Remove hijack (Simple Removal Guide) - updated Sep 2019 hijack Removal Guide

What is hijack? hijack is the program that tricks people into using a useless search engine as a legitimate one and visiting commercial pages is the PUP that people are installing without even noticing because the hijacker gets bundled with freeware. is the program installed on a computer without users' consent or even knowledge. This browser hijacker categorizes as a potentially unwanted program because of this fact and the method used to deliver such hijackers. Freeware installations get interfered with software bundles, and when the person skips through some steps, all included programs get installed automatically. Unfortunately, you cannot notice this behavior until real infection symptoms get displayed.

The main issue with hijack is redirecting to commercial pages and advertisements injected to online search results. This program claims to offer uselful web browsing features and improve the results of in-browser searches. However, there is nothing valuable since the content that gets added to the list of results causes more pop-ups and redirects. When the user gets exposed to such material his or her privacy may at risk due to ad-tracking functionality commercial pages have.

Type Browser hijacker
Symptoms Manipulates internet browser settings, changes preferences, makes alterations in system folders and functioning
Distribution Freeware bundling, deceptive content, commercial material, other PUPs
Main danger Privacy issues,[1] redirects to dubious websites, unwanted pop-up delivery
Elimination Use anti-malware tool to remove Clean virus damage and repair files with ReimageIntego

The main issue that makes PUP annoying is intrusive advertising content that gets delivered to the screen constantly. Banners, blinking boxes, pop-ups, pop-unders, and in-text links create tons of additional windows and machine cannot run properly,

However, affects even more crucial parts of the device in the background when it alters Windows Registry keys, startup preferences, and so on. However, the most noticeable features of the browser hijacker happen on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Explorer:

  • changed default search engine, homepage, new tab settings;
  • installed extensions, add-ons, toolbars.

Online forums are flickering with the comments of outraged computer users. In fact, it would be a challenging task to find anything positive about search and related intruders.[2] Such animosity is natural because this search engine performs like a browser hijacker and a potentially unwanted program (PUP). In fact, it belongs to the above-mentioned group of programs, so it's correct to call it malware.

However, those who consider to be a virus are wrong since technically it cannot cause you any damage. The hijacker infiltrates computers in a bundle with free software. Right after that, it replaces a default start page and search provider within Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. such modifications, of course, cause some inconveniences and outrage, especially if you have had a customized homepage and search engine. browser hijacker is the particular type of intruders that fake legitimacy with the common appearance of a search engine. displays alleged search results, which is why it can be difficult to find information that you need. According to malware studies, this search engine is powered by Google (customized search). If you try to open Privacy Policy or EULA, you would be redirected to Google privacy policy. Even though it renders Google search results, they are sponsored. In other words, this search engine displays ads and sponsored links to boost SEO ranking. However, redirects are problematic. They not only disrupt normal browsing, but can also make people visit websites that are neither informative, nor useful, nor safe.

You should remove because it displays sponsored ads on all websites. You may see commercial and non-commercial pop-up ads. Some of them can offer to buy some items for an incredibly low price; the others can try to convince you that your PC has some errors and should be fixed by calling for remote technical support or you may be urged to update software. Such and similar ads can lead to issues like installation of another PUP, online scam, or even virus infection.

Data leakage is an issue related to PUP infiltrations. redirect virus uses cookies and collects personally non-identifiable information. If you are not willing to disclose your email address, PC's location, IP address, search terms, mostly visited websites, etc., you should perform an removal without a delay. For this purpose, you can rely on ReimageIntego.

Slowdowns that you encounter on the system, in most cases, indicate the cyber infection. also corrupts various settings on web browsers and Windows system, which can cause crashes, freezes, and similar issues. If you notice anything not common on the machine scan the system as soon as possible to see if the PC got infected. is the fake search engine that appears on various browsers, often even on all of them.

Ways to prevent PUPs from landing on Chrome, Firefox, IE

Various potentially unwanted programs are spread using the same deceptive methods. The browser hijacker is spread by employing the software bundling technique. If this term means nothing to you, then you probably have never installed freeware, but ended up with some PUP instead of it.

Bundling is inseparable from free software. In other words, shady search engines, including this virus, adware, and various third-party add-ons/ plug-ins/ toolbars/ extensions are spread as attachments of various download managers, media players, PDF creators, Flash Player updates, etc.

The problem is that to opt-out of unwanted applications, people must select Advanced/Custom installation option and monitor the entire program installation process. This way, you will get the chance to untick check-marks that have been pre-checked for you and say that you agree to set the questionable website as a default search engine/homepage or install an unfamiliar add-on. BUT: never trust quick/basic/recommended installation option since those are installations that automatically allow all the pre-packed apps to get installed. is the potentially unwanted program that shows up as a legitimate search engine.

Remove as soon as it starts affecting your time online

Although virus is a browser hijacker, not malware, it can land on a web browser without asking for permission. This means that you have no idea how long your machine has been affected. Besides, the hijacker is commonly bundled with other unwanted programs.

Thus, although it is possible to remove manually, we highly recommend you to do that using a reliable anti-malware tool. Only this way, you will be sure that all unwanted/malicious apps have been gone permanently. Also, such a program can improve the performance of the machine significantly.

Automatic removal is the way to go. Anti-malware programs that we recommend using for the elimination also can find all intruders and possible threats, fix virus damage and even recover needed system files. Experts[3] always talk how important it is to get rid of virus damage before adding anything new on the machine.


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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
Alternative Software
Alternative Software

Getting rid of hijack. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

Make sure to eliminate from the machine

Instructions for Windows 10/8  machines:

  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.


  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Delete from macOS

Remove items from Applications folder:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.


  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:


Clear cookies and other browser data:


Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  3. Select Details tab.




Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy and services.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now. Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset. Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  2. Select Add-ons.

Reset the homepage:

  2. Choose Options.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Options.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…

Reset Mozilla Firefox


  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.

Remove from Google Chrome

You need to rely on changing the web browser settings if you want to get rid of the intruder

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:


Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.

Reset Google Chrome:


  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings. Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…


  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.


How to prevent from getting browser hijacker

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Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks




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Ugnius Kiguolis
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