Remove Utilitool Search Virus (Chrome/Edge/Firefox) | Updated

I wrote this article to help you remove Utilitool Search Virus. This Utilitool Search Virus removal guide works for Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Do you get constantly redirected to an unfamiliar page called Utilitool Search? We hate to be bringer of bad news, but it looks like your browser has been hijacked. The Utilitool Search redirect happens as a result of a browser hijacker infection. Consequences of such infiltration are changed browser setting without user’s knowledge or consent, as well as a sudden flow of multiple ads, pop-ups, exclusive deals, blinking message alerts, fake updates, etc. that are specifically targeted thanks to the hijacker’s ability to collect the browsing history and habits of the victim.

What is the purpose of this advertisement content? To generate revenue from each ad click that the victim does. If you want to return to your peaceful ad-free browsing experience, follow our instructions below to find out how you can remove this hijacker from your computer.

If you’ve fallen victim to this browser hijacker, you’re probably wondering how did this malicious software get access to your computer. Well, the most common way for a malware infection to happen is by opening spam emails and attachments from unknown senders. The same thing applies for executable files as well. If you receive letters from suspicious sources – do not open them! More often than not, they turn out to be infected emails that seek to gain access to your computer.

Downloading bundled software from unlicensed internet sources can also lead to browser hijacker distribution. Which is why it is strongly recommended to get your software updates, as well as all downloads from official software places. Also, you should always follow an Advanced/Custom installation and make sure there are no checked boxes next to any additional software. In most cases, such programs turn out to be malware in disguise.

You should know that the Utilitool Search redirect is not a virus itself, but a tool of one. And while browser hijackers do not pose a serious threat to your computer as would a Trojan Horse or ransomware infection, they are not to be left to roam free in your computer system. Once you realize that your browser has been hijacked, you must remove it from your computer as soon as possible!

Even the most careful users can get misled and tricked into clicking on a dubious ad or get lured in by an exclusive deal that is too good to be true. Such actions can have serious consequences because the pages you get rerouted to are very likely to be infected with other types of viruses. Which is why if you don’t remove this browser hijacker in a timely manner, you risk getting your personal information like passwords, IP addresses, bank accounts, etc. stolen by hackers.

Utilitool Search Virus Removal

STEP-1 Before starting the real removal process, you must reboot in Safe Mode. If you are familiar with this task, skip the instructions below and proceed to Step 2. If you do not know how to do it, here is how to reboot in Safe mode:

For Windows 98, XP, Millenium and 7:
Reboot your computer. When the first screen of information appears, start repeatedly pressing F8 key. Then choose Safe Mode With Networking from the options.
Safe Mode with Networking
For Windows 8/8.1
Click the Start button, next click Control Panel —> System and Security —> Administrative Tools —> System Configuration.‌
Windows 8 Safe Mode with Network
Check the Safe Boot option and click OK. Click Restart when asked.
For Windows 10
Open the Start menu and click or tap on the Power button.
win10 safemode 1
While keeping the Shift key pressed, click or tap on Restart.
win10 safemode 2

STEP-2Here are the steps you must follow to permanently remove from the browser:

Remove From Mozilla Firefox:

Open Firefox, click on top-right corner , click Add-ons, hit Extensions next.
firefox extensions
Look for suspicious or unknown extensions, remove them all.

Remove From Chrome:

Open Chrome, click chrome menu icon at the top-right corner —>More Tools —> Extensions. There, identify the malware and select chrome-trash-icon(Remove).
chrome extensions

Remove From Internet Explorer:
Open IE, then click IE gear icon on the top-right corner —> Manage Add-ons.
ie gear
Find the malicious add-on. Remove it by pressing Disable.

STEP-3

Right click on the browser’s shortcut, then click Properties. Remove everything after the .exe” in the Target box.

ff shortcut

STEP-4

Open Control Panel by holding the Win Key and R together. Write appwiz.cpl in the field, then click OK.

appwiz

Here, find any program you had no intention to install and uninstall it.

STEP-5

Run the Task Manager by right clicking on the Taskbar and choosing Start Task Manager.

task manager

Look carefully at the file names and descriptions of the running processes. If you find any suspicious one, search on Google for its name, or contact me directly to identify it. If you find a malware process, right-click on it and choose End task.

STEP-6

Open MS Config by holding the Win Key and R together. Type msconfig and hit Enter.

msconfig

Go in the Startup tab and Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer.

Still can not remove Utilitool Search Virus from your browser? Please, leave a comment below, describing what steps you performed. I will answer promptly.

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