How to Fix a Browser Homepage or Search Engine Hijacked on Windows

What Causes This?

A browser homepage or search hijack usually happens when adware, a shady browser extension, or a bundled installer changes your browser settings without clear permission. In some cases, the hijacker also adds a startup app, scheduled task, or policy setting so the unwanted homepage or search engine keeps coming back after you change it. This is common after installing free software, fake browser updates, or downloading files from untrusted sites.

Common Symptoms

• Your homepage changes to a site you did not choose
• Your default search engine keeps switching back after you reset it
• New tabs open to a strange search page or ad-filled website
• You see unfamiliar browser extensions or toolbars
• Browser settings appear locked or say they are “managed”

How to Fix It Manually

1. Uninstall suspicious apps from Windows

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings
   • Go to Apps > Installed apps
   • Sort by Install date
   • Look for anything unfamiliar, recently installed, or related to search tools, browser assistants, “PDF converters,” coupon apps, or cleaners you did not intend to install
   • Click the three dots > Uninstall for anything suspicious

2. Disable suspicious startup items

   • Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc
   • Click Startup apps
   • Look for unknown entries or anything tied to the unwanted browser change
   • Right-click suspicious items and choose Disable
   • Restart your PC after this step if you found anything unusual

3. Remove bad browser extensions

   • In Chrome, open chrome://extensions
   • In Edge, open edge://extensions
   • In Firefox, open Menu > Add-ons and themes > Extensions
   • Remove any extension you do not recognize or no longer need, especially search helpers, shopping tools, VPNs from unknown vendors, and new-tab extensions
   • If an extension says it is managed by your organization and this is your personal PC, that is a red flag

4. Reset your homepage and default search engine

   • In Chrome: go to Settings > Search engine and Settings > On startup
   • In Edge: go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services and Settings > Start, home, and new tabs
   • In Firefox: go to Settings > Search and Settings > Home
   • Change the homepage and search engine back to the ones you want
   • Remove any unknown search providers

5. Check for browser policy hijacks

   • In Chrome, type chrome://policy
   • In Edge, type edge://policy
   • If you see policies controlling homepage, startup pages, or default search on a personal PC, something may be forcing those settings
   • Also check Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and run a Quick scan
   • If the hijacker remains, reset the browser:
     • Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults
     • Edge: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values
     • Firefox: type about:support and use Refresh Firefox

6. Check shortcut targets for browser launches

   • Right-click your browser shortcut on the Desktop or Taskbar
   • Choose Properties
   • In the Target field, make sure it ends with the normal browser executable, such as chrome.exe or msedge.exe
   • If you see a website address added after the .exe, remove it and click Apply

7. Run a full malware scan

   • Open Windows Security
   • Go to Virus & threat protection > Scan options
   • Select Full scan and click Scan now
   • Remove or quarantine anything found, then reboot and test the browser again

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan your system for the apps, startup entries, browser add-ons, and unwanted settings that commonly cause homepage and search hijacks. Instead of checking each browser and Windows setting by hand, Kudu helps you find the problem fast and remove it safely.

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