identifiable information that includes information such as your browsing history, search history, entered search queries, IP address, Internet Service Provider name, browser type, operating system type, and so on. We do not think that it collects personal information because it does not feature a contact platform or email address trough which you could communicate with the developers and reveal personal information voluntarily. Thus, we believe that it collects anonymous information only and uses it for advertising and marketing purposes. Hence, this information may be used to present region-specific ads and products related to your personal interests.

To summarize, Searchgle.com is a browser hijacker, designed to enter your computer and replace your browser’s homepage address in a secretive manner. It can also feature ads on its main page and promotional links in its search results. The problem is that the ads and promotions can come from unreliable sources that can promote malicious content. Finally, it is set to collect anonymous information about you and use it to present tailored advertisements. All things considered, it is unreliable and can be dangerous, and if it has replaced your browser’s homepage address, we invite you to make use of the guide below to remove this hijacker.

How to change your browser's homepage

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Press Win+R keys.
2. Type regedit in the dialog box.
3. Click OK.
4. In the Registry Editor, go to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
5. Locate the Start Page, right-click it and click Modify.
6. In the Value data line, enter a new URL.
7. Click OK.
8. Close the Registry Editor.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Press Win+E keys.
2. In the address bar, enter %AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles and hit Enter.
3. Access the {Mozilla ID number} folder.
4. Find and open prefs.js with Notepad.
5. Fix the user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", " http://searchgle.com"); string by replacing the http://searchgle.com with your preferred URL.

Google Chrome

1. Press Win+E keys.
2. In the address bar, type %LocalAppData%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default and hit Enter.
3. Find Preferences, Secure Preferences and Web Data.
4. Delete them or open them with Notepad and replace all strings featuring http://searchgle.com to your preferred URL.