Learn how to remove Msearch.co browser hijacker virus from your computer with my virus removal guide.

Before we get into how to remove Msearch.co, it is important to understand what Msearch.co is. Learning more about this threat might help you easily identify similar threats in the future.

Upon closer inspection, Msearch.co is more than just a browser tool. It’s actually a browser hijacker. What that means is it secretly forces you to visit a specific website (Msearch.co) every time you open your internet browser.

It does this by discreetly changing your web browser’s settings after it’s been added.
The sneaky part about Msearch.co is how it gets onto your computer in the first place. People often add it unknowingly because it might be masquerading as something helpful or bundled with other software, making it seem harmless. But once installed, it messes up your web searches and homepage so that they redirect to Msearch.co, often without you knowing.

This can be extremely annoying because you’re trying to go to your usual sites, but keep getting taken to this hijacker instead. That’s not just inconvenient; it also poses a privacy risk since hijackers are known to track users’ online activities.

What exactly is Msearch.co?

Positioning itself as an easy-to-use homepage option for users looking for smooth browsing experiences, Msearch.co is not what it claims to be on the surface. This software operates as a browser hijacker at its core. When we say browser hijackers modify settings within your web browser without receiving permission from the user, one of clear indications of their influence can tell when they change the default search engine and take over any new tabs’ homepages, redirecting them to their own site — in this case: Msearch.co.

Msearch.co browser hijacker

Summary:

• Msearch.co presents itself as a handy homepage option and search tool.
• It claims to offer seamless browsing experiences to users.
• It is a browser hijacker.
• It modifies settings within your web browser without permission.
• It alters the default search engine and takes over the new tab’s homepage.
• It redirects the homepage to its page.

Msearch.co domain WHOIS record:

Domain Name: msearch.co

Registry Domain ID: DB6F879C6D85F4623917BF6B3F256D80B-NSR

Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.namecheap.com

Registrar URL: http://www.namecheap.com

Updated Date: 2023-09-01T12:32:53Z

Creation Date: 2019-09-24T09:19:56Z

Registry Expiry Date: 2024-09-24T09:19:56Z

Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.

Registrar IANA ID: 1068

Registrar Abuse Contact Email: [email protected]

Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.6613102107

Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited https://icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited

Registry Registrant ID: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant Name: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant Organization: Privacy service provided by Withheld for Privacy ehf

Registrant Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant City: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant State/Province: Capital Region

Registrant Postal Code: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant Country: IS

Registrant Phone: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant Phone Ext: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant Fax: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant Fax Ext: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Registrant Email: Please query the RDDS service of the Registrar of Record identified in this output for information on how to contact the Registrant, Admin, or Tech contact of the queried domain name.

Registry Admin ID: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Name: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Organization: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin City: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin State/Province: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Postal Code: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Country: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Phone: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Phone Ext: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Fax: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Fax Ext: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Admin Email: Please query the RDDS service of the Registrar of Record identified in this output for information on how to contact the Registrant, Admin, or Tech contact of the queried domain name.

Registry Tech ID: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Name: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Organization: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech City: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech State/Province: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Postal Code: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Country: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Phone: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Phone Ext: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Fax: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Fax Ext: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY

Tech Email: Please query the RDDS service of the Registrar of Record identified in this output for information on how to contact the Registrant, Admin, or Tech contact of the queried domain name.

Name Server: dns1.registrar-servers.com

Name Server: dns2.registrar-servers.com

DNSSEC: unsigned

URL of the ICANN Whois Inaccuracy Complaint Form: https://www.icann.org/wicf/

>>> Last update of WHOIS database: 2024-09-20T02:40:52Z <<<



For more information on Whois status codes, please visit https://icann.org/epp



The above WHOIS results have been redacted to remove potential personal data. The full WHOIS output may be available to individuals and organisations with a legitimate interest in accessing this data not outweighed by the fundamental privacy rights of the data subject. To find out more, or to make a request for access, please visit: RDDSrequest.nic.co.



.CO Internet, S.A.S., the Administrator for .CO, has collected this information for the WHOIS database through Accredited Registrars. This information is provided to you for informational purposes only and is designed to assist persons in determining contents of a domain name registration record in the .CO Internet registry database. .CO Internet makes this information available to you "as is" and does not guarantee its accuracy.



