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Follow this step-by-step guide to completely remove the Search Pulse fake search engine from your Mac and safeguard your private information.

What is Search Pulse?

Search Pulse is a rogue application that hijacks your browser's settings, redirecting your searches and tracking your online activities.

How Did Search Pulse Get Installed?

Search Pulse typically gets installed through bundled software, misleading advertisements, or other third-party sources.

Steps to Remove Search Pulse

Here are the steps to manually remove Search Pulse from your Mac:

1. Disable Unwanted Login Items

  1. Open System Preferences and go to Users & Groups.
  2. Select your user profile and click the Login Items tab.
  3. Identify and remove any suspicious items by clicking the - button.

2. Remove Malicious Profiles

Check for any unauthorized profiles that may have been added:

  1. Open System Preferences and go to Profiles.
  2. If you see any profiles you didn't install, select them and click Remove.

3. Stop Unwanted Processes

  1. Open Activity Monitor.
  2. Look for any processes related to Search Pulse.
  3. Highlight the process and click the Stop button.

4. Uninstall Search Pulse from Applications

Remove any suspicious applications from your system:

  1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications.
  2. Locate Search Pulse or any unfamiliar application and move it to the Trash.
  3. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the application.

5. Remove Search Pulse Extensions from Browsers

Delete any browser extensions associated with Search Pulse:

Safari

  1. Open Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.
  2. Find Search Pulse and click Uninstall.

Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Extensions.
  2. Locate Search Pulse and click the Remove button.

Firefox

  1. Open Firefox and go to Add-ons > Extensions.
  2. Find Search Pulse and click Remove.

6. Delete Search Pulse Files and Folders

Remove hidden files associated with Search Pulse:

  1. Open Finder and press COMMAND + SHIFT + . to show hidden files.
  2. Navigate to the following directories and delete any Search Pulse-related files:
    • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
    • /Library/LaunchAgents
    • /Library/LaunchDaemons

7. Restore Browser Settings

Reset any changes made by Search Pulse:

Safari

  1. Open Safari and go to Preferences > Privacy.
  2. Click Manage Website Data... and then Remove All.

Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Search engine.
  2. Select Manage search engines and set your preferred search engine as default.

Firefox

  1. Open Firefox and go to Preferences > Search.
  2. Choose your preferred search engine under Default Search Engine.

8. Reset Your Browser

Resetting your browser will remove all extensions, clear history, and restore default settings. Remember to back up your bookmarks.

Use Trend Micro Antivirus One

For a quicker solution, use Trend Micro Antivirus One to scan and remove threats. It offers real-time protection and ensures your Mac stays secure.

Download Antivirus One from the App Store and follow these steps:

  1. Open Antivirus One.
  2. Click Adware Cleaner, then click Clean Now.
Keywords: Search Pulse, Mac, fake search engine, remove Search Pulse, Mac malware
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