Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If your browser keeps redirecting you, shows unfamiliar ads, or has a changed homepage or search engine, first check your device for unwanted software. Then reset or repair the browser settings that may have been changed. A browser reset can undo configuration changes, but it does not prove that adware has been removed from your computer.
Before you reset a browser
Unexpected redirects, injected ads, and changes to your homepage or search engine can be signs of a browser hijacker, but they do not identify the cause by themselves. A stream of browser notifications may instead come from a website permission you previously allowed; it is not, on its own, proof of an installed extension or system malware.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Do not follow cleanup prompts in pop-ups. Avoid clicking alarming ads or installing a cleanup tool promoted by a page. Use trusted security guidance and download software only from its official website.
- Check the device for unwanted software or malware. Google advises checking for unwanted programs before resetting Chrome, and Microsoft recommends scanning the device for malware when troubleshooting Edge. Browser cleanup is a separate step and cannot establish that the computer is clean. See Google’s guidance for removing unwanted ads, pop-ups, and malware from Chrome and Microsoft’s Edge troubleshooting guidance.
- Record important settings. If practical, note your homepage, search engine, startup pages, extensions, and customizations before changing them. Check that important data is backed up or that you understand your sync settings before clearing browsing data.
- Choose the browser action that fits. Chrome offers a settings reset; Firefox offers a profile refresh; Microsoft documents Edge repair for Windows. Those actions are not interchangeable.
What each browser action changes
| Browser action | What it changes | What it retains or may affect | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome: Restore settings to their original defaults | Resets selected settings, including the default search engine, homepage and startup tabs, new-tab page, pinned tabs, content settings, cookies and site data, and extensions and themes. | Bookmarks and passwords are not deleted or changed. Some settings, including fonts and accessibility settings, are not reset. See Google’s Chrome reset instructions. | That unwanted software has been removed from the device. |
| Firefox desktop: Refresh Firefox | Creates a new profile and transfers selected information; removes extensions and themes, website permissions, modified preferences, added search engines, and other customizations. | Bookmarks, browsing and download history, passwords, cookies, web form autofill, and the personal dictionary are retained. The previous profile is saved in an “Old Firefox Data” folder on the desktop. See Mozilla’s Firefox Refresh instructions. | That every unwanted component has been removed, including add-ons stored in other locations. |
| Edge on Windows: Repair | Repairs the Edge installation through Windows Installed apps. | Microsoft says browser data and settings should not be affected. See Microsoft’s Edge repair instructions. | That this is a settings reset or that device-level malware has been removed. |
Reset Chrome settings
Google’s reset is intended to undo certain settings changes, including changes made by apps or extensions. It does not erase all browser data. Follow the reset flow and review the prompt before confirming.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Open Chrome and select More (the three-dot menu).
- Go to Settings > Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Review the listed changes, then select Reset settings to confirm.
Afterward, check the extensions, homepage, startup tabs, search engine, and site permissions you want to keep. If unwanted changes return, investigate the device again rather than repeatedly resetting Chrome.
#1 Best Overall
- SPEED-OPTIMIZED, CROSS-PLATFORM PROTECTION: World-class antivirus security and cyber protection for Windows (Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11), Mac OS (Yosemite 10.10 or later), iOS (11.2 or later), and Android (5.0 or later). Organize and keep your digital life safe from hackers
- SAFE ONLINE BANKING: A unique, dedicated browser secures your online transactions; Our Total Security product also includes 200MB per day of our new and improved Bitdefender VPN
- ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE: Real-Time Data Protection, Multi-Layer Malware and Ransomware Protection, Social Network Protection, Game/Movie/Work Modes, Microphone Monitor, Webcam Protection, Anti-Tracker, Phishing, Fraud, and Spam Protection, File Shredder, Parental Controls, and more
- ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING: Your product-specific code is printed on a card and shipped inside a protective cardboard sleeve. Simply open packaging and scratch off security ink on the card to reveal your activation code. No more bulky box or hard-to-recycle discs. PLEASE NOTE: Product packaging may vary from the images shown, however the product is the same.
Refresh Firefox on desktop
Firefox Refresh replaces the current profile with a new one and transfers the personal information Mozilla lists as retained. It is available for desktop and laptop Firefox, not a general mobile-browser reset. Mozilla recommends trying Troubleshoot Mode first if you have many customizations, and notes that Refresh may not remove add-ons installed in other locations.
- Open the Firefox menu and choose Help > More troubleshooting information.
- Select Refresh Firefox, confirm, and let Firefox close and restart.
- Review your extensions, themes, website permissions, search engines, and preferences after Firefox reopens.
The prior profile is saved on the desktop in Old Firefox Data. Mozilla warns that this folder contains sensitive information; delete it when you no longer need it. If Refresh is unavailable because of Firefox’s newer profile management system, Mozilla says to update to Firefox 150 or later; its support page gives April 21, 2026 as Firefox 150’s release date.
Rank #2
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2027 Antivirus, 5 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IYV5zGyCL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 5 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
Repair Microsoft Edge on Windows
Microsoft documents a Windows repair workflow, not a reset of Edge settings. Repair is intended to fix the browser installation, and Microsoft says browser data and settings should not be affected.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Close Microsoft Edge.
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Microsoft Edge, select Modify, then choose Repair.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. If Modify is unavailable because your organization manages Edge, contact your administrator.
Clearing Edge browsing data is a different action from repair. In Edge, the categories and time range you choose determine what is cleared, and sync settings can affect whether cleared items also affect synced devices. Review the options before confirming; do not select every category unless that is what you intend. Microsoft explains the choices in its Edge browsing-history and data-clearing guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL, LIGHTNING-FAST ANTIVIRUS: Protects your computer from viruses and malware through the cloud; Webroot scans faster, uses fewer system resources and safeguards your devices in real-time by identifying and blocking new threats
- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION: Protects your usernames, account numbers and other personal information against keyloggers, spyware and other online threats targeting valuable personal data
- REAL-TIME ANTI-PHISHING: Proactively scans websites, emails and other communications and warns you of potential danger before you click to effectively stop malicious attempts to steal your personal information
- ALWAYS UP TO DATE: Webroot scours 95% of the Internet three times per day including billions of web pages, files and apps to determine what is safe online and enhances the software automatically without time-consuming updates
Rank #4
- THREAT DETECTION – Stay one step ahead. Suspicious links, risky sites, viruses, and scams, caught automatically before they reach you.
- PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION – Keep your personal info safer. Identity monitoring watches for your exposed info and tells you what to do about it.
- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few easy clicks, and we'll automatically protect your info on public Wi‑Fi, every time you connect.
- GUIDED ACTION – Know what matters and what to do next. Clear alerts and simple guidance make it easy to take action.
- MORE THAN ANTIVIRUS – Scam protection, identity monitoring, VPN, web protection, and antivirus work together to protect you, all in one place.
Rank #3
![Norton 360 Premium 2027 Antivirus, 10 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JNWru8mYL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 10 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
Check for remaining changes
- Confirm the homepage, startup pages, and search engine are the ones you chose.
- Remove extensions you do not recognize or no longer need, and review site notification permissions if the problem is unwanted alerts.
- If a setting keeps changing back, or appears controlled by an organization, investigate a remaining program or policy and seek trusted technical support.
- If redirects or ads continue, revisit device security and browser profile or configuration rather than assuming a reset has finished the cleanup.
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.