By submitting a WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this data only for lawful purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this data:  (1) to allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via direct mail, electronic mail, or by telephone; (2) in contravention of any applicable data and privacy protection laws; or (3) to enable high volume, automated,  electronic processes that apply to the registry (or its systems). Compilation, repackaging, dissemination, or other use of the WHOIS database in its entirety, or of a substantial portion thereof, is not allowed without .CO Internet's prior written permission. .CO Internet reserves the right to modify or change these conditions at any time without prior or subsequent notification of any kind. By executing this query, in any manner whatsoever, you agree to abide by these terms.  In some limited cases, domains that might appear as available in whois might not actually be available as they could be already registered and the whois not yet updated and/or they could be part of the Restricted list. In this cases, performing a check through your Registrar's (EPP check) will give you the actual status of the domain. Additionally, domains currently or previously used as extensions in 3rd level domains will not be available for registration in the 2nd level. For example, org.co, mil.co, edu.co, com.co, net.co, nom.co, arts.co, firm.co, info.co, int.co, web.co, rec.co, co.co.



NOTE: FAILURE TO LOCATE A RECORD IN THE WHOIS DATABASE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF A DOMAIN NAME. All domain names are subject to certain additional domain name registration rules. For details, please visit our site at www.cointernet.co <http://www.cointernet.co>.

Msearch.co domain age:

We were unable to provide WHOIS data on this domain.

Why is Msearch.co Harmful?

Although Msearch.co might initially appear harmless or useful, it conceals its primary intent: data collection. The browser hijacker is designed to gather various data from your web activities. This could range from your search histories, visited websites, and interactions on specific sites to personal data like location, IP address, and more.

The data amassed by Msearch.co isn’t merely stored; it’s actively monetized. It is often sold to advertising networks, thereby allowing tailored ads to be shown to you, often in an intrusive manner. The barrage of targeted ads isn’t just annoying; it can slow browsing and expose you to potential threats.

Additionally, because Msearch.co extracts data without users’ explicit consent, it’s tagged as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). The PUP classification is reserved for programs that might not be malicious, like viruses, but can pose risks or annoyances to the user.

Summary:

• Msearch.co is a browser hijacker that collects data from users’ web activities
• It collects information such as search histories, visited websites, and personal data like location and IP address
• The collected data is monetized and sold to advertising networks for targeted ads
• This can lead to annoying and intrusive ads, as well as potential browsing issues and security threats
• Msearch.co is considered a potentially unwanted program (PUP) because it extracts data without explicit user consent

How Does Msearch.co Spread?

While some users might install Msearch.co, thinking it’s a beneficial tool, many instances of the hijacker come from bundled software installations. When installing software from the internet, especially freeware, additional unwanted programs get installed without the user’s clear knowledge.

Moreover, the browser extension associated with Msearch.co, can implant itself into popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Edge. Alarmingly, no primary browser developer has classified or flagged this browser hijacker as unwanted, allowing it to propagate without much resistance.

Summary:

• Msearch.co is often installed unknowingly through bundled software installations.
• It might also propose itself as a useful tool that benefits the browser.
• Additional unwanted programs are installed without the user’s clear knowledge.
• The browser extension associated with Msearch.co can implant itself into popular browsers.
• No primary browser developer has flagged Msearch.co as unwanted, allowing it to spread easily.

How to remove Msearch.co browser hijacker?

Step 1: Remove the Msearch.co browser extension

First, we will remove the extension for Msearch.co from the browser. Follow the instructions for the browser you have set as your default browser. Make sure you remove the permission for Msearch.co from the browser settings. To do so, see the steps below for the corresponding browser.

Google Chrome

• Open Google Chrome.
• type: chrome://extensions/ in the address bar.
• Search for the “Msearch.co” browser extension and click the “Remove” button.

It is essential to check every extension installed. If you do not know or do not trust a installed browser extension, remove or disable it.

Firefox

• Open Firefox browser.
• type: about:addons in the address bar.
• Search for the “Msearch.co” browser add-on and click the “Remove” button.

It is crucial to check every addon installed. If you do not know or do not trust a specific addon, remove or disable it.

Microsoft Edge

• Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
• type: edge://extensions/ in the address bar.
• Search for the “Msearch.co” browser extension and click the “Remove” button.

It is essential to check every extension installed. If you do not know or do not trust a specific extension, remove or disable it.

Safari

• Open Safari.
• In the top left corner, click on the Safari menu.
• In the Safari menu, click on Preferences.
• Click on the Extensions tab.
• Search for the “Msearch.co” browser extension and click the “Uninstall” button.

It is vital to check every extension installed. If you do not know or do not trust a specific extension, uninstall the extension.

Step 2: Remove Msearch.co notifications

Remove Msearch.co notifications from Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. In the top-right corner, expand the Chrome menu.
3. In the Google Chrome menu, click on Settings.
4. At the Privacy and Security section, click on Site settings.
5. Next, click the Notifications settings.
6. Remove Msearch.co by clicking the three dots on the right next to the Msearch.co URL and Remove.

→ Protect your computer with Malwarebytes.

