Browser Hijacker: What it is, signs to spot, and how to remove it

Browser Hijacker

What it is

A browser hijacker is unwanted software that takes over your browser—changing your homepage or search, adding noisy extensions, and shoving extra ads and redirects into every click. It treats Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and others like a billboard, not a tool. For details and examples, see our 
browser hijacker guide

What you may notice

  • Homepage/search engine swapped; new tab opens to a strange site

  • Extra ads, pop-ups, and random redirects on normal pages

  • New toolbars or extensions you don’t remember installing

  • Sluggish browsing, high data use, fast battery drain

How it gets in

  • Bundled with “free” installers or fake updates

  • Rogue extensions from untrusted sources

  • Drive-by downloads and deceptive ads

Fix it now (quick steps)

  1. Remove unknown extensions; reset the browser to defaults.

  2. Uninstall suspicious programs; reboot.

  3. Run a full anti-malware scan to clean leftovers.

  4. Check DNS/proxy settings; set back to automatic if changed.

Prevent it

  • Install software and extensions only from official stores.

  • Choose Custom install and deselect extra offers.

  • Keep your browser and OS updated; use real-time protection.

  • Be cautious with “free” video codecs, PDF viewers, and cracks.

    Glossary (A–Z)

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