Remove Browser Hijacker: Microsoft Edge Guide

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 46 views

Browser hijackers can be a real pain, guys! They mess with your browsing experience by changing your homepage, search engine, and even redirecting you to unwanted websites. If you're a Microsoft Edge user and suspect a browser hijacker has taken over, don't worry! This guide will walk you through the steps to remove it and get your browser back to normal. Let's dive in!

Identifying a Browser Hijacker

Before we start removing anything, let's make sure we're dealing with a browser hijacker. Here are some common signs:

Your homepage has changed: You open Edge, and instead of your usual homepage, you see a different website that you didn't set.
Your default search engine is different: When you use the address bar to search, you're redirected to a search engine you don't recognize.
Unwanted toolbars or extensions: You notice new toolbars or extensions in your browser that you didn't install.
Redirections to unfamiliar websites: Clicking on links takes you to websites you weren't expecting.
Pop-up ads: You're bombarded with excessive pop-up ads, even when you're not actively browsing.
Slow browser performance: Your browser is running slower than usual.

If you're experiencing one or more of these issues, chances are you have a browser hijacker on your hands. Now, let's get rid of it!

Step-by-Step Removal Guide

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

Browser hijackers often come bundled with other software. So, the first step is to uninstall any programs that you don't recognize or that were installed around the time the hijacking started. This is a crucial step because the hijacker might have installed itself as a program on your computer. Removing the program ensures that the core files associated with the hijacker are eliminated, preventing it from reinstalling itself or continuing to modify your browser settings. Make sure you carefully review the list of installed programs and only remove those that you are certain are unwanted or suspicious. If you're unsure about a particular program, it's always best to err on the side of caution and research it online before uninstalling. This will help you avoid accidentally removing legitimate software that your system needs to function properly. Removing these programs helps clear the path for a cleaner and more effective browser reset in the subsequent steps. Remember to restart your computer after uninstalling the programs to ensure that all associated files are completely removed from your system. This step is often overlooked but is vital for a thorough cleanup.

Close Microsoft Edge.
Open the Control Panel. You can usually find it by searching for "Control Panel" in the Start menu.
Click on "Programs" and then "Programs and Features".
Look for any programs that you don't recognize or that seem suspicious. Pay close attention to programs that were installed around the time your browser started acting up.
Select the suspicious program and click "Uninstall".
Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the program.
Restart your computer.

Step 2: Remove Suspicious Extensions from Microsoft Edge

Browser hijackers often install extensions to control your browsing experience. Removing these extensions is key to regaining control of your browser. These extensions can alter your search results, display unwanted ads, and even track your browsing activity. Regularly reviewing your extensions is a good security practice. Malicious extensions can sometimes masquerade as legitimate tools, so it's important to be vigilant and remove anything that you don't recognize or that you don't actively use. Disabling the extensions first can help you determine if they are the source of the problem before you permanently remove them. This allows you to test the impact of each extension on your browser's behavior. Don't forget to check the permissions that each extension has requested. If an extension is asking for permissions that seem excessive or unrelated to its function, it's a red flag. Removing suspicious extensions not only helps eliminate browser hijackers but also improves your overall online security and privacy.

Open Microsoft Edge.
Click on the three dots (". . .") in the top-right corner of the window.
Go to "Extensions".
Review the list of installed extensions. Look for any extensions that you don't recognize or that seem suspicious.
If you find a suspicious extension, click the "Remove" button below it.
Confirm that you want to remove the extension.

Step 3: Reset Microsoft Edge Settings

Resetting your browser settings can remove any modifications made by the browser hijacker. This is like giving your browser a fresh start. Resetting Edge will revert it to its default state, removing any unwanted changes to your homepage, search engine, and other settings. Before you reset, it's a good idea to back up your bookmarks and passwords. While resetting can resolve many issues, it will also erase your saved data, so backing up ensures you don't lose anything important. If you're using Microsoft account sync, you can easily restore your bookmarks and passwords after the reset. This step is particularly effective because it addresses changes made at the browser level, undoing the alterations that the hijacker has implemented. Remember, resetting your browser should be a last resort, as it will undo all customizations you've made. However, it's often necessary to completely remove a persistent browser hijacker.

Open Microsoft Edge.
Click on the three dots (". . .") in the top-right corner of the window.
Go to "Settings".
In the left sidebar, click on "Reset settings".
Click on "Restore settings to their default values".
Click "Reset" to confirm.

Step 4: Run a Malware Scan

Even after removing suspicious programs and extensions, it's a good idea to run a malware scan to make sure there are no lingering threats. Malware can sometimes embed itself deeply within your system, making it difficult to detect manually. A thorough scan can identify and remove any hidden components of the browser hijacker. Using a reputable antivirus program is crucial for this step. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date with the latest definitions to effectively detect and remove the most recent threats. Schedule regular scans to proactively protect your system from future infections. Consider using a second opinion scanner as well, as different antivirus programs may detect different threats. This layered approach provides a more comprehensive level of protection. Running a malware scan is an essential step in ensuring that your system is clean and that the browser hijacker is completely eradicated.

Download and install a reputable antivirus program if you don't already have one. Some popular options include Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, and Norton.
Update your antivirus program to the latest version.
Run a full system scan.
Follow the antivirus program's instructions to remove any malware that it finds.

Step 5: Check Your Browser Shortcuts

Browser hijackers can sometimes modify your browser shortcuts to redirect you to unwanted websites. Checking and correcting these shortcuts can prevent the hijacker from reasserting control. Modified shortcuts can bypass your browser's homepage and search engine settings, taking you directly to the hijacker's intended destination. Pay close attention to the target path of the shortcut. Make sure it points directly to the Microsoft Edge executable file and doesn't include any additional website addresses or parameters. If you find a modified shortcut, delete it and create a new one from the original Microsoft Edge executable file. Regularly checking your shortcuts can help you maintain control over your browsing experience and prevent future hijackings. This step is particularly important if you continue to experience issues after performing the previous steps.

Locate the Microsoft Edge shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu.
Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties".
In the "Shortcut" tab, check the "Target" field. Make sure it points to the correct Microsoft Edge executable file (usually "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe").
If the target field has been modified, correct it to the correct path.
Click "Apply" and then "OK".

Preventing Future Hijackings

Now that you've removed the browser hijacker, let's talk about how to prevent it from happening again.

Be careful when downloading and installing software: Only download software from trusted sources. Read the installation instructions carefully and watch out for bundled software that you don't need.
Keep your software up to date: Software updates often include security patches that can protect you from malware and other threats.
Use a reputable antivirus program: A good antivirus program can detect and remove malware before it can infect your system.
Be careful when clicking on links: Avoid clicking on links in emails or on websites that you don't trust.
Use a pop-up blocker: Pop-up ads can be annoying and can sometimes lead to malicious websites.
Regularly review your browser extensions: Remove any extensions that you don't recognize or that you don't use.

Conclusion

Removing a browser hijacker from Microsoft Edge can be a bit of a process, but it's definitely doable. By following the steps in this guide, you can get your browser back to normal and protect yourself from future hijackings. Remember to be vigilant about what you download and install, and always keep your software up to date. Stay safe out there, guys!