What is 4KMovieSearch browser plugin? — Fix Guide

4KMovieSearch – What is it?

“4KMovieSearch” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)¹, that is distributed as a plugin for your internet browser. It is usually promoted as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that aids to browse some precise details, for instance, about sporting activity events, make your browser far more safe, allow downloading of any kind of video clip, et cetera.

However, the “4KMovieSearch” plugin is quite pointless because all such features are currently integrated to your browser and/or system. Such advertising mottos are targeted at low-skilled computer users, for example, pensioners or schoolchildren. However frequently even professional users are getting caught on such a lure. In particular scenarios, this hijacker is dispersed along with free apps.

4KMovieSearch Search Hijacker

How harmful is 4KMovieSearch hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, 4KMovieSearch hijacker is also considerably unsafe for web browser utilization. It transforms your search engine to its particular – 4kmoviesearch.com, and likewise changes your background, putting its watermark on your wallpaper (or, sometimes, changing it to default with the specified sign).

Apart from visual changes done by 4KMovieSearch hijacker, you can observe that a number of your search inquiries are redirecting to the unfamiliar websites, filled with links and advertisements – so-called doorway sites. Such sites can include links for malware downloads. The possibility of redirecting surges if you attempt to open Google search page by force.

However all these actions are much more irritating than really destructive. The biggest threat, specifically for individuals who have a great deal of secret information in their browsers, is installed in data collecting functions. Cookie files, chats, often-visited web pages, and various other activities are simply gathered by 4KMovieSearch hijacker.

How to remove 4KMovieSearch search hijacker?

• Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
• Open GridinSoft Anti-Malware and perform a “Standard scan“.
• “Move to quarantine” all items.
• Open “Tools” tab – Press “Reset Browser Settings“.
• Select proper browser and options – Click “Reset”.
• Restart your computer.

Browser hijackers are typically quite very easy to remove. Most of the times, they have a separate application that can be seen in the list of installed programs. As a result of the specific distribution method of 4KMovieSearch hijacker, it can be conveniently tracked and removed manually. Nevertheless, if you got 4KMovieSearch in the package with a free program, your PC might be contaminated with far more serious malware – trojans, spyware or perhaps ransomware. That’s why I’d recommend you use anti-malware programs to delete the 4KMovieSearch PUA and all various other malware.

You can utilize Microsoft Defender² – it is capable of detecting and removing various malware, including mentioned hijacker. However, significant malware, that may exist on your personal computer in the mentioned instance, can disable the Windows antivirus program by editing the Group Policies. To avoid such circumstances, it is better to make use of GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

To detect and erase all malicious programs on your PC with GridinSoft Anti-Malware, it’s better to utilize Standard or Full scan. Quick Scan is not able to find all the malicious programs, because it checks only the most popular registry entries and directories.

You can spectate the detected malicious apps sorted by their possible harm till the scan process. But to perform any actions against the viruses, you need to wait until the scan is over, or to stop the scan.

To set the action for each detected virus or unwanted program, click the arrow in front of the name of the detected malicious program. By default, all the viruses will be moved to quarantine.

Reverting browser settings to original ones

To reset your browser settings, you are required to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action is not able to be intercepted by any malware, hence, you will surely see the result. This option can be located in the Tools tab.

After pressing the Reset Browser Settings button, the menu will be displayed, where you can specify, which settings will be reverted to the original.

Deleteing 4KMovieSearch hijacker manually

Besides using anti-malware software for browser restoration, you may choose the “Reset browser settings” function, which is usually embedded in all popular browsers.

1. Open “Settings and more” tab in upper right corner, then find here “Settings” button. In the appeared menu, choose “Reset settings” option :
2. After picking the Reset Settings option, you will see the following menu, stating about the settings which will be reverted to original :

1. Open Menu tab (three strips in upper right corner) and click the “Help” button. In the appeared menu choose “troubleshooting information” :
2. In the next screen, find the “Refresh Firefox” option :

After choosing this option, you will see the next message :

1. Open Settings tab, find the “Advanced” button. In the extended tab choose the “Reset and clean up” button :
2. In the appeared list, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” :
3. Finally, you will see the window, where you can see all the settings which will be reset to default :
   

1. Open Settings menu by pressing the gear icon in the toolbar (left side of the browser window), then click “Advanced” option, and choose “Browser” button in the drop-down list. Scroll down, to the bottom of the settings menu. Find there “Restore settings to their original defaults” option :
2. After clicking the “Restore settings…” button, you will see the window, where all settings, which will be reset, are shown :

As an afterword, I want to say that time plays against you and your PC. The activity of browser hijacker must be stopped as soon as possible, because of the possibility of other malware injection. This malware can be downloaded autonomously, or offered for you to download in one of the windows with advertisements, which are shown to you by the hijacker. You need to act as fast as you can.

References

1. More information about PUAs
2. Detailed review of Microsoft Defender