A browser hijacker changes your homepage, search engine, or new tab page and may switch it back after you fix it. Most come from bundled software or an extension that looked harmless when installed.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Safari on Windows or Mac when searches redirect, the homepage changed, or new tabs open to a site you did not choose.
Remove the extension causing it
Most hijackers live as browser extensions.
- Open your browser extensions page: Chrome or Edge > Extensions, Firefox > Add-ons and themes > Extensions, or Safari > Settings > Extensions.
- Look for vague or unfamiliar names such as Search Helper, New Tab Booster, toolbar add-ons, coupon tools, or anything installed near the time the problem started.
- Disable or remove suspicious extensions one at a time.
- Reset your search engine and homepage manually: Chrome or Edge under Search engine and On startup, Firefox under Home and Search, Safari under General and Search.
- Check the new tab page too, since some hijackers affect only new tabs.
Reset the browser if needed
A reset clears hijacked settings even if you cannot identify the exact extension.
- In Chrome, open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
- In Edge, open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.
- In Firefox, open Help > More troubleshooting information or about:support, then choose Refresh Firefox.
- In Safari, remove unneeded extensions and reset homepage and search settings manually.
- Restart the browser and confirm settings stay fixed after closing and reopening.
Run a scan if it returns
A program outside the browser may be reinstalling it.
- On Windows, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and run a Quick scan. Use Full scan if it keeps returning.
- On Mac, check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Login Items & Extensions for unfamiliar launch items.
- Uninstall recently installed apps you do not recognize, especially PDF converters, system cleaners, and free utility bundles.
- Clear browser cache and cookies after removal.
- If needed, use a reputable malware-removal tool from its official site, never from a popup on the hijacked page.
More control
Avoid bundled installers
Choose Custom or Advanced setup when installing free software and uncheck toolbars, browser add-ons, and recommended extras you did not ask for.
Review extension permissions
Install only from official extension stores and be careful when a simple tool asks to read and change data on all websites.
Check synced browsers
If browser sync is enabled, review extensions on every device signed into the same Google, Microsoft, or Firefox account.
Sources
- Google Chrome Help – Remove malware from your computer (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Change or reset your homepage (2025)
- Mozilla Support – Firefox redirected or hijacked (2025)