Remove Better Search browser hijacker

The Better Search extension is categorized as a browser hijacker and is associated with the search.getbettersearch-api.com search engine. When this extension is installed on a device, it modifies browser settings by setting the search.getbettersearch-api.com site as the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. While browser hijackers are not considered dangerous infections, they can be highly disruptive as they alter browser settings and attempt to redirect users to sponsored websites in order to generate revenue. If the browser hijacker is detected on your device, you will need to remove Better Search to remove search.getbettersearch-api.com redirect.

 

 

Better Search may be advertised as a legitimate browser extension, but it functions as a browser hijacker. Despite its name implying improved search results, it does the opposite by promoting a non-working search engine. Once it’s installed, it changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings, and replaces them with search.getbettersearch-api.com. This is a fake search engine that redirects all searches to Bing. While Bing is a legitimate and secure search engine, you don’t need a third-party site or an extension to access it when you can simply set it as your default search engine.

The primary aim of browser hijackers is to promote unreliable search engines, which insert sponsored results alongside legitimate ones. This is meant to redirect users to sponsored sites, generating revenue for the operators. These search engines often fail to provide useful results, and the presence of sponsored content disrupts the user experience. In this case, the promoted search engine does not work. When performing a search via the browser’s address bar, users are momentarily redirected to search.getbettersearch-api.com before being shown Bing search results, with the initial redirect generating revenue for the hijacker’s operators.

As long as a browser hijacker is installed, it prevents changes to certain settings until it is removed. Additionally, these hijackers can collect data such as search queries, browsing history, IP addresses, and other personal information. There is no justification for tolerating such intrusive behavior, especially from an untrustworthy program like the Better Search hijacker.

The Better Search hijacker is relatively easy to detect and remove. It is not classified as malicious, which means you can remove Better Search manually as well as using an anti-virus program. Using a program like WiperSoft is recommended for easy removal.

Browser hijacker installation methods

Browser hijackers and adware are commonly installed unintentionally via a method called software bundling. The way this method works is said infections are added to free programs as additional offers. These offers are pre-selected for installation alongside the main program, without requiring the user’s explicit consent. Although these offers are technically optional, they require manual deselection, which can be difficult as they are typically hidden in settings that most users rarely check. As a result, many users unknowingly permit these unwanted installations.

To safely install free programs, you need to choose Advanced (Custom) settings during the installation process. While the installation window may recommend Default (Basic) settings, using them will automatically install all bundled offers. Advanced settings reveal all additional offers, enabling users to deselect those they do not wish to install. Even if an offer seems useful, make sure to deselect it, as accepting these offers will clutter the computer with unnecessary programs that are often hard to remove. Moreover, programs distributed via software bundling are frequently identified as potential threats by antivirus software.

Additionally, the Better Search hijacker may be advertised as a useful extension on third-party free program download sites. It’s very important to research programs before downloading them, and even a quick Google search can help verify a program’s safety. To minimize the risk of downloading unwanted programs, it is recommended to download programs exclusively from official websites.

How to remove Better Search browser hijacker

Browser hijackers should be removed as soon as you notice them. Until you remove Better Search, it will prevent you from changing your browser’s settings. The Better Search redirect can be removed either manually or by using antivirus software like WiperSoft. The latter is recommended because it’s easier. Manual Better Search removal can be challenging, as browser hijackers are often very persistent. Once the Better Search hijacker is successfully removed from your system, you will be able to change your browser’s settings as normal.