You may wonder why search.installmac.com has been set as your browser’s default homepage, especially if you don’t remember changing your settings. Although the website looks like a legitimate search engine, you will notice that clicking links redirects you to strange websites. Moreover, it does not take into account any changes to your settings.

Stop interacting with the site for now. Let’s see what it does, why it got installed on your device and how to quickly remove it.

What is search.installmac.com?

This unknown website got into Safari, Chrome and Firefox via a so-called browser hijacker. A browser hijacker is a form of malware that is secretly downloaded onto your computer along with other free apps you download. When you download PDF creators, download managers or video recording or streaming services, you are more likely to catch malicious software. In addition, browser hijackers install extensions or other apps that undo any changes you make to your browser settings.

In the worst case scenario, this type of malware collects browsing data such as your IP address and the websites you visit. It is also very likely that this information is sold to third parties to generate revenue.

Seeing this strange search engine on your Mac is not only annoying – it can also put your privacy and security at risk. That’s why I looked for different ways to permanently remove malware from your device.

1. Delete malicious extensions from your browser

First, you need to remove unknown extensions installed by malware. To do this, follow these steps:

Follow these steps in Google Chrome:

1. Navigate to Settings by clicking on the chrome Menu.
2. In the Settings menu, click Extensions.
3. Look for any Chrome extensions you don’t remember installing, and then click Remove.
4. Click on Remove again to confirm deletion.

2. Clear your browser cache

Next, you need to clear your browser cache and history. Here’s how:

On Safari

1. Navigate to the Safari toolbar by clicking safari in the menu bar.
2. Click Clear history.
3. Select from the drop-down menu The whole story.
4. Click Clear history for confirmation.

On Chrome

1. Click on chrome in the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Choose Clear browser data.
3. Choose All times from the Period Dropdown menu.
4. Check all the boxes below the drop-down menu.
5. Click on Delete data for confirmation.

3. Remove unknown apps

You also need to delete apps that the virus installed on your computer. Open finderand then navigate to Applications. Look for apps like NicePlayer, MPlayerXor other software you don’t remember installing. Drag it to the Trash and delete it immediately.

4. Reset your Mac to factory settings

If you still see malware in your browser, you may need to delete all content and settings on your Mac. Navigate to System settings > Transfer or reset > Erase all content and settings. Don’t forget to create an uninfected backup on iCloud or Time machine so you can continue to access your important files.

Contact Apple Support if this virus continues to appear in your browser. You can also check out this recent update on Microsoft security vulnerabilities affecting the Mac.