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Your web browser could be hijacked without you realising
Learn how unwanted software can take over your PC, the warning signs to look for according to our experts and how to keep your data safe
With over a decade of experience at Which?, Tom covers everything from tech advice to money-saving tips, and highlights the best deals during major sales events.
If your usual Google searches are suddenly being redirected to Yahoo, or your browser homepage keeps changing by itself, unwanted or malicious software could be responsible.
Experts at Which? Tech Support continue to hear from members experiencing browser hijacks, where searches are redirected or browser settings change without permission. Technical support adviser Conor Houlihan says potentially unwanted browsers such as OneBrowser, Wave Browser, Pulse Browser and epibrowser are particularly common.
The good news is that, with our guidance, removing the unwanted software and resetting your browser will usually get things back to normal. Below, we explain the steps to take.
Question of the month: Why does Chrome keep switching to Yahoo?
'Recently, my Google Chrome browser keeps using Yahoo for searches. I change it to Google, but it constantly reverts back. I also get loads of ads. How can I get Chrome back to normal?'
Which? Tech Support member
How your browser can get hijacked
If your browser suddenly starts behaving differently, a potentially unwanted program (PUP) could be responsible.
'PUP browsers are incredibly common at the moment,' says Conor Houlihan, technical support adviser at Which? Tech Support. 'They’re usually bundled with another free download, such as a PDF editor, file converter or similar utility. I’m finding them on around 80% of the PCs I connect to.'
Conor says examples include OneBrowser, Wave Browser, Pulse Browser and epibrowser. Because these unwanted browsers can be installed alongside other software, you might not even realise one is on your computer.
Unwanted browsers are becoming worryingly common among Which? members. I’m finding them on around 80% of the PCs I connect to.
Conor Houlihan, Which? Tech Support
Warning signs include your default search engine or home page suddenly changing, searches being redirected through Yahoo or another unfamiliar service, unexpected adverts and pop-ups, or browser settings reverting after you've changed them.
Conor adds: 'Simply switching your search engine back to Google might not solve the problem. If the unwanted program remains installed on your computer, it can change your browser settings again.'
How to remove an unwanted browser from your PC
First, check your computer for unfamiliar or recently installed software that could be responsible for the browser hijack.
On Windows 10 or 11, do this:
- Select Start, type Control Panel and open it.
- Select Programs > Uninstall a program (shown above).
- Look for OneBrowser, Wave Browser or another unfamiliar or recently installed browser or program. Select InstalledOn to sort the list by installation date, which can help you spot software that was added recently.
- Select the program and choose Uninstall (this appears on the top row when you select a program. If you can't see it, right-click the program then select Uninstall). Then follow the instructions that appear.
- Restart your computer.
Once you've removed the unwanted program, run a full antivirus scan to check for other unwanted or malicious software that might be installed on your computer.
Then, you'll need to reset the affected browser to undo any changes the unwanted software has made to its settings. Keep scrolling for the details.
We've tested and reviewed both free and paid-for antivirus software. See our guide to the best antivirus software
Reset your web browser
After removing the unwanted browser from your PC, you'll need to reset the browser you normally use. This restores settings that might have been changed by the unwanted software.
On Google Chrome, do this:
- Select the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
- Select Reset settings (shown above).
- Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Select Reset settings to confirm.
On Microsoft Edge, do this:
- Select the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
- Select Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Select Reset to confirm.
You can then reopen your browser and choose your preferred homepage and search engine again. Once the unwanted program has been removed, your browser settings should stop changing back by themselves.
The best ways to prevent browser hijacks
- Take care when installing free software – potentially unwanted programs are often bundled with other downloads, so check what you're agreeing to install (see also: The best free software that's completely safe).
- Download software from trusted sources – use the developer's official website or a trusted app store where possible, and look out for options that ask permission to install additional programs or change your browser settings
- Check your browser extensions – remove any you don't recognise or no longer use (see also: Free browser extensions you should try right away).
- Keep your software up to date – install the latest updates for your browser, Windows and antivirus software to help protect your computer against security threats.
For more security tips, see our page on 12 things every laptop or PC owner should do to keep their data safe.
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