How to Remove Browser Hijackers and Unwanted Redirects

Before you begin

Match the environmentUse this guide only for Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS or a clearly compatible setup.

Protect recoveryBack up important data and save encryption or account recovery keys before changing system state.

Know when to stopMake one change at a time and stop if the result differs from what the guide describes.

Problem overview

A browser hijacker is a type of malware or unwanted software that alters your browser settings without permission. It forces your browser to use a different homepage, redirects your searches to dubious search engines, and injects unwanted advertisements.

Common causes

Installing freeware that bundles Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
Accepting fake browser extension installation prompts
Malicious downloads or compromised websites
Outdated browsers with security vulnerabilities

Solution 1: Remove suspicious extensions

Hijackers often operate as rogue browser extensions.

Open your browser and navigate to the extensions menu (e.g., chrome://extensions or about:addons).
Look for any extensions you do not recognize, especially those claiming to be PDF converters, search optimizers, or coupon finders.
Click Remove or the trash can icon next to the suspicious extension.
Restart your browser to see if the redirects stop.

Solution 2: Uninstall Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)

The hijacker might be installed as a system-level application.

Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I.
Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
Sort the list by Date installed to find recently added software.
Look for unfamiliar programs, toolbars, or anything with “Search” or “Protect” in the name that you didn’t install.
Click the three dots next to the program and select Uninstall.

Expert Tip

After removing suspicious programs, run a full system scan with a reputable anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes to catch hidden remnants.

Solution 3: Reset browser to default settings

If you cannot locate the source of the hijack, resetting the browser will clear out malicious configurations.

In Google Chrome, go to Settings.
Click Reset settings in the left sidebar.
Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Click the Reset settings button to confirm.
This will disable all extensions, clear temporary data, and restore your default search engine and homepage.

Critical

If redirects persist after a browser reset and malware scans, the malware may be deeply rooted in your system registry or network settings, requiring a clean Windows installation as a last resort. Backup your important files first.

Confirm the result

Repeat the exact action that originally triggered the problem.

Confirm the original error or symptom is gone and no new warning has appeared.

If the guide changed a driver, service, package, or system setting, restart once and test again.

If the result is worse or unexpected, stop. Reverse only the last change using its documented restore option; if none is documented, use your backup or qualified support.

Questions about this fix

How did a browser hijacker get on my PC?

They are usually bundled with free software downloads (PUPs) or installed via deceptive browser extension pop-ups.

Will resetting my browser delete my passwords?

Most browser resets keep your passwords and bookmarks, but wipe cookies, extensions, and site data.

How to Remove Browser Hijackers and Unwanted Redirects

Before you begin

Problem overview

Common causes

Solution 1: Remove suspicious extensions

Solution 2: Uninstall Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)

Solution 3: Reset browser to default settings

Confirm the result

Questions about this fix

Weighted Consensus Protocol

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