I. Introduction
Search Marquis is a browser hijacker that can infect your computer when you download certain software or visit certain websites. It can cause unwanted browser pop-ups, slow computer performance, and default homepage changes, potentially resulting in privacy and security issues. In this article, we’ll provide solutions for users who have encountered this issue and need to get rid of it.
II. What is Search Marquis?
Search Marquis is a search engine that gets installed onto your computer without your knowledge or consent. It usually happens when you install fake updates or download free software from untrustworthy sources.
Once installed, it takes control of your browser and modifies it to display unwanted ads and search results. It can also redirect you to potentially harmful websites and collect your personal information for marketing purposes.
Some common symptoms of Search Marquis include unwanted pop-ups, slow computer performance, and default homepage changes. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, your computer may be infected with Search Marquis.
III. DIY Removal Solutions
If you want to remove Search Marquis from your computer manually, you can try a few DIY solutions.
Clear browser history: Clearing your browser history can remove any traces of Search Marquis from your computer. Here’s how:
- Open your browser and go to settings.
- Find the History section and select “Clear browsing data”.
- Select “All time” as the time range and check all the boxes for the types of data you want to clear.
- Click “Clear data” to complete the process.
Disable browser extensions: Search Marquis may have installed a browser extension that’s causing the unwanted pop-ups. Here’s how to disable the extensions:
- Open your browser and go to settings.
- Find the Extensions section and disable or remove any unknown or suspicious extensions.
- Restart your browser to complete the process.
Reset your browser: If the above solutions don’t work, you can try resetting your browser to its default settings. Here’s how:
- Open your browser and go to settings.
- Find the Reset settings section and select “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
- Click “Reset settings” to complete the process.
IV. Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while attempting to remove Search Marquis, try these troubleshooting tips:
The search engine keeps reverting back to Search Marquis: This may be because the hijacker has modified the browser’s shortcut. To fix this, follow these steps:
- Right-click the browser’s shortcut and select “Properties”.
- Find the “Target” field and remove any suspicious URLs.
- Click “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.
Your antivirus software can’t detect or remove Search Marquis: Some browser hijackers are designed to evade detection from antivirus software. In this case, you can try using a dedicated removal tool to get rid of Search Marquis. See the next section for more information.
V. Comparison of Removal Tools
There are various removal tools available that can help get rid of Search Marquis. Here are a few options:
- Malwarebytes: A popular and reliable anti-malware tool that can detect and remove Search Marquis. It offers a free and premium version.
- AdwCleaner: A free tool that can remove adware, browser hijackers, and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs).
- SpyHunter: A paid tool that can remove malware, browser hijackers, and other threats. It offers a free trial but requires a subscription for full protection.
Each tool has its pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research before using one. Based on our research, we recommend Malwarebytes for its reliability and user-friendly interface.
VI. Preventing Future Infections
To prevent future infections of Search Marquis (and other browser hijackers), follow these tips:
- Download software from trustworthy sources only.
- Pay attention to installation prompts and decline any offers for additional software or changes to your browser settings.
- Update your antivirus software regularly to ensure it’s equipped to detect new threats.
- Use browser extensions that block ads and potentially harmful content, such as AdBlock or uBlock Origin.
VII. Conclusion
If you’ve encountered Search Marquis on your computer, it’s important to take action to remove it. In this article, we’ve provided DIY solutions, troubleshooting tips, and removal tool recommendations to get rid of Search Marquis.
Remember to take steps to prevent future infections by downloading software with caution and using browser extensions that block potentially harmful content. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safer browsing experience.
