How to Remove a Browser Hijacker on Windows 11 (Step by Step)
If your browser opens pages you didn’t request, the search engine changed by itself, or ads appear everywhere, you likely have a browser hijacker. Here’s how to remove it completely.
Signs You Have a Browser Hijacker
- Homepage changed by itself (to Bing, Yahoo or something unknown)
- Default search engine is one you don’t recognize
- Ads appearing everywhere, even on Google
- You get redirected to strange pages while browsing
- Extensions installed that you didn’t add
Step 1: Remove Suspicious Extensions
Chrome: Menu (three dots) → Extensions → Manage extensions. Remove anything you don’t recognize.
Firefox: Menu → Add-ons and themes → Extensions. Disable and remove suspicious ones.
Edge: Menu → Extensions → Manage extensions.
Step 2: Reset Homepage and Search Engine
Chrome: Settings → Search engine → change to Google. Under Appearance → Homepage, set it back to what you use.
Firefox: Settings → Home → restore defaults.
Step 3: Scan with Malwarebytes (Free)
Download Malwarebytes Free from malwarebytes.com. Run a full scan. This specialized tool detects browser hijackers, adware and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) that regular antivirus often misses.
Step 4: Scan with AdwCleaner
AdwCleaner (free, by Malwarebytes) specializes in removing adware and browser hijackers. Download it, run as administrator, click Scan. If it finds something, click Clean.
Step 5: Check Browser Extensions Again
Some hijackers reinstall themselves. After cleaning with Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner, check browser extensions again and remove anything new or suspicious.
Step 6: Reset the Browser Completely (If Nothing Works)
Chrome: Settings → Reset and clean up → Restore settings to original defaults.
Firefox: Menu → Help → Troubleshooting information → Refresh Firefox.
Edge: Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to default values.
How does a browser hijacker get installed?
Browser hijackers install mainly three ways: (1) when installing free software that bundles extra programs, (2) by clicking malicious ads, (3) by installing browser extensions from unofficial sources. Always download software from the official developer website.
Is Malwarebytes safe and free?
Yes. Malwarebytes Free is completely safe and free for personal use. The free version allows manual scans and removing found threats. Only the Premium version adds real-time protection.
If I reset Chrome will I lose my saved data?
Resetting Chrome removes extensions, homepage and search engine settings, but does NOT delete saved passwords, history or bookmarks. These sync with your Google account and stay safe.
Conclusion
To remove a browser hijacker: delete suspicious extensions, reset search engine and homepage, then scan with Malwarebytes Free and AdwCleaner. This works in most cases. If the problem persists, reset the browser completely.
