How to remove SearchNukes

What Is SearchNukes?

SearchNukes is a type of adware that infiltrates computers and bombards users with unwanted advertisements. This malicious software is typically installed onto a computer without the user’s knowledge or consent, often bundled with other software downloads or through deceptive advertising tactics. Once installed, SearchNukes tracks the user’s browsing habits and displays targeted advertisements in the form of pop-ups, banners, and sponsored links.

SearchNukes infects computers by exploiting vulnerabilities in web browsers and operating systems, as well as by tricking users into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected files. Once installed, it can be difficult to remove, as it may hide itself within the computer’s system files or registry. SearchNukes slows down the computer’s performance, disrupts the user’s browsing experience, and can potentially compromise the security of sensitive information stored on the computer. It is important for users to be cautious when downloading software and to regularly scan their computers for adware and other forms of malware to prevent infections like SearchNukes.

How Adware Ends Up on Users’ Computers:

Sometimes users encounter an ad for a “handy” program or browser extension and end up installing it without reading License Agreement first and realizing that the program will generate ads or change browser settings. Many cases of adware installation happen when users install some free or “cracked” software and don’t uncheck boxes responsible for extra programs’ installation. These extra programs usually ends up to be adware, browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted software. Regardless of the source, in many cases adware is not the only program that ends up getting installed. Often there will also be other apps; in the best case it will be programs causing some annoyance: redirecting the user to unwanted sites, opening pop-ups, changing default search engine, etc. In worse cases some malicious programs might be installed: spyware, ransomware encryptors, and so on.

1. Remove SearchNukes Adware Automatically
2. Remove SearchNukes From Installed Programs
3. Delete Suspicious Programs From File Explorer
4. Remove SearchNukes Adware From Browsers
5. How to Protect Your PC From SearchNukes and Other Adware

Remove SearchNukes Adware Automatically:

You may remove adware automatically or use the manual instructions provided below.
However it is still recommended that you scan your system with a good antivirus or anti-malware tool, to find and remove other possible malware and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) that may have been installed along with SearchNukes adware.

SpyHunter is a powerful anti-malware solution that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. SpyHunter is available for Windows and macOS devices.

Download SpyHunter

Other anti-malware software that may be able to get rid of SearchNukes adware:
Norton (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) The link may not work correctly if your country is currently under sanctions.
Malwarebytes (Windows)

Note: If you see notifications from SearchNukes popping up in a corner of the screen (or on the lockscreen and the status bar if it’s a mobile device), please use the Notifications removal guide to turn them off.

Remove SearchNukes Adware From Installed Programs:

Access the list of applications installed on your computer or other device (the steps are listed below). Uninstall suspicious programs, programs you don’t remember installing, or programs you’ve installed just before SearchNukes pop-ups showed up for the first time. When you are not sure about a program, google its name or something along the lines of ”what is so-and-so”, ”so-and-so malware”, etc. Don’t just trust one source, look at what several sites are saying.

Windows 11:

1. Press Windows key and I (“i”) key on your keyboard. The Settings window will open.
2. On the left panel select Apps.
3. On the right panel click on Apps and Features.
4. Find the program you wish to uninstall.
5. Click on the three dots button next to the program and click Uninstall.
6. Click Uninstall.

Windows 10:

1. Press and hold Windows key and hit X key.
2. Select Apps and Features from the menu.
3. Optional: click on Sort by: above the list of programs and select Install date.
4. Select a program you wish to uninstall.
5. Click Uninstall.

Windows 8 / Windows 8.1:

1. Press and hold Windows key and hit X key.
2. Select Programs and Features from the menu.
3. Optional: click on Installed on above the dates column to sort the list by date.
4. Select a program you want to remove.
5. Click Uninstall.

Windows 7:

1. Click on Start button in the lower left corner of the screen.
2. In the Start menu select Control Panel.
3. Find and select Programs and Features or Uninstall a program.
4. Optional: click on Installed on above the list of programs to sort it by date.
5. Click on a program you wish to remove.
6. Click Uninstall.

