Symptoms
- Homepage changed to an unfamiliar search site
- New search engine set as default that you didn't choose
- Unfamiliar toolbar or extension icons appeared
- Search results redirect through an odd-looking site first
Likely causes
- CommonBundled adware installed with free softwareFree download installers sometimes include an opt-out (easy to miss) toolbar or homepage changer.
- CommonMalicious browser extensionAn extension you installed for one purpose can also hijack search settings.
- PossibleFake 'browser update' or 'optimizer' downloadSites sometimes prompt a fake update that is actually a hijacker.
What to do
- Open your browser's extensions or add-ons page and review everything listed.
- Remove any extension you don't recognize or didn't intentionally install.
- Go into browser settings and manually reset the homepage and default search engine.
- Check the 'startup pages' setting for any added URLs and remove them.
- Reset the browser to default settings if the hijacker persists after removing extensions.
- Run a malware scan to catch anything installed outside the browser itself.
- Review recently installed desktop programs and uninstall anything unfamiliar from around the same time.
When to call a pro
If the hijacker keeps returning after a browser reset and scan, a computer repair technician can do a deeper cleanup or check for a persistent system-level infection.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.