If your browser keeps redirecting, its homepage or search engine changed without your permission, or an unwanted extension keeps coming back, remove the likely cause before resetting browser settings. Start by uninstalling suspicious apps and removing untrusted extensions, then use your operating system’s built-in security guidance and restore the affected browser. A changed setting is a warning sign, not proof of a specific infection: fake virus alerts can be scams, too.
How to tell whether a browser may be hijacked
Google lists unfamiliar redirects or ads, a changed homepage or search engine, recurring unwanted extensions or toolbars, persistent pop-ups or new tabs, and fake virus alerts among possible signs of unwanted software or malware. Google describes the redirect symptom as: “Your browsing is hijacked, and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads.” These symptoms do not identify one particular infection, and a frightening warning on a webpage does not by itself prove that your computer is infected.
Pop-ups can also come from website permissions or notification subscriptions. Blocking them in the browser may stop interruptions, but it will not remove an app or extension causing persistent redirects or settings changes.
Before you start: avoid fake cleanup prompts
- Do not click alarming pop-up warnings, fake close buttons, or offers to install a cleaner. Apple warns that suspicious pop-ups can impersonate trusted companies or lure people into installing software.
- If a program says it needs an update or download, go to that program’s official website directly rather than using a pop-up link, as Google advises.
- On a work- or school-managed device, check with the administrator before removing a required extension, policy, or configuration profile.
Remove a browser hijacker from Windows
Work through these steps in order. Removing a browser setting alone may only hide a symptom if an installed program or extension is changing it again.
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- Uninstall suspicious apps. Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select software you recognize as recently installed or no longer want, and choose Uninstall. Do not delete unfamiliar system components indiscriminately.
- Run Microsoft Defender. In Windows Security, get the latest security intelligence and run a full Microsoft Defender Antivirus scan. If unwanted software persists, Microsoft recommends a Microsoft Defender Offline scan. This is Microsoft’s escalation guidance, not a guarantee that every threat will be found or removed.
- Remove untrusted Chrome extensions. In Chrome, open Extensions > Manage extensions. Review the list and remove extensions you do not recognize or trust. If an extension returns or the problem reappears, revisit app and system cleanup rather than repeatedly toggling the extension; Google notes that suspicious software can affect extension files.
- Reset Chrome settings. Open Chrome Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. The reset restores selected settings, including the default search engine, homepage and startup pages, pinned tabs, content settings, cookies and site data, extensions, and themes. It does not delete or change saved bookmarks or passwords. You may need to turn extensions back on; enable only those you trust.
- Check whether Chrome is managed if controls are locked or changes return. Enter
chrome://managementorchrome://policyin Chrome’s address bar to review management and policies. On a work or school device, ask the administrator before changing required controls.
For pop-ups that appear to be limited to particular sites, review Chrome’s pop-up and redirect settings and the sites allowed to show them. If redirects or browser changes continue, continue with app and extension cleanup rather than treating blocking as removal.
Remove a browser hijacker from Mac
- Review Applications. Open Finder’s Applications folder and look for apps you do not expect or want. Apple recommends removing unwanted apps; Google’s Chrome guidance also directs Mac users to move unwanted programs to the Trash.
- Check Safari extensions. Choose Safari > Settings > Extensions, then turn off or uninstall extensions you do not recognize or need. Some extensions arrive with an app, so removing the extension alone may not be enough; remove the associated unwanted app as well.
- Update macOS, or restart if it is already current. Apple recommends installing the latest macOS. If your Mac is already up to date, restart it. Apple says macOS includes a built-in tool that removes known malware when you restart. This applies to known malware; a restart is not a full antivirus scan or a guaranteed fix.
- Reset Chrome if Chrome is affected. In Chrome, choose Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. Bookmarks and passwords remain; selected settings, extensions, and themes are restored. Re-enable only extensions you trust.
- Inspect profiles if Safari behavior persists. An unwanted window reopening or a search engine changing may follow installation of suspicious software. Apple’s profile locations vary by macOS version: on macOS Sequoia 15 or later, check System Settings > General > Device Management; on macOS Ventura 13 or later, check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Profiles; on earlier releases, check System Preferences > Profiles. Remove only profiles you recognize as unwanted. If the Mac belongs to a school or organization, ask its administrator before removing a profile.
Safari also lets you block pop-ups globally or for individual sites. Use that setting to control interruptions, but investigate apps, extensions, and profiles if windows or search changes keep returning. Apple’s guidance notes: “If you see pop-ups on your Mac that just won’t go away, you might have unintentionally downloaded and installed adware (advertising-supported software) or other unwanted software.”
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When the problem does not go away
- Settings or extensions return: revisit the computer-level cleanup. On Chrome, check for management or policies; on a managed device, contact the administrator.
- Windows unwanted software persists after a full scan: follow Microsoft’s recommendation to run Microsoft Defender Offline.
- Safari windows or search changes persist on Mac: review Applications, extensions, and the applicable configuration-profile location. Seek help from the device administrator or platform support if the behavior remains unresolved.
- Only certain sites show pop-ups: review site-level pop-up permissions or notification subscriptions. That may address the interruption without establishing that the computer has malware.
Official instructions: Google Chrome: Remove unwanted ads, pop-ups & malware; Google Chrome: Reset Chrome settings to default; Microsoft: Protect your PC from unwanted software; Apple: Block pop-up ads and windows in Safari; Apple: Control which windows Safari reopens on Mac.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
