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How to remove the SpecialSearchOption extension?

No one likes it when some unwanted entity takes Chrome over and starts to mess things up. If this is what you are experiencing at the moment, we have good news for you: the issue is 100 % fixable. Just read on to find a list of proven and easy-to-follow tips on how to remove the SpecialSearchOption extension from Chrome.

What Is the SpecialSearchOption Chrome Extension?

SpecialSearchOption is a nasty hijacker that targets popular browsers, your favourite Chrome being the most common victim as of this writing. When downloaded andx installed onto your system, the extension modifies your browser settings, such as the homepage, new tab behavior and search engine, without your permission. The app’s aim is to intrude into your sessions and control your browsing – although those who designed the notorious thing claim that the point of all this is to make Internet navigation more enjoyable. That said, most Chrome users believe (and we subscribe wholeheartedly to this view) that falling victim to privacy violation is hardly a pleasurable experience. With this in mind, we think it is time to crack down on SpecialSearchOption.

Is the SpecialSearchOption Chrome Extension Safe?

Being a hijacker designed to tamper with your browser settings, the SpecialSearchOption Chrome extension is definitely a security threat. To start with, the nefarious thing replaces your legitimate search engine with a tailored version of Yahoo. As a result, when performing a web search, you see not only Yahoo results but also tons of misleading links exposing you to adware junk and other forms of undesired content. This way, apart from wasting your valuable time, the intruder opens the door for malware that could be hiding behind any of the fake search results you are getting. Furthermore, the extension tracks your user data – it knows where you are, what you search for and what you click on. Topping it all off, SpecialSearchOption makes you easy prey for hackers: skilled criminals can employ the thing and help themselves to your sensitive data, such as account passwords or financial information, and thus steal your money or fake your identity. All things considered, having the SpecialSearchOption extension in Chrome is a disaster waiting to happen. It is important that you get rid of the thing as soon as possible, and obviously, now is the best time to get the job done and reclaim your privacy, security and peace of mind.

How to Remove the SpecialSearchOption Extension from Chrome?

  • Use Control Panel

Control Panel is a handy utility that helps you manage your system components. For instance, you can use it to remove unwanted software from your PC. This is exactly the option you need, given that some particularly undesirable entity is wreaking havoc on your system. So, here are the steps that you should take to do away with SpecialSearchOption and get things back to normal:

  1. Launch the Search app by pressing the Windows logo key and the S button at once.
  2. Into the Search area, input “control panel” (no quotation marks are needed).
  3. Click Control Panel in the list of results.
  4. Click on the Programs link.
  5. Then go to Uninstall a program.
  6. Search for SpecialSearchOption (or any suspicious program).
  7. Click Uninstall and OK.

Restart your PC, launch Chrome and see if your issue has been resolved.

  • Delete SpecialSearchOption from Chrome and reset the browser

Another way to get rid of the SpecialSearchOption nuisance is to delete the malicious extension and reset the Chrome browser to its default settings. The good thing is, a reset won’t affect your personal information such as bookmarks and passwords. However, you will be able to undo the unwanted changes caused by SpecialSearchOption. So, here is what you should do:

  1. Launch your Chrome browser.
  2. Navigate to the top right corner.
  3. Click on the menu icon.
  4. From the menu, select Tools.
  5. Go to Extensions.
  6. Locate SpecialSearchOption (and other suspicious entries) and click the Trash icon.
  7. Go to Menu.
  8. Click on the Settings option.
  9. Move down to the Reset section.
  10. Click Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults).
  11. In the Reset window, click on the Reset button to proceed.

Restart the browser. Hopefully, the issue is no more.

  • Use a special tool

It takes time and effort to root out the troublemaker manually, and both the methods described above are no guarantee the thing will give your browser a wide berth. In light of this, a powerful anti-malware program will come in extremely handy. We strongly advise employing a proven tool with an excellent track record. Auslogics Anti-Malware meets these requirements and is trusted by millions. The program will build up a reliable layer of protection for your computer: the tool will perform a comprehensive check-up to hunt down the malware that has already found its way to your system, patch up all the security breaches and schedule automatic scans to keep things under control. The protection Auslogics Anti-Malware provides includes scanning your browsers for suspicious extensions and removing them if need be. This means SpecialSearchOption won’t stand a chance.

How to Browse Safely in 2019

Browser hijackers like SpecialSearchOption infiltrate computers via infected software downloads, fake Flash Player updates and malicious ads. This means you should never click anything suspicious on the web. Apart from this, when downloading free software, make sure you refuse to install advertised apps and toolbars – they are often hijackers (or even dangerous malware). Keep in mind that you should download apps and updates only from trusted sources. For instance, Microsoft Store is the best place to shop for software. To keep your system up to date, regularly visit your Windows Update center (Windows logo key + I -> Updates and Security -> Check for Updates). This will help you get the latest advancements from Microsoft and keep your system secure. We also recommend you to browse anonymously and stay away from phishing scams.

If you are having difficulty removing the SpecialSearchOption extension from your Chrome browser, do not hesitate to leave a comment below. We will do our best to help you!