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directsearchapp somehow got installed on google chrome

Robbie Rowland 0 Reputation points
2026-04-08T01:05:38.8466667+00:00

somehow directsearchapp and nextgeeker.com got installed to google chrome on my laptop and i cannot figure out how to delete it because i cannot find the url or file anywhere on my laptop i have looked in control panel ran Microsoft defender scans and nothing has come up

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. Gunasekar N 68,860 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-08T02:31:30.98+00:00

    Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

    This issue is usually caused by a virus that has been installed on your computer, most likely a browser hijacker. First, remove any suspicious extensions and search engines from your browser. Then, run the Malwarebytes tool to perform a full scan of your computer and remove any detected threats.

    Extensions - chrome://extensions/

    Search engines - chrome://settings/searchEngines

    Open the task manager and terminate all browser processes.

    Then download the tool from the link here-

    https://www.malwarebytes.com/

    Use the free version and run a full system scan.

    See if the Anti-Virus tool helps remove the malicious threats from your computer.

    --

    Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.'

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  2. CrazyKats 15,775 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-04-16T02:38:02.7266667+00:00

    If that link in Gunasekar's answer

    takes you to Norton then you definitely

    have a problem.

    Don't use Chrome, try using Edge's InPrivate

    Browsing and search for Malwarbytes.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-04-08T01:05:51.2833333+00:00

    Directsearchapp and similar items like nextgeeker.com are almost always unwanted or deceptive software that hijack the browser rather than traditional installed apps, which is why nothing appears in Control Panel or Microsoft Defender scans.

    Use these steps to clean it up on Windows 11:

    1. Remove suspicious apps (if any)
      1. Select Start.
      2. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
      3. Sort by Install date and uninstall anything you don’t recognize or that appeared around the time directsearchapp/nextgeeker started.
    2. Clean the browser (Chrome)
      1. Open Chrome.
      2. Go to Settings > Extensions and remove any extension you don’t recognize or that mentions search, shopping, coupons, or directsearch/nextgeeker.
      3. In Chrome settings, reset search and homepage:
        • Settings > Search engine – set the default search engine back to a trusted one.
        • Settings > On startup – choose Open the New Tab page or a page you trust, and remove any unknown URLs.
      4. Clear site data and permissions (especially notifications) for suspicious sites.
    3. Run Microsoft Defender Antivirus thoroughly
      1. Open Windows Security.
      2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
      3. Get the latest security intelligence, then run a Full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
      4. If the problem persists, run Microsoft Defender Offline for a deeper scan.
    4. If it still persists
      1. Uninstall any remaining suspicious software as above.
      2. If you can identify a specific file or folder related to directsearchapp/nextgeeker, submit it to Microsoft for analysis.

    These steps align with Microsoft’s guidance for removing unwanted or deceptive software that alters browser behavior without consent.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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