AimSearch is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that belongs to the group of Adware. Adware is type of malicious software that can cause issues for your MAC. AimSearch can generate numerous additional popup, banner, pop-under and in-text link advertisements flooding on your web browser; collect your privacy data such as login details, online searches, etc; run in the background and drag down your computer running speed; give more chances for other adware, potentially unwanted apps even malware to get on your MAC OS.
Unwanted ads
Does the AimSearch adware software steal your privacy information? Adware software can have spyware and keyloggers built into the application, leading to greater damage to your computer and possible invasion of your personal information.
Threat Summary
| Name | AimSearch, Aim Search app |
| Type | adware, PUP (potentially unwanted program), pop-up virus, pop ups, pop-up ads |
| Symptoms |
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| Removal | AimSearch removal guide |
How does the AimSearch adware get on your computer
Probably adware get installed onto your MAC OS when you have installed certain free software like E-Mail checker, PDF creator, video codec, etc. Because, most often, adware can be bundled within the setup packages from Softonic, Cnet, Soft32, Brothersoft or other similar websites that hosts freeware. So, you should run any files downloaded from the Internet with great caution! Always carefully read the ‘User agreement’, ‘Software license’ and ‘Terms of use’. In the Setup wizard, you should select the Advanced, Custom or Manual setup option to control what components and optional software to be installed, otherwise you run the risk of infecting your MAC OS with adware or PUP (potentially unwanted program)
You probably want to know how to remove AimSearch adware software as well as get rid of unwanted ads. In the few simple steps below we will tell you about how to solve your issues.
How to remove AimSearch adware
There are a simple manual instructions below that will assist you to delete AimSearch adware from your Mac machine. The most effective way to remove this adware software is to perform the manual removal instructions and then run MalwareBytes Anti Malware automatic utility (it is free). The manual solution will help to weaken this adware software and these malicious software removal tools will completely delete AimSearch ads and revert back the Safari, Firefox and Google Chrome settings to default.
To remove AimSearch, complete the steps below:
- How to manually delete AimSearch
- Automatic Removal of AimSearch adware software
- How to stay safe online
- To sum up
How to manually delete AimSearch
Looking for a way to get rid of AimSearch adware manually without downloading any utilities? Then this section of the blog post is just for you. Below are some simple steps you can take. Performing these steps requires basic knowledge of web browser and Microsoft Windows setup. If you are not sure that you can follow them, it is better to use free programs listed below that can help you remove AimSearch .
Remove potentially unwanted programs through the Finder
In order to delete PUPs such as this adware software, open the Finder and click on “Applications”. Check the list of installed apps. For the ones you do not know, run an Internet search to see if they are adware software, browser hijacker or potentially unwanted applications. If yes, remove them off. Even if they are just a apps that you do not use, then removing them off will increase your MAC start up time and speed dramatically.
Open Finder and click “Applications” as displayed on the screen below.
You will see a list of apps installed on your computer. We recommend to pay maximum attention to the application you installed last. Most probably, it’s the AimSearch adware. If you’re in doubt, you can always check the application by doing a search for her name in Google, Yahoo or Bing. Once the application which you need to delete is found, simply right press on its name, and select “Move to Trash”.
Don’t forget, select Finder, then “Empty Trash”.
Get rid of AimSearch adware software from Safari
The Safari reset is great if your web-browser is hijacked by AimSearch or you have unwanted addo-ons or toolbars on your internet browser, which installed by an malicious software.
Run Safari browser. Next, choose Preferences from the Safari menu.
First, click the “Security” icon. Here, select “Block pop-up windows”. It will block some types of popups.
Now, click the “Extensions” icon. Look for questionable addons on left panel, choose it, then press the “Uninstall” button. Most important to get rid of all suspicious extensions from Safari.
Once complete, check your homepage and search engine settings. Click “General” tab. Make sure that the “Homepage” field contains the website you want or is empty.
Make sure that the “Search engine” setting shows your preferred search provider. In some versions of Safari, this setting is in the “Search” tab.
Remove AimSearch from Chrome
The adware software can alter your Chrome settings without your knowledge. You may see an undesired web page as your search engine or startpage, additional add-ons and toolbars. Reset Chrome web browser will allow you to get rid of AimSearch ads and reset the unwanted changes caused by adware software. It will save your personal information such as saved passwords, bookmarks, auto-fill data and open tabs.
