Are you tired of seeing the Accessible Search Engine as your default search engine in Google Chrome? Do you want to switch back to your preferred search engine, such as Google or Bing? Look no further! In this article, we will walk you through the process of removing Accessible Search Engine from Chrome and restoring your preferred search engine.
What is Accessible Search Engine?
Before we dive into the removal process, let’s first understand what Accessible Search Engine is. Accessible Search Engine is a third-party search engine that is designed to provide a more accessible and user-friendly search experience for people with disabilities. While its intentions are good, it can be frustrating for users who did not intentionally install it and want to use their preferred search engine instead.
Why is Accessible Search Engine on My Chrome Browser?
There are several reasons why Accessible Search Engine may have appeared on your Chrome browser:
- Malware or adware infection: Accessible Search Engine may have been installed on your browser without your knowledge or consent, often as a result of a malware or adware infection.
- Software bundling: Accessible Search Engine may have been bundled with other software that you installed on your computer, such as a free game or utility.
- Extension or add-on installation: You may have installed an extension or add-on that included Accessible Search Engine as a default search engine.
Removing Accessible Search Engine from Chrome
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the removal process. Here are the steps to remove Accessible Search Engine from Chrome:
Method 1: Remove Accessible Search Engine from Chrome Settings
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the browser window.
- Click on “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down to the “Search engine” section.
- Click on the drop-down menu next to “Search engine used in the address bar.”
- Select your preferred search engine from the list.
- Click on “Manage search engines” and remove Accessible Search Engine from the list.
Method 2: Remove Accessible Search Engine from Chrome Extensions
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the browser window.
- Click on “More tools” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Extensions” from the sub-menu.
- Look for any extensions that may be related to Accessible Search Engine.
- Click on the “Remove” button next to the extension to remove it.
Method 3: Reset Chrome Browser Settings
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the browser window.
- Click on “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down to the “Advanced” section.
- Click on “Reset and clean up Google Chrome.”
- Click on “Reset settings” to reset your Chrome browser settings.
Preventing Accessible Search Engine from Reappearing
To prevent Accessible Search Engine from reappearing on your Chrome browser, follow these tips:
- Be cautious when installing software: Always read the terms and conditions before installing software, and make sure to opt out of any bundled software or extensions.
- Use a reputable antivirus program: Install a reputable antivirus program to protect your computer from malware and adware infections.
- Regularly update your browser and extensions: Keep your browser and extensions up to date to ensure that you have the latest security patches and features.
Conclusion
Removing Accessible Search Engine from Chrome is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can restore your preferred search engine and prevent Accessible Search Engine from reappearing on your browser. Remember to always be cautious when installing software and to use a reputable antivirus program to protect your computer from malware and adware infections.
What is Accessible Search Engine and why is it on my Chrome browser?
Accessible Search Engine is a browser extension that claims to provide users with a more accessible and user-friendly search experience. However, many users have reported that it was installed on their Chrome browser without their consent, and it has been flagged as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) by some antivirus software. This is likely due to its ability to change the browser’s default search engine and homepage without user permission.
Additionally, Accessible Search Engine may also collect user data, such as browsing history and search queries, which can be used for targeted advertising. If you’re concerned about your online privacy and security, it’s recommended to remove Accessible Search Engine from your Chrome browser as soon as possible.
How did Accessible Search Engine get installed on my Chrome browser?
Accessible Search Engine may have been installed on your Chrome browser through various means, including bundled software downloads, infected websites, or phishing scams. Some free software downloads may include additional programs, such as Accessible Search Engine, that are installed without your knowledge or consent. Infected websites may also use exploits to install malware, including PUPs like Accessible Search Engine, on your device.
Phishing scams may also trick users into installing Accessible Search Engine by disguising it as a legitimate program or extension. To avoid installing unwanted programs in the future, it’s essential to be cautious when downloading software and to read user reviews and ratings before installing any extensions on your Chrome browser.
What are the risks associated with having Accessible Search Engine on my Chrome browser?
Having Accessible Search Engine on your Chrome browser can pose several risks to your online security and privacy. As mentioned earlier, it may collect user data, such as browsing history and search queries, which can be used for targeted advertising. Additionally, Accessible Search Engine may also display unwanted ads, pop-ups, and sponsored content, which can be annoying and disrupt your browsing experience.
Furthermore, Accessible Search Engine may also change your browser’s default search engine and homepage without your permission, which can lead to a decrease in your browsing experience. In some cases, it may also install additional malware or PUPs on your device, which can compromise your online security and put your personal data at risk.
How do I remove Accessible Search Engine from my Chrome browser?
To remove Accessible Search Engine from your Chrome browser, you can follow the step-by-step guide provided in the article. The first step is to open the Chrome browser and click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner. From the drop-down menu, select “More tools” and then “Extensions.” This will take you to the Extensions page, where you can manage all the extensions installed on your Chrome browser.
From the Extensions page, locate Accessible Search Engine and click on the “Remove” button. Confirm that you want to remove the extension by clicking on “Remove” again in the pop-up window. Once you’ve removed the extension, restart your Chrome browser to ensure that all changes take effect.
Will removing Accessible Search Engine affect my browsing experience?
Removing Accessible Search Engine from your Chrome browser should not affect your browsing experience in any significant way. In fact, removing unwanted extensions like Accessible Search Engine can improve your browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads, pop-ups, and sponsored content. Additionally, removing Accessible Search Engine can also help to restore your browser’s default search engine and homepage, which can improve your overall browsing experience.
However, if you’ve grown accustomed to using Accessible Search Engine’s features, you may need to find alternative extensions or programs that provide similar functionality. Fortunately, there are many legitimate and user-friendly extensions available on the Chrome Web Store that can provide similar features without compromising your online security and privacy.
How can I prevent unwanted extensions like Accessible Search Engine from being installed on my Chrome browser in the future?
To prevent unwanted extensions like Accessible Search Engine from being installed on your Chrome browser in the future, it’s essential to be cautious when downloading software and to read user reviews and ratings before installing any extensions. You should also avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads, as they may lead to infected websites or phishing scams.
Additionally, you can also enable the “Developer mode” on your Chrome browser, which allows you to review and approve all extensions before they’re installed. You can also use antivirus software to scan your device for malware and PUPs, and to block any suspicious activity. By taking these precautions, you can help to protect your online security and privacy, and prevent unwanted extensions like Accessible Search Engine from being installed on your Chrome browser.
What should I do if I’m unable to remove Accessible Search Engine from my Chrome browser?
If you’re unable to remove Accessible Search Engine from your Chrome browser using the steps provided in the article, you may need to seek additional help. You can try resetting your Chrome browser to its default settings, which can help to remove all extensions, including Accessible Search Engine. To do this, go to the Chrome settings page and click on “Advanced” at the bottom of the page.
From the Advanced page, click on “Reset and clean up Google Chrome” and follow the prompts to reset your browser. If you’re still unable to remove Accessible Search Engine, you may need to seek help from a professional or contact Google support for further assistance. Additionally, you can also try using antivirus software to scan your device for malware and PUPs, and to block any suspicious activity.