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How to remove browser hijacker from Microsoft Edge


Is your Microsoft Edge browser constantly showing intrusive pop-up ads? Has the default search engine changed from Google to Yahoo without your notice? If those or any other mysterious changes to your browser have occurred, the bad news is that you have a Microsoft Edge browser hijacker. Luckily, you can easily remove this malware threat with a robust antivirus like TotalAV.

If you’re not ready to do it on your own, this article explains all the steps you need to take to get rid of malware, and viruses, from Microsoft Edge. Scroll on to find out more.re

Remove browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge with TotalAV
TotalAV is an excellent antivirus software to remove browser hijackers from the Microsoft Edge browser. This antivirus provides real-time protection, has a full system scan, and WebShield feature, among many others, that guarantee your data security,
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How to tell if I have a malware on Microsoft Edge?

If your Microsoft Edge browser is acting up, then it could either be a system fault or be infected with a malware. But how do you differentiate from a common bug to a malware attack? Here are the surefire signs that your Microsoft Edge has been hijacked by malware:

  • Your homepage has changed. If you’ve set your homepage as a specific search engine, like Google, and that’s now suddenly changed to Yahoo or another page without any action from you, you could have a browser redirect malware.
  • Neverending pop-ups. Keep getting random pop-ups? Whether it’s alarming alerts, fake notifications, or installation requests – a glut of pop-ups is usually malware related.
  • Incessant ads. Sure, ads are common online. But if you see more than usual, and they seem shadier (explicit in nature, trying to get your payment information), then there’s a high chance that your Microsoft Edge has a malware infection.
  • Scammy redirects. If you’re constantly getting diverted from websites you trust to suspicious sites urging you to buy/sign up for dodgy services, a browser hijacker is a likely cause.
  • Mysterious browser extensions. If you’ve spotted some odd extensions you didn’t install yourself, your browser almost certainly has malware.

Why am I getting Microsoft security warning pop-ups?

Pop-up alerts stating that you have a virus or something that needs to be urgently fixed are usually caused by malware. If they’re flashy and loud, that’s an even bigger sign that they’re not legitimate alerts.

It’s usually either a browser hijacker or adware system infection that’s causing the malicious ads, and they’re trying to get your sensitive information.

Hackers and crooks play on your concerns by developing malware that tricks you into thinking you have a problem. You’ll then be directed to a scam website where you’ll either sign up for an expensive product or simply have your personal details and payment info stolen.

Microsoft Edge browser hijackers can come from a variety of sources. You could have accidentally downloaded a dodgy app or clicked on a malicious link. Either way, a simple, reliable antivirus program can clean your system, and we’ll show you to get that done in the next section.

How to remove a browser hijacker from Microsoft Edge

Removing Malware from your Microsoft Edge browser can be done in a few ways. You can use the easy option and deploy an antivirus app, or you can manually reset your browser settings and hunt for malicious files in your system. Here’s a selection of quick guides explaining all those processes:

Remove browser hijacker automatically with antivirus software

  1. Choose a reputable antivirus program and sign up for the subscription. We recommend TotalAV, now 80% OFF
  2. Download and install antivirus software on your Windows device.
  3. Run a full system scan. Malware scan with TotalAV
  4. Follow further instructions provided by the antivirus program. TotalAV scanning

Uninstall malicious applications from your computer

  1. Right-click on the Start menu and open Settings. Window start settings
  2. On the left side, find and click on Apps, then Installed Apps. Windows app
  3. In the list of applications, look for anything suspicious that you don’t remember downloading or doesn’t look genuine. If you are not sure, you can always use Google to find more info about the installed software. Windows uninstalling apps
  4. If you find a malicious app, click on the three dots (...) and select Uninstall.
  5. Follow further instructions provided by the uninstallation process.

Delete temporary files

  1. Open the Run command window by clicking the Windows key + R key.
  2. Type in %temp%. Running command
  3. In the newly opened window, select all folders and delete them by clicking the Shift key + Delete key. Temp folders

Delete harmful extensions from your Edge browser

  1. Click on the three horizontal dots to the right of the browser address bar. Clicking on horizontal dots
  2. Select the Extensions, and you will see a little extensions window pop-up.
  3. Select Manage Extensions. Managing extensions
  4. Look through the installed extensions and click Remove if you find a suspicious one. Removing extensions

Clear browsing data on Edge browser

  1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings. Clearing browsing data on Edge
  2. On the left panel, click on the Privacy, search, and services. Privacy settings
  3. Under Clear browsing data, click on the Choose what to clear.
  4. Make sure that all boxes are ticked, select a removal time period and confirm by clicking Clear now. Clearing data on Edge

Reset your Microsoft Edge web browser settings

  1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings. Settings on Microsoft Edge
  2. On the left panel, find and select Reset settings. Resetting Edge settings
  3. Click on Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm by clicking Reset.

How can I protect my PC against browser hijacker?

Finding malware on your PC, mobile device, or web browser is a real hassle. Thankfully, there are precautionary measures you can take to prevent it from happening in the first place:

  • Get an antivirus. A strong antivirus software app like TotalAV scans your whole system giving malicious files nowhere to hide. Anything found is removed. You’re given actions to take against future infections. And your device gets a full suite of protection features.
  • Be wary of shady websites. Untrustworthy websites bombard you with pop-ups and links to get you to sign away your data. These may appear as warning alerts, suspect products, or too-good-to-be-true giveaways. If it doesn’t seem right, close the webpage immediately.
  • Never download unverified files. Be very careful when downloading apps, programs, and other files, as they can contain malware if coming from the wrong source. Try and stick to official product websites from brands you trust.
  • Avoid suspicious links. From hijacking your browser to infecting your whole device with malware, clicking on the wrong link can lead to big problems. So whether it’s a phishing attempt in an email, a post on a compromised social media account, or a risky banner ad, never click a link that seems even the slightest bit suspicious.
  • Ignore untrustworthy emails. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and phishing attempts can now filter into your main inbox. Be on the lookout for delivery notices for items you haven’t ordered, warnings that you’ve been locked out of an online account, and exclusive deals that don’t add up. If it looks untoward, block the mailer and mark it as spam.
  • Scan your documents. Download an antivirus app with a browser extension and you can scan files before they’re downloaded. That’ll prevent malware infection in the first place.

The final verdict

Dealing with a browser hijacker on your Microsoft Edge web browser can cause a lot of headaches. But on top of being annoying, it could also have grave consequences for your cybersecurity. You could risk clicking on a malicious link and having your savings wiped out by hackers, or even have to face identity theft when crooks get hold of your personal info.

Luckily, these concerns can be alleviated, provided you take the necessary steps to protect yourself from threats. Initially, you should be aware of the dangers and avoid suspicious links, phishing emails, and untrustworthy websites.

But for total peace of mind, you should get a reliable antivirus provider, like TotalAV. This antivirus software works hard to eliminate existing malware and block any threats that come up in the future. So not only will you be safe in the knowledge that your system is completely free of malware, you’ll have ongoing peace of mind too.

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