Remove Msearch.co notifications from the Android

1. Open Google Chrome
2. In the top-right corner, find the Chrome menu.
3. In the menu, tap Settings, and scroll down to Advanced.
4. In the Site Settings section, tap the Notifications settings, find the Msearch.co domain, and tap on it.
5. Tap the Clean & Reset button and confirm.

→ See the next step: Malwarebytes.

Remove Msearch.co notifications from Firefox

1. Open Firefox
2. In the top-right corner, click the Firefox menu (three horizontal stripes).
3. In the menu, click on Options.
4. In the list on the left, click on Privacy & Security.
5. Scroll down to Permissions and then to Settings next to Notifications.
6. Select the Msearch.co URL from the list, and change the status to Block, save Firefox changes.

→ See the next step: Malwarebytes.

Remove Msearch.co notifications from Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner to expand the Edge menu.
3. Scroll down to Settings.
4. In the left menu, click on Site permissions.
5. Click on Notifications.
6. Click on the three dots on the right of the Msearch.co domain and Remove them.

→ See the next step: Malwarebytes.

Remove Msearch.co notifications from Safari on Mac

1. Open Safari. In the top left corner, click on Safari.
2. Go to Preferences in the Safari menu and open the Websites tab.
3. In the left menu, click on Notifications
4. Find the Msearch.co domain and select it, and click the Deny button.

→ See the next step: Malwarebytes.

Step 3: Uninstall Msearch.co software

In this second step, we will check your computer for adware software. In many cases, adware is installed by you as a user yourself. This is because adware is bundled with other software you can download for free from the Internet.

Msearch.co is then offered as a helpful tool or an “offering” during installation. If you do not pay attention and quickly click through the installation process, you will install adware on your computer. Thus, this is done misleadingly. If you want to avoid this, you can use Unchecky software. Using the steps below, check for adware installed on your computer and remove it.

Windows 11

1. Click on “Start.”
2. Click on “Settings.”
3. Click on “Apps.”
4. Lastly, click on “Installed apps.”
5. Search for any unknown or unused software in the list of recently installed apps.
6. On the right-click on the three dots.
7. In the menu, click on “Uninstall.”

Uninstall unknown or unwanted software from Windows 11

Windows 10

1. Click on “Start.”
2. Click on “Settings.”
3. Click on “Apps.”
4. In the list of apps, search for any unknown or unused software.
5. Click on the app.
6. Lastly, click on the “Uninstall” button.

Uninstall unknown or unwanted software from Windows 10

Step 4: Scan your PC for Msearch.co

Now that you have uninstalled adware apps, I advise you to check the computer for any other malware for free.

It is not recommended to remove malware manually because it can be difficult for non-technical people to identify and remove all the traces of malware. Manually removing malware involves finding and deleting files, registry entries, and other often hidden details. It can damage your computer or leave it vulnerable to further attacks if not done correctly. So, please install and run the malware removal software, which you can find in this step.

Malwarebytes

Use Malwarebytes to detect adware such as Msearch.co and other malware on your computer. The advantage of Malwarebytes is that it is free to detect and remove malware. Malwarebytes is capable of removing different types of malware. In addition to removal, it also offers protection against malware. I recommend using Malwarebytes if only to have checked your computer for malware once.

• Download Malwarebytes
• Install Malwarebytes, and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Click Scan to initiate a malware scan on your PC.

• Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to finish.
• Once completed, review the malware detections.
• Click Quarantine to continue.

• Reboot Windows after all the malware detections are moved to quarantine.

Combo Cleaner

Combo Cleaner is a cleaning and antivirus program for Mac, PC, and Android devices. It is equipped with features to protect devices from various types of malware, including spyware, trojans, ransomware, and adware. The software includes tools for on-demand scans to remove and prevent malware, adware, and ransomware infections. It also offers features like a disk cleaner, big files finder (free), duplicate files finder (free), privacy scanner, and application uninstaller.

• Download Combo Cleaner for free (direct download)

Follow the installation instructions to install the application on your device. Open Combo Cleaner after installation.

• Click the "Start scan" button to initiate a malware removal scan.

• Wait for Combo Cleaner to detect malware threats on your computer.
• When the Scan is finished, Combo Cleaner will show the found malware.
• Click "Move to Quarantine" to move the found malware to quarantine, where it can't harm your computer anymore.

• A malware scan summary is shown to inform you about all threats found.
• Click "Done" to close the scan.

Use Combo Cleaner regularly to keep your device clean and protected. Combo Cleaner will remain active on your computer to protect your computer from future threats that try to attack your computer. If you have any questions or issues, Combo Cleaner offers a dedicated support team available 24/7.

Thank me later 🙂 Please support my work and share this removal instruction with other people. Make sure other people do not become a victim of the Msearch.co browser hijacker virus.