- First start the Google Chrome and press Menu button (small button in the form of three dots).
- It will open the Google Chrome main menu. Select More Tools, then click Extensions.
- You will see the list of installed addons. If the list has the extension labeled with “Installed by enterprise policy” or “Installed by your administrator”, then complete the following steps: Remove Chrome extensions installed by enterprise policy.
- Now open the Chrome menu once again, click the “Settings” menu.
- You will see the Google Chrome’s settings page. Scroll down and click “Advanced” link.
- Scroll down again and click the “Reset” button.
- The Google Chrome will display the reset profile settings page as on the image above.
- Next click the “Reset” button.
- Once this task is complete, your browser’s new tab, search engine by default and home page will be restored to their original defaults.
- To learn more, read the article How to reset Chrome settings to default.
Get rid of AimSearch from Mozilla Firefox by resetting browser settings
If Mozilla Firefox settings are hijacked by the AimSearch adware software, your web-browser displays undesired pop up advertisements, then ‘Reset Firefox’ could solve these problems. It’ll keep your personal information like browsing history, bookmarks, passwords and web form auto-fill data.
Launch the Firefox and click the menu button (it looks like three stacked lines) at the top right of the web-browser screen. Next, click the question-mark icon at the bottom of the drop-down menu. It will open the slide-out menu.
Select the “Troubleshooting information”. If you’re unable to access the Help menu, then type “about:support” in your address bar and press Enter. It bring up the “Troubleshooting Information” page as on the image below.
Click the “Refresh Firefox” button at the top right of the Troubleshooting Information page. Select “Refresh Firefox” in the confirmation dialog box. The Mozilla Firefox will begin a process to fix your problems that caused by the AimSearch adware. After, it is done, click the “Finish” button.
Automatic Removal of AimSearch adware software
Manual removal instructions does not always help to completely remove the adware, as it is not easy to identify and get rid of components of adware software and all malicious files from hard disk. Therefore, it’s recommended that you use malicious software removal utility to completely delete AimSearch ads off your browser. Several free malicious software removal utilities are currently available that can be used against the adware. The optimum method would be to use MalwareBytes.
Use MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) to get rid of AimSearch adware
We recommend using the MalwareBytes that are completely clean your MAC OS of the adware. This free utility is an advanced malicious software removal application made by (c) Malwarebytes lab. This program uses the world’s most popular antimalware technology. It’s able to help you remove unwanted AimSearch ads from your browsers, potentially unwanted applications, malicious software, browser hijacker, toolbars, ransomware and other security threats from your MAC OS for free.
Download MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM) from the link below.
20842 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: September 10, 2020
Once the downloading process is finished, close all programs and windows on your MAC system. Run the saved file. Follow the prompts.
The MalwareBytes will automatically start and you can see its main screen as shown in the figure below.
Now click the “Scan” button to begin scanning your MAC for the AimSearch adware. Depending on your MAC OS, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. While the MalwareBytes AntiMalware is scanning, you can see how many objects it has identified either as being malicious software.
After MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM) has completed scanning your MAC OS, MalwareBytes Anti Malware will open you the results. All detected threats will be marked. You can remove them all by simply click “Remove Selected Items” button. The MalwareBytes will delete AimSearch adware software and move threats to the program’s quarantine.
How to stay safe online
The AdGuard is a very good adblocker program for the Google Chrome, Safari and Firefox, with active user support. It does a great job by removing certain types of unwanted advertisements, popunders, pop ups, unwanted newtabs, and even full page advertisements and web site overlay layers. Of course, the AdGuard can block malicious websites automatically or by using a custom filter rule.
Visit the page linked below to download AdGuard.
3677 downloads
Author: © Adguard
Category: Security tools
Update: January 17, 2018
After the downloading process is complete, run the downloaded file. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen.
Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick guide. Click “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or press “Get Started” to see an quick guidance that will help you get to know AdGuard better.
Each time, when you start your machine, AdGuard will run automatically and stop intrusive popup ads, block harmful or misleading web sites.
To sum up
After completing the step-by-step guidance above, your Apple Mac should be clean from the AimSearch adware software and other malware. The Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Safari will no longer display the AimSearch ads. Unfortunately, if the step-by-step instructions does not help you, then you have caught a new adware, and then the best way – ask for help here.
