Yahoo was the most important website online. It was a site like the one Google currently holds. While the glory days of Yahoo have passed, it is still a vital search engine in the present.
Its site "Yahoo!" is harmless. It's a legitimate site that won't damage your computer or other devices.
However, malware is available in the wild, particularly browser hijackers that can alter the settings of your web browser without your permission and force you into going to Yahoo for the rest of your life.
In fact, it's extremely annoying for anyone to be not able to use the search engines they prefer. If you're experiencing similar issues, you might be looking to eliminate the problem. This article explains how you can restore your Chrome browser to its previous state , if it's being affected with Yahoo Search. Yahoo Search hijacker.
What Is The Reason The Google Chrome Browser Is Stuck On Yahoo Search?
Chrome will become the default search engine for you when you install Google Chrome on your computer or mobile device. It's not a surprise. In case you didn't alter your browser's settings to switch to a different search engine and are being redirected to Yahoo it's likely that something isn't taking place within your system.
The most likely scenario is that a bit of malware made its way into your system. This kind of malware is known as "browser hijacker" because it controls your browser from you, and forces users to choose a default site and search engines you did not choose.
Is it wrong to open your browser for the Yahoo website? But it's not the issue. The problem is losing control over your system and someone other than you making decisions for you. Therefore, the Yahoo thing isn't all really that crucial. The issue has to do with the fact that it is susceptible to malware that is coming into the system and doing more damaging harm to your system, which is why you should end this threat immediately.
Yahoo Search removal from Google Chrome in just 6 steps
The First Step Is To Change The Default Engine
- Find ("⋮") These 3 dots in the upper-right corner of the browser's window. Go into "Settings."
- Locate "Search Engine" by clicking the "Search engine" option icon on the left-hand side.
- Look for "Search engine inside the search bar". Next, select the search engine you like in the dropdown menu.
- Choose the option "Manage the search engine and search site" that you'll see below.
- Then, locate the three dots that are next to Yahoo. Click on the Yahoo search engine, and then click the "Delete" choice.
- Select the "Delete" button on the prompt for confirmation.
The Second Step Is To Get Rid Of All Unwanted Extensions
You may have installed an extension for your browser or plugin by accident. Unfortunately, that's what happens when the Yahoo Search browser hijacker can get into your system. Therefore, the second step to take is to figure out what extensions you've installed thus far. Then, you'll eliminate any extension that looks at least a bit odd or you don't recognize.
- Select (the 3 dots) in Google Chrome's upper right corner and then click on "More options."
- Choose "Extensions." Select the "Extensions" selection from the options which are shown.
- Check the list of extensions and look them over carefully. Uninstall any extension you aren't sure about installing or that doesn't belong in accordance with your knowledge.
Third Step Third Step Restore Your Browser Settings To Defaults
Check out the settings in your browser. Are there any adjustments from the settings you're selecting at the time? It's normal to not recall the settings you used to choose. Let's face it that if you see the Yahoo issue is present in your browser, it's likely that your settings have changed, and you'll need to reset your settings to their defaults.
Following steps will set your default search engine options back to defaults. However, it will remove all browser extensions that you have installed. But don't fret, it is possible to enable the same extensions by clicking "Settings > Other Tools > Extensions" in the future.
- Simply click on (the 3 dots) in the upper right corner, then hit "Settings."
- Choose "Advanced" and select "Reset to clean it up" located on your left.
- Locate "Restore settings to their default settings" and choose that option.
- A pop-up appears and asks you if you would like to reset your browser settings. You can agree by clicking on the "Reset setting" option.
Fourth Step Remove Any Program That You Don't Recognize
Sometimes, it's too late to change the Chrome settings. If you experience this, it's typically due to a program which is causing harm. Therefore, you must look through the programs installed on your system to identify any malicious software.
The method to finish this procedure is dependent upon the OS you're running, so let's look at both Windows and iOS instances.
Windows
- Find the search bar within the taskbar. Then, type "Control Panel."
- Launch your Control Panel app.
- Select the "Uninstall an application" option within the "Programs" option.
- Right-click the program that you wish to get rid of. After that, select "Uninstall" and/or"Uninstall" or "Uninstall/Change" alternative.
MacOS
- Locate the Finder icon on the bottom of your screen.
- Select "Applications" on the left sidebar.
- If the application is located in the folder, you can open it. Check if there's an uninstaller. If it is, select it and proceed following the steps. If you don't, then drag it into your computer's trash bin.
- Clean out the trash folder to ensure that the application is deleted.
Fifth Step Remove The Temporary Files
Most users don't pay any focus on the temporary files folder on their system. It's always in use. Most of the time there are many files that are created and deleted without anyone being aware. Hackers are aware. This is an ideal location to hide their malware smuggled out into the open. There are times when you need to ensure that you eliminate all temporary files off your PC.
Every operating system will give an alternative method to go about the same thing, therefore let's dive deep.
Windows
- Use the "Windows with R" key. This will open a RUN command window.
- Write "%temp percent" into the Run window, after that select "OK."
- You are now in the temporary folder. Remove every single file that is in this folder.
- Clean out the recycling bin.
MacOS
- Close all of your open applications.
- Simply click on the Finder icon in the dock's lower part.
- Enter the keyboard combination "Shift plus Cmd + G" on your keyboard to open the "Go to the Folder" option. Enter "~/Library/Caches" and select "Go."
- Make sure you select all deleted files and move them to the garbage folder. Make sure that you don't delete anything important.
- Take out the trash in your bin.
Step Six Download An Antivirus Suite And Perform An Entire System Scan
Although it is possible to get rid of malware on your computer manually, it's not simple. It is first necessary to be aware of what to find and how to search for it. There are also some files that you will not have access to if you don't have admin access, and there could be additional issues. While you could do this on your own, the issue is that you're never sure that you've done everything properly and you've deleted every single file and object that had to be removed.
There's a better method of doing this.
The next step is to select a reliable antivirus software (Norton and Kaspersky are two that come to mind) and install it and let it complete what it's meant to accomplish. Here's how to do it:
- Choose an antivirus. You'll need a reputable antivirus that is why you should be prepared to pay for a license.
- Choose a package , then sign up.
- Buy your license.
- Install the installer for antivirus.
- Install the antivirus program on your computer.
- Run a full system scan. It can take some time to finish and you won't need to run this routinely.
- If you don't have an antivirus, the odds are your new one will discover a lot of malware on your system. Follow the steps your antivirus suggests to eliminate all of it.
Final Thoughts
Being a victim of the Yahoo search engine popping up out of your system, and pestering you constantly is a major source of frustration. But that's not all the bad part. It can also be a risk to your security and privacy.
You can fix this issue quickly if you simply take the steps. The most effective, safest method to solve this issue is to buy a reliable antivirus program (preferably Kaspersky) and let it do the work for you.
But, think about this: If this has happened to your PC, it's because your security strategy wasn't sufficiently vigilant. This is why you must make some changes concerning your security online to ensure that this won't happen again. We recommend you follow our recommendations regarding this, because if there's a single thing we'd like to see from you is to remain secure!