ByWhat is api.cactus-search.com, and why is it dangerous for your system?
api.cactus-search.com is a browser hijacker and unwanted search redirect domain that often enters your system through free software, extensions, or bundled installations. It changes your default search engine settings, homepage, and new tab without your permission. Its main purpose is to generate advertising revenue by redirecting users to third-party websites.
In our experience, this problem is not limited to the browser; it can also pose a serious threat to system performance, privacy, and online security.
Key symptoms of api.cactus-search.com infection:
The browser automatically redirects to api.cactus-search.com
Unwanted advertisements and sponsored links in search results
The browser becomes slow or crashes frequently
New extensions get installed automatically
Browser settings don’t save even after changing them
Data collection through cookies and tracking scripts
If you are experiencing these symptoms on your system, it means that api.cactus-search.com is fully active.
All methods to remove api.cactus-search.com from Windows
1. Uninstall unwanted programs from the Control Panel
First, we need to remove the software from the system that caused this problem.
Steps:
1. Open the Control Panel
2. Click on Programs and Features
3. In the list of installed programs, look for suspicious names such as:
Search Tool
Cactus Search
Unknown Publisher
4. Right-click on them and select Uninstall
This step is crucial because the problem will keep recurring until the root program is removed. Completely remove api.cactus-search.com from Google Chrome
2. Removing Chrome Extensions
1. Open Chrome
2. Type the following in the address bar: `chrome://extensions/`
3. Remove all unknown and suspicious extensions
4. Pay special attention to extensions related to search or coupons
3. Fix Chrome Search Engine and Startup Settings
1. Go to Settings → Search Engine
2. Set the Default Search Engine to Google or your preferred search engine
3. In Manage Search Engines, remove api.cactus-search.com
In Startup Settings:
Remove api.cactus-search.com from “Open a specific set of pages”
4. Chrome Reset Settings (Most effective method)
1. Open Chrome Settings
2. Go to Reset and Clean up
3. Select Restore settings to their original defaults
4. Click Reset
This method is highly effective in removing browser hijackers. Complete process to remove api.cactus-search.com from Mozilla Firefox
5. Remove Firefox Add-ons
1. Open Firefox
2. Menu → Add-ons and Themes
3. Remove suspicious extensions
6. Fix Firefox Homepage and Search Settings
1. Settings → Home
2. Remove api.cactus-search.com from Homepage and enter a new URL
3. Search → Change Default Search Engine
7. Refresh Firefox (Complete Solution)
1. Help → More Troubleshooting Information
2. Refresh Firefox
3. Confirm
How to remove api.cactus-search.com from Microsoft Edge
8. Remove Edge Extensions
1. Open Edge
2. `edge://extensions/`
3. Remove all unknown extensions
9. Reset Edge Settings
1. Settings → Reset Settings
2. Restore settings to default
3. Click Reset
Advanced Method: Checking Registry and Task Scheduler
10. Removing entries from Windows Registry (Advanced Users)
This step is only for experienced users
1. Win + R → regedit
2. Press Ctrl + F and search for cactus-search
3. Delete the relevant keys
11. Check Task Scheduler
1. Win + R → `taskschd.msc`
2. Open Task Scheduler Library
3. If you find any task related to api.cactus-search.com, delete it
Using a Malware Removal Tool (Safest Method)
If the manual method is difficult for you, using a trusted anti-malware tool is the safest and most effective option.
Benefits:
Identification of hidden files and scripts
Complete removal of the browser hijacker
Future protection
Always use updated and reliable security software.
How to avoid api.cactus-search.com in the future
Choose Custom Installation when installing free software
Never install unknown extensions
Always keep your browser and system updated
Perform regular malware scans
Avoid pop-ups and fake updates
Conclusion
api.cactus-search.com is a common but dangerous browser hijacker; ignoring it can be risky for your privacy and system security. By following all the methods described above in the correct order, it can be removed completely and permanently. We have covered all major browsers and system-level solutions, making this guide useful for every user.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is api.cactus-search.com a virus?
No, api.cactus-search.com is not technically a virus, but it falls into the category of a browser hijacker and potentially unwanted program (PUP). It modifies your browser settings without permission and redirects you to unwanted websites, which can be risky for security and privacy.
2. How did api.cactus-search.com get on my computer?
It usually comes bundled with free software, cracked programs, fake updates, or bundled installers. When the user chooses “Recommended” or “Express Installation,” it automatically installs itself on the system.
3. Can api.cactus-search.com steal my personal information?
Yes, it can track information such as browsing data, search queries, IP address, and click history. This data can be shared with third-party advertising networks, putting your online privacy at risk.
4. Does resetting the browser completely remove api.cactus-search.com?
In most cases, resetting the browser solves the problem, but if the underlying software is still present on the system, it may reappear. Therefore, the best approach is to uninstall the unwanted program first and then reset the browser.
5. Which browser is most affected?
Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge can all be affected by this problem. This hijacker is not browser-specific and can appear in any Chromium or Gecko-based browser.
6. Will simply removing the extension solve the problem?
No, simply removing the extension is an incomplete solution. api.cactus-search.com can often reactivate itself through:
System programs
Browser policies
Task Scheduler
Therefore, a complete cleanup is necessary.
7. Does antivirus software detect api.cactus-search.com?
Some basic antivirus programs may overlook it. It’s best to use advanced anti-malware or anti-hijacker tools that specifically detect PUPs and browser hijackers.
8. How long does it take to remove api.cactus-search.com?
If manual methods are used, it can be completely removed in 15–30 minutes. Using automatic tools can reduce this time even further.
9. Can mobile browsers also be affected by api.cactus-search.com?
This problem is primarily observed in Windows and desktop browsers. However, if a suspicious app or profile is installed on an Android browser, a similar redirect problem may occur.
10. What is the safest way to avoid api.cactus-search.com in the future?
The safest measures are:
Downloading software only from official websites
Choosing the Custom/Advanced option during installation
Not installing unknown extensions
Regularly updating your system and browser
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