How to Remove Browser Toolbars and Search Hijackers on Windows

What Causes This?

Browser toolbars and search hijackers usually get installed with free software, fake browser updates, or misleading download buttons. They change your homepage, default search engine, or new tab page to drive traffic and ads. Some also add startup entries, scheduled tasks, or browser extensions so the changes come back after you reset the browser.

Common Symptoms

• Your browser opens to a different homepage or search site than the one you chose
• Searches get redirected through Ask, Babylon, Yahoo, or another unwanted provider
• A new toolbar appears in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
• Pop-ups, extra ads, or sponsored results show up more often than usual
• Browser settings keep changing back after you fix them

How to Fix It Manually

1. Uninstall suspicious programs from Windows

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to Apps > Installed apps on Windows 11, or Apps > Apps & features on Windows 10.
   3. Sort by Install date and look for anything you do not recognize, especially toolbar software, “search assistants,” browser helpers, or recently installed free apps.
   4. Click the three dots > Uninstall on Windows 11, or select the app and click Uninstall on Windows 10.
   5. Restart your PC if prompted.

2. Remove unwanted browser extensions

   1. In Chrome, open chrome://extensions
   2. In Edge, open edge://extensions
   3. In Firefox, open about:addons
   4. Remove or disable any extension you did not install yourself, especially ones related to search, coupons, shopping, PDF tools, or toolbars.
   5. If an extension says it is managed by your organization on a personal PC, that is a sign of a hijacker or policy-based setting.

3. Reset your browser’s search and startup settings

   1. In Chrome: go to Settings > Search engine and set your preferred provider. Then open Settings > On startup and remove unwanted pages.
   2. In Edge: go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Address bar and search to change search, then Settings > Start, home, and new tabs to fix startup pages.
   3. In Firefox: go to Settings > Search and Settings > Home and restore the options you want.
   4. If settings keep changing, use the browser’s Reset settings option:
      • Chrome: Settings > Reset settings
      • Edge: Settings > Reset settings
      • Firefox: type about:support and click Refresh Firefox

4. Check startup apps and Task Scheduler

   1. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
   2. Click the Startup tab and disable anything suspicious or unknown.
   3. Press Windows + S, type Task Scheduler, and open it.
   4. In Task Scheduler Library, look for tasks that launch a browser, search site, or unknown app at logon. Right-click and Disable suspicious entries.

5. Scan for leftover malware

   1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
   2. Go to Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
   3. Run a Full scan.
   4. If the hijacker keeps returning, run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan from the same menu to catch threats that reload during startup.

6. Check browser shortcuts

   1. Right-click your browser shortcut on the desktop or taskbar and choose Properties.
   2. In the Target field, make sure it ends with the browser executable only, such as chrome.exe or msedge.exe.
   3. Remove any extra website address added after the .exe, then click Apply.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan your system for browser hijackers, unwanted startup entries, scheduled tasks, and bundled junk software that manual cleanup often misses. It helps remove the leftovers and restore normal browser behavior faster, without digging through multiple Windows menus.

Download Kudu Free →