Yoga Search Extension Removal Guide

Do you know what Yoga Search Extension is?

Yoga Search Extension is a potentially unwanted program that has replaced the infamous EZSearch extension that was reported by our research team in the past. Both of these extensions work in the exact same manner, but they have unique IDs, which can prevent anti-malware software to successfully delete the new version. Eliminating these extensions is absolutely necessary because they were created to expose you to an unreliable search tool and showcase sponsored content that could be malicious. On top of that, the extension is installed without the user’s permission, and that is the best proof that it is unreliable. If you want to learn how to remove Yoga Search Extension, or you are curious to learn how this threat works, you need to continue reading.

Are you familiar with the EZ Search hijacker? If Yoga Search Extension was installed, you might think that a browser hijacker called “EZ Search” has corrupted your Google Chrome browser. The situation is a little trickier than that. When the extension is downloaded – and it is likely to be downloaded silently via malicious software bundles or misleading pop-ups – it creates a shortcut called “Google Chrome.lnk” on the desktop. The name of the file and the icon representing it are meant to trick you into thinking that you are opening Google Chrome. Of course, if you realize that a shortcut for this browser was created without your permission, you might realize it and delete the shortcut right away. It is quite easy to figure out which shortcut is legitimate and which one is not. All you need to do is right-click the icon, select “Properties,” click the “Shortcut” tab, and then check the Target. If it reads “C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --load-extension="%UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Extensions\ ikmapcaeknfgfmjlibnhcbchfablckbpa” or something similar to this, there is no doubt that you need to delete Yoga Search Extension.

EZ Search hijacker is not a trustworthy search engine. If you use it to surf the web, you will be redirected to Yahoo Search, but that is not a good thing, despite the fact that Yahoo Search is considered to be a reputable and trustworthy search engine. Yoga Search Extension uses this search tool to ensure that you interact with the results that are shown after you enter search keywords. These results can include malicious links and annoying advertisements, which is why you should not interact with them. If you have, you need to think if you might have done something risky. For example, if you have downloaded files, you need to run a full system scan to check if you need to delete malware.

The guide below might seem quite extensive, but you need to delete Yoga Search Extension and EZ Search hijacker without further hesitation. As you can see, manual removal is possible, and we are sure that many users will be able to delete this unwanted software manually. That does not mean that this is the only option. In fact, it is much better to use anti-malware software? Why. First, it can remove Yoga Search Extension automatically. Second, it can automatically erase other existing threats. Third, it can ensure protection, which you, of course, need if you do not want to face other threats in the future. Whichever option you choose, we hope that you are successful, and if any questions pop up, do not hesitate to add them to the comments section.

Remove Yoga Search Extension

  1. Delete the bad Google Chrome.lnk shortcut from the Desktop.
  2. Launch Explorer by tapping Win+E keys.
  3. Enter %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\ into the bar at the top. Windows XP users need to enter %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\.
  4. Open the Default folder or, if profiles exist, your {unique name} profile folder.
  5. Open the Extensions folder and then Delete monofccdhloinbmmgindaeiejebknmdc or ikmapcaeknfgfmjlibnhcbchfablckbpa.
  6. Enter %Temp% into the bar at the top.
  7. Delete the folder named WS.
  8. Enter %PROGRAMFILES(x86)% (or %PROGRAMFILES%) into the bar at the top.
  9. Delete the folder named EZSearch.
  10. Tap Win+R to launch RUN and then enter regedit.exe into the dialog field.
  11. Navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\.
  12. Delete the key n named EZSearch.
  13. Navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\.
  14. Delete the key n named EZSearch.
  15. Navigate to HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\.
  16. Delete the key named WindowService.
  17. Navigate to HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\WindowService and repeat step 16.
  18. Navigate to HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WindowService and repeat step 16.

In non-techie terms:

You might be unaware of the Yoga Search Extension at all because it is installed silently. However, if you open your Google Chrome browsers, and, instead of your regular homepage, you see EZ Search, you need to check the Extensions menu immediately. The chances are that you will discover that you need to delete Yoga Search Extension. It is not enough to get rid of this add-on to eliminate the unwanted software completely. If you want to erase it manually, you have to follow the instructions posted above. Another option would be to let anti-malware software do its job. Both options are good, but only anti-malware software can simultaneously take care of other existing threats, as well as the security of you Windows operating system.