Mac OS:

1. On the top menu click on Go => Applications.
2. Drag an unwanted application to the Trash bin.
3. Right-click on the Trash and select Empty Trash.

Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps => Apps.
3. Tap an app from the list that you wish to uninstall.
4. Tap Force stop if the button is enabled.
5. Tap Uninstall and then OK on the confirmation pop-up.

Delete Suspicious Programs From File Explorer:

This step is for experienced computer users. You might accidentally delete something you weren’t supposed to.
Sometimes malicious programs don’t show up in Programs and Features. Check also %ProgramFiles%, %ProgramFiles(x86)%, %AppData% and %LocalAppData% (these are shortcuts; type or copy and paste them into the address bar of File Explorer). If you see folders with unfamiliar names, see what’s inside, search for those names on the Internet to find out if they belong to legitimate programs. Delete the ones that are obviously associated with malware. When you are unsure, you may make a backup copy of the folder (copy it to a different location) before deleting the folder itself.

Remove SearchNukes Adware From Browsers:

Remove any new and unfamiliar extensions from your browsers. If that does not help, you can find the extension that is causing ads manually. Disable all your extensions and check that extra ads don’t appear anymore. After that enable extensions again and start disabling them one by one, checking after each one if the ads still appear.

Remove SearchNukes Adware from Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome browser.
2. Click on three dots menu button in the top right corner of the window.
3. Select More tools ⇒ Extensions.
4. To disable an extension, click on a blue toggle so it turns gray.
5. To uninstall an extension, click REMOVE under it.
6. Click Remove in the dialog box.

SearchNukes Adware Removal from Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Click on ellipsis button in the top right corner of the window.
3. Select Extensions.
4. To disable an extension, click on a blue toggle so it turns transparent.
5. To uninstall an extension, click on it and then click Uninstall on the bottom of the page.
6. Click Remove in the dialog box.

Remove SearchNukes Adware from Safari:

1. Open Safari browser.
2. On the top menu select Safari => Preferences.
3. Select Extensions tab on top of the new window.
4. Select the unwanted extension on the left panel.
5. To disable an extension, uncheck Enable so-and-so checkbox.
6. To uninstall an extension, click Uninstall button next to it.
7. Click Uninstall to confirm or, if asked to, click Show in Finder.
8. Drag an unwanted application to the trash bin in the lower right corner of the screen.

Remove SearchNukes Adware from Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. Click on menu button and select Add-ons.
3. Select Extensions tab on the left.
4. To disable an add-on, click on a blue toggle so it turns light gray.
5. To uninstall an add-on, click on 3 dots button next to it and select Remove.
6. Click Remove in the dialog box.

Remove SearchNukes Adware from Opera:

1. Open Opera browser.
2. Press Ctrl +Shift + E keys to open the extensions manager.
3. To disable an extension, click on Disable button under it.
4. To remove an add-on, click on the x button next to it.
5. Click OK when prompted to confirm.

How to Protect Your PC From SearchNukes and Other Adware:

• Do not disable security features: Keep your antivirus software, firewalls, and other security features enabled and up to date to prevent malware from infiltrating your system.
• Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources: Refrain from downloading software from unfamiliar or untrustworthy websites to minimize the risk of downloading malware along with the software.
• Download and use a good ad-blocking browser extension: uBlock Origin, Adguard, or Adblock Plus. Before downloading make sure the extension is a real deal and not an imitator with a similar name. Those are often adware themselves.
• Don’t click on suspicious links or pop-ups: Avoid clicking on links or pop-up ads from unknown or untrusted sources as they can lead to malware infections.
• Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system and other software to patch security vulnerabilities that adware could exploit.
• Don’t open email attachments from unknown senders: Be cautious with email attachments, especially from unfamiliar senders, as they can contain malware that may infect your computer.