How to get rid of Yahoo search virus on Chrome

A browser hijacker, often called the Yahoo redirect virus, can switch your search engine to Yahoo without your consent. It modifies your Chrome settings without permission and often comes from malware or a rogue browser extension. While Yahoo itself is safe, this type of hijacker can take over your search queries, slow down browsing, and even track your online activity.

To remove Yahoo Search from Chrome, you’ll need to reset your browser, check for suspicious extensions, and run a malware scan.

In this guide, I will explain what a browser hijacker is and show you how to remove the Yahoo redirect virus and restore your browser's normal functionality.

Why does my search engine keep changing to Yahoo?

A browser hijacker, commonly referred to as the Yahoo redirect virus, causes your Chrome search engine to keep changing to Yahoo or your homepage to reset without your action. Despite its name, this issue isn’t caused by Yahoo itself. Instead, it’s a sign that malware or a rogue browser extension interferes with your Chrome settings.

In many cases, the problem starts after downloading unsecured downloads, pop-up ads or adding a suspicious Chrome extension. Even legitimate-looking apps can bundle in hidden hijackers. Sometimes, these changes may come from a browser extension or even a software update. Plus, some extensions modify your default search engine without notice.

If your search engine keeps changing to Yahoo, review your Chrome search engine settings and remove any entries that don't belong. Then go to your extension and uninstall anything unfamiliar or unnecessary. You can also reset Chrome to its default settings to undo the changes made by the hijacker.

However, if the issue persists, it is likely that you are dealing with a full-blown Yahoo redirect virus. In that case, you will need to scan your device for malware and take further steps to remove Yahoo from Chrome, ensuring your system is completely protected.

How to remove Yahoo search from Chrome

If Yahoo keeps hijacking your Chrome search, first check your browser settings to ensure your preferred search engine is set as the default. Then, remove any suspicious extensions. Finally, run a full malware scan with reliable antivirus software to catch and remove hidden threats. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Step 1. Check and modify your default search engine

If you notice Yahoo is taking over your Chrome searches, you should first check your default search engine settings. To remove Yahoo search from Chrome, open the browser and click on the three dots in the top right corner. Then, go to Settings > Search Engine> Manage Search Engines and Site Search. Under "Default search engines," select Google or another search engine you prefer. If Yahoo appears, either delete it or reset your default search. A quick fix for this setting is an important first step before tackling more serious issues.

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Step 2. Remove suspicious extensions

Next, you'll need to remove any suspicious extensions that could be causing the issue. Here's how to remove them:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots (“⋮”) in the upper-right corner.
2. Select More Tools > Extensions.
3. Look through your installed extensions carefully, and if anything looks suspicious or unfamiliar, click Remove.
4. Restart Chrome to apply the changes.

Step 3. Run a malware scan

Hidden malware can still cause Yahoo redirects in Chrome even after cleaning up extensions. Running a full malware scan is crucial because not all antivirus software can detect browser hijackers, especially free programs, which often miss more advanced threats. I recommend TotalAV, as it successfully detected issues that other tools missed. Here’s how to run a scan with TotalAV:

1. Download and install TotalAV from the official website.
2. Open the app and update it to the latest virus definitions.
3. Start a Full System Scan and wait for it to complete.
4. Follow the prompts to quarantine or remove any threats found.
5. Restart your computer to apply the changes fully.

Step 4. Reset browser settings

If Yahoo keeps reappearing, resetting Chrome's settings might do the trick. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Open Google Chrome and click the three dots (“⋮”) menu in the upper-right corner. Press "Settings" from the drop-down menu.
2. Click "Reset settings" on the left side of the screen.
3. Select "Restore settings to their original defaults."
4. Confirm a pop-up by clicking on Reset settings.
5. Reopen Chrome.

Step 5: Uninstall unrecognized programs

Finally, check for any unrecognized programs on your computer that could be causing the issue. Here’s how to remove them:

On Windows:

1. Open the Control Panel and click Uninstall a program.
2. Look for any unfamiliar programs related to Yahoo or other search engines.
3. Right-click on the program and select Uninstall.

On the Mac:

1. Open Finder and go to Applications.
2. Look for any suspicious apps.
3. Drag them to the Trash and empty it.

Step 6. Remove Temporary Files

In some cases, malware is placed in the "temp" folder. It often goes unnoticed and is never scanned with an antivirus because users fail to pay attention to it. You can remove temporary files on Windows and Mac by following these steps:

On Windows:

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type %temp% and press Enter.
3. This will open the Temp folder. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and press Delete.
4. Some files cannot be deleted because they're in use. You can skip them.

On Mac:

1. Command + Space to open the Spotlight.
2. Enter ~/Library/Caches and double-click on the first result.
3. Delete files from the Cache folder, but avoid removing important files.

Secure your device now

How to prevent your computer from Yahoo search engine virus?

You need to act quickly and proactively to stop the Yahoo browser hijacker from infecting your system. As you know, you can never be completely sure when malware will infiltrate your system, as it often operates silently in the background. Luckily, you can prevent future infections and protect your device by following a few simple steps:

1. Get a reliable antivirus like TotalAV for Yahoo browser hijacker removal. With this antivirus, you can scan your computer regularly, receive real-time protection, and target browser hijackers, including Yahoo Virus.
2. Keep your operating system, browser, and security software up to date at all times. Security patches that address vulnerabilities exploited by malware are frequently released as part of updates. So, you will need to enable automatic updates to ensure your device stays protected with minimal effort.
3. Avoid downloading from untrusted sources, as Yahoo browser hijackers are often bundled with free downloads from questionable websites. Only download software from trusted, official sources to prevent unwanted infections. Additionally, always read the installation instructions carefully to avoid accidentally installing malicious software that could hijack your browser.
4. Avoid clicking on unknown links or opening attachments in emails from unknown sources, as phishing attempts often carry malware.

Conclusion

Getting rid of the Yahoo Search virus on Chrome is easier than you might think when you follow the right steps. By working through this guide, you checked your default search engine, removed suspicious extensions, ran a full malware scan, reset Chrome settings, and uninstalled unwanted programs. You also cleared temporary files to make sure the hijacker was fully removed. However, even after a manual cleanup, some hidden threats can stay buried in your system and trigger future problems, leading to