Remove search.getbettersearch-api.com redirect

If search.getbettersearch-api.com has been set as your default search engine without your explicit knowledge, your computer is infected with a browser hijacker. search.getbettersearch-api.com is associated with Better Search. If this extension is installed on your device, the search.getbettersearch-api.com site will be set as the homepage, new tabs, and default search engine. Browser hijackers are not dangerous infections, but they can be very annoying because they make changes to a browser’s settings and try to redirect to sponsored websites. This is done to generate revenue. If you notice the Better Search browser hijacker installed on your device, you will need to get rid of it to remove search.getbettersearch-api.com redirect.

 

 

Better Search is marketed as a legitimate browser extension, but it operates as a browser hijacker. While its name suggests that it would improve your search results, it does the opposite. When it’s installed, it makes changes to the default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings, replacing them with search.getbettersearch-api.com. However, this is a fake search engine that redirects all searches to Yahoo. Although Yahoo is a legitimate and completely safe search engine, it can be accessed directly without using a questionable extension or third-party website. The whole goal of browser hijackers is to promote unreliable search engines, which insert sponsored results among legitimate ones. This is done to redirect users to sponsored sites and generate revenue. These search engines often fail to provide useful results, and the inclusion of sponsored content disrupts the user experience. In this case, the promoted search engine does not work at all. However, when you perform a search via your browser’s address bar, you are briefly redirected to search.getbettersearch-api.com before being shown Yahoo search results. This initial redirect generates revenue for the browser hijacker operators.

When a browser hijacker takes over, you cannot change certain settings as long as the hijacker remains installed. Additionally, we should mention that hijackers collect data such as search queries, browsing history, IP addresses, and other information. This kind of data collection is invasive and warrants the removal of the program. There is no reason to put up with this, especially from an unreliable program like the Better Search hijacker.

Due to the significant and noticeable changes it makes to the browser, the search.getbettersearch-api.com hijacker is relatively easy to detect and eliminate. It is not classified as malicious, making it possible to remove manually or with the assistance of antivirus software. Using a program like WiperSoft is recommended because it would take care of everything for you.

How do browser hijackers install?

Browser hijackers and adware are commonly installed unintentionally through a method known as software bundling. This happens when these types of infections are bundled with free programs as additional offers that are set to be installed alongside the main program without explicit permission. Although these offers are technically optional, they must be manually deselected, which is often difficult for users as they are typically hidden in settings users rarely check. Consequently, many users do not check those settings and unknowingly permit the unwanted installations.

To correctly 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 without explicit consent. Opting for Advanced settings allows you to view all additional offers and uncheck any that you do not wish to install. Even if an offer seems useful, it is recommended to deselect it, as accepting these offers will clutter the computer with unwanted programs that are difficult to remove. Additionally, it should be mentioned that programs distributed via software bundling are often flagged as potential threats by antivirus software.

It is also important to note that the Better Search hijacker may be promoted as a useful extension on free program download sites. This is why it’s important to research programs before downloading them. A simple Google search can help determine whether a program is safe. Moreover, downloading programs exclusively from official websites is recommended to minimize the risk of picking up unwanted junk.

How to remove Better Search browser hijacker

Browser hijackers, while not extremely harmful, should be dealt with quickly. You won’t be able to change your browser’s settings until you remove Better Search. You can remove search.getbettersearch-api.com redirect either manually or by using antivirus software like WiperSoft, which is recommended because it would be easier. Manual search.getbettersearch-api.com removal can be troublesome, as browser hijackers are often quite persistent. Once you successfully remove search.getbettersearch-api.com hijacker from your system, you’ll be able to change your browser’s settings as usual.