What Gosearch is and why you might see it

Gosearch is a browser extension that changes your default search engine and homepage. When you install it, searches you run from your address bar or a new tab will go through Gosearch's search results instead of your current search engine — usually Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo.

You might encounter Gosearch bundled with other software you download, or offered as a standalone extension. It's not malicious, but it does change how your browser behaves without always making that obvious during installation. Understanding what it does before you install it — or how to remove it if it arrived without your knowledge — matters more than the installation itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Gosearch installs as a browser extension through your browser's extension store or sometimes bundled with other downloads.
  • Once installed, it redirects your searches and may change your homepage, so you'll see Gosearch results instead of your usual search engine.
  • You can remove Gosearch the same way you remove any extension — through your browser's settings — if you change your mind.
  • Check what other extensions are already installed on your browser before adding Gosearch, since multiple search-changing extensions can conflict.

Installing Gosearch on Chrome

Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into your address bar. Search for "Gosearch" in the store's search box at the top left. When you find the official Gosearch extension, click the blue "Add to Chrome" button.

Chrome will ask you to confirm by showing a popup that says "Add 'Gosearch'?" and lists the permissions the extension needs. Click "Add extension" to proceed. The extension will install immediately, and you should see a small icon appear in your browser's toolbar — usually in the top right corner next to your other extensions.

After installation, Gosearch may ask you to confirm it as your default search engine. You can do this through the popup that appears, or skip it and change the setting later in Chrome's settings under "Search engine" if you want to use a different search tool.

Installing Gosearch on Firefox

Open Firefox and go to addons.mozilla.org (the Firefox Add-ons site). Use the search box at the top to find "Gosearch." When you locate the extension, click the blue "Add to Firefox" button on its page.

Firefox will show a permissions dialog listing what the extension can access. Click "Add" to confirm. The extension installs right away, and you'll see a notification at the top of your browser confirming the addition. A Gosearch icon should appear in your toolbar.

Firefox may prompt you to set Gosearch as your default search engine. You can accept this during installation or change it later by going to Firefox Settings, selecting "Search" on the left, and choosing your preferred search engine from the dropdown under "Default Search Engine."

Installing Gosearch on Edge

Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons. Search for "Gosearch" using the search box. Find the Gosearch extension and click "Get" on its listing page.

Edge will open a confirmation dialog asking if you want to add the extension. Click "Add extension" to install it. You'll see a confirmation message, and the Gosearch icon will appear in your toolbar. Edge may also ask if you want to set Gosearch as your default search engine — you can choose yes or no depending on your preference.

What happens after you install Gosearch

Once Gosearch is active, your search behavior changes. When you type a search query into your address bar or open a new tab, the results will come from Gosearch instead of your previous search engine. The Gosearch homepage may also replace your browser's homepage if you allowed that permission during installation.

You may notice Gosearch displays ads alongside search results. This is how the extension makes money — it's a free service supported by advertising. If you don't want ads or prefer your original search engine, you can remove the extension at any time without affecting the rest of your browser.

Removing Gosearch if you change your mind

Removing Gosearch is straightforward and takes less than a minute. In Chrome, click the puzzle-piece icon (extensions menu) in the top right, find Gosearch in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove from Chrome." Confirm the removal when prompted.

In Firefox, go to the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right, select "Add-ons and themes," find Gosearch under "Extensions," click the three dots next to it, and choose "Remove." In Edge, click the three-dot menu in the top right, go to "Extensions," find Gosearch, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove from Microsoft Edge."

After removal, your search engine will revert to whatever you had set before — usually Google or your browser's default. If Gosearch changed your homepage and you want to change it back, you can do that in your browser's settings under "Home" or "Homepage."

Checking if Gosearch arrived without your knowledge

Sometimes Gosearch installs as part of a bundle with other software you download — a practice called bundleware. If you notice your search results suddenly changed or your homepage switched without you installing anything, Gosearch may have arrived this way.

Check your installed extensions by clicking the puzzle-piece icon in Chrome, the menu button in Firefox, or the three-dot menu in Edge. Look for Gosearch or any other unfamiliar extensions. If you find extensions you don't remember installing, you can remove them using the steps above. To prevent this in the future, pay close attention during software installation — look for checkboxes that say something like "Install recommended extensions" or "Change your homepage," and uncheck them if you don't want the extra software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gosearch safe to use?

Gosearch itself is not malicious — it's a legitimate extension that changes your search engine. However, it does track your searches and display ads. If you're uncomfortable with that level of tracking or prefer ad-free search, you may want to use a different search engine or extension instead.

Will Gosearch slow down my browser?

Most extensions, including Gosearch, use minimal system resources and won't noticeably slow your browser. If you notice your browser running slowly after installing it, you can remove it and see if performance improves. Sometimes multiple extensions together can affect speed more than one alone.

Can I change my search engine back after installing Gosearch?

Yes. You can either remove Gosearch entirely, or keep it installed and change your default search engine back to Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, or another option through your browser's settings. Your browser lets you set the default search engine independently of which extensions you have.

What if Gosearch won't uninstall?

Gosearch should uninstall like any other extension. If you're having trouble, try restarting your browser and attempting removal again. If it still won't budge, check whether another program on your computer is forcing it to reinstall — some bundled software does this. You can also check your browser's settings to see if Gosearch is listed under "Manage extensions" or "Manage add-ons" and try removing it from there.

Why did Gosearch install when I didn't ask for it?

Gosearch usually arrives bundled with other software you downloaded. During installation of that software, there's often a checkbox — sometimes pre-checked — that says something like "Install Gosearch" or "Add recommended extensions." Unchecking that box before finishing the installation prevents Gosearch from being added. If it's already there, you can remove it using the steps above.