How to Remove a Browser Hijacker on Windows

What Causes This?

A browser hijacker usually gets installed with bundled free software, fake update prompts, shady browser extensions, or downloads from untrusted sites. Once installed, it changes browser settings like your homepage, default search engine, new tab page, or shortcut target so it can force redirects and show ads. Some hijackers also leave behind scheduled tasks, startup entries, and junk files that make the problem come back after you reset the browser.

Common Symptoms

• Your browser opens a different homepage or search engine without your permission
• Searches or typed web addresses redirect to random websites
• New tabs open with ads, fake warnings, or unknown search pages
• You see unfamiliar extensions, toolbars, or pop-ups in your browser
• Browser settings keep changing back after you fix them

How to Fix It Manually

1. Uninstall suspicious programs

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Go to Apps > Installed apps.
   • Sort by Install date and look for anything unfamiliar, recently installed, or clearly unwanted.
   • Click the ... menu next to the app and choose Uninstall.
   • Restart your PC after removing anything suspicious.

2. Remove suspicious browser extensions

   • In Chrome, open chrome://extensions
   • In Edge, open edge://extensions
   • In Firefox, open about:addons
   • Remove any extension you do not recognize or did not intentionally install.
   • If an extension says it is managed by your organization and this is your personal PC, that can be a sign of hijacker-related policy changes.

3. Reset your browser settings

   • Chrome: Open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults
   • Edge: Open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values
   • Firefox: Type about:support in the address bar, then click Refresh Firefox
   • This removes unwanted startup pages, search engines, and temporary browser changes.

4. Check browser shortcuts for forced redirects

   • Right-click your browser shortcut on the desktop or taskbar and choose Properties.
   • On the Shortcut tab, check the Target field.
   • It should end with the browser executable, such as:
     • chrome.exe
     • msedge.exe
     • firefox.exe
   • If you see a website address added after the .exe, delete that extra text and click Apply.

5. Disable suspicious startup items and scheduled tasks

   • Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
   • Go to the Startup apps tab and disable unknown items.
   • Press Windows + S, type Task Scheduler, and open it.
   • Check Task Scheduler Library for tasks with random names or ones that launch browsers or scripts at logon. Right-click suspicious tasks and choose Disable or Delete.

6. Run Windows Security scans

   • Press Windows + I > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security.
   • Click Virus & threat protection.
   • Run a Quick scan first, then choose Scan options > Microsoft Defender Offline scan if redirects continue.
   • Let the scan finish and remove anything it finds.

7. Clear temporary files and leftover clutter

   • Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter.
   • Select your system drive, usually C:.
   • Check Temporary files, Temporary Internet Files, and other safe cleanup categories, then click OK.
   • Leftover junk can help unwanted software persist or slow down your browser.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can speed this up by finding browser-hijacker leftovers, startup clutter, temporary files, and other system junk that often keeps redirects coming back. It gives you a simple way to clean up Windows and optimize performance after you remove the hijacker manually.

Download Kudu Free →