Switch2Search

Switch2Search is a recently created search tool and a browser extension for Google Chrome users. Even though the application lets users choose between yahoo.com, google.com, and other search engines, the results they receive might be not the same ones you would get on the search result pages. Our researchers tested the add-on and learned that it might inject the results with third-party advertising or display such content while you browse. We advise you not to interact with third-party ads because they might lead you to untrustworthy websites created for malicious reasons. If you do not want that such content would disturb your browsing or endanger the system, you should delete the program at once. Fortunately, we can offer you our recommended removal steps that await you at the end of the article.

The application is available on Chrome Web Store, but since it says that there are only eight users, we doubt that you downloaded Switch2Search from there. It is more believable that the extension could be spread with bundled software installers. They might be distributed in various file-sharing web pages. If you have no idea how the program ended up on the computer, it could be that you did not deselect it on the setup wizard. Usually, users always have an opportunity to reject any software offered on the setup wizard. Nonetheless, if you do not read the given terms, there are bigger chances that you could overlook bundled offers. Therefore, users should always take their time while installing new software and review all available information about it.

After Switch2Search is installed, it should replace the website that was set to be loaded when you open a new tab page. Also, the application might change the default homepage too. The add-on lets you choose between three search engines and different background options. Perhaps, it lets you switch between search engines faster, but the software could provide you with unreliable content. Thus, it is important to consider possible risks before you decide whether to keep it on the system or erase it.

As we checked the application’s Privacy Policy document, we found out that Switch2Search might use cookies and other technologies to gather information about users browsing habits. As it appears to be such data could be used to “provide you with personalized content which may include interest-based information, online ads or other marketing materials on or through the Software & Services and on third party websites and properties.” This means that the extension could show you third-party advertisements, which might redirect you to their source.

Apparently, there might be ads that could lead you to websites, which might contain malicious programs. For example, the site could display a fake system notification that would ask you to update one of the system’s programs. If you do not use an antimalware tool, you may accidentally infect the system with malware, e.g. ransomware, viruses, worms, and other. Moreover, users should know that some of the third-party web pages could try to gather their sensitive data, such as email address, telephone number, name, and so on.

As you realize, third-party advertising might come from various sources, and you have to be extra careful while interacting with such ads. Under these circumstances, we advise you to get rid of the software. Switch2Search might be a useful tool if you like to switch between search engines, but it is not a program you cannot survive without. If your top priority is to keep the computer clean and protected from threats, you should not hesitate to erase the program.

Since the software can affect only one browser, it should not take much time to eliminate it. The application settles in your system as an extension, so all you need to do is go to Google Chrome extensions manager and erase it. Users who do not know how to locate Switch2Search should follow our removal guide below. Another way to get rid of unwanted application is to use a trustworthy security tool. Once the tool is installed, the user should perform a full system scan and wait till it is finished. Then you could click the deletion button that should appear after the scanning process.

Delete Switch2Search from Google Chrome

1. Press ALT+F and click on Settings.
2. Select More tools and choose Extensions.
3. Locate the unwanted extension.
4. Click the trash bin button near it and press Remove.