Summary
This article describes the various methods used to remove web-based browser hijacks. It includes sections for both Windows and macOS, and for common web-based browsers Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Edge.
Body
Overview
Learn more about browser hijacker programs and how to fix your browser if it has been hijacked.
What is a browser hijacker?
- A browser hijacker is an unwanted program or extension that changes your web browser’s settings without permission.
- It often alters your homepage, default search engine, or new tab page. You might also notice extra ads, pop-ups, or unfamiliar toolbars.
- These programs usually arrive bundled with free software downloads or through deceptive websites and email links.
How to remove a browser hijacker
Select your browser below by selecting its name. Select it again to close the information panel.
Follow the steps below:
- Reset settings
- Select the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner.
- Go to Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults → Reset settings.
- Remove unwanted extensions
- Open Menu → Extensions.
- Remove any extensions you do not recognize or trust.
- Check your search engine
- Go to Settings → Search engine.
- Ensure your preferred search engine (e.g., Google) is selected as default.
Follow the steps below:
- Reset settings
- Click the three dots (⋯) → Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their default values.
- Remove unknown extensions
- Go to Extensions and remove any items you did not install yourself.
- Review startup pages
- Go to Settings → Start, home, and new tabs.
- Verify that Edge opens a trusted homepage.
Follow the steps below:
- Refresh Firefox
- Click the menu button (☰) → Help → More troubleshooting information → Refresh Firefox.
- This resets Firefox but keeps bookmarks and saved passwords.
- Check add-ons
- Go to Menu → Add-ons and themes → Extensions.
- Remove any suspicious or unnecessary add-ons.
- Restore your homepage
- Go to Settings → Home → New windows and tabs.
- Enter your preferred homepage.
Follow the steps below:
- Remove suspicious extensions
- Go to Safari → Settings → Extensions.
- Disable or uninstall any unfamiliar extensions.
- Reset your homepage
- Go to Safari → Settings → General → Homepage.
- Set your preferred start page.
- Clear website data
- Go to Safari → Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All.
Windows 11 notification fake virus pop-ups
Disable Push Notifications in Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Type
edge://settings/content/notificationsin the address bar and press Enter.
- Under the Allow section, locate any suspicious or unrecognized websites.
- Click the three dots next to the suspicious site and select Remove or Block.
- Optionally, toggle Ask before sending to Off to block all notifications.
Clear Browser Data in Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Type
edge://settings/clearBrowserDatain the address bar and press Enter.
- Set the Time Range to All time.
- Check all options (e.g., Cookies, Cache) and click Clear now.
- Restart Edge by typing
edge://restartin the address bar and pressing Enter.
Reset Browser Settings (Optional)
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Go to Settings > Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values and confirm by clicking Reset.
Still need help?
If your browser remains affected after these steps, please contact your IT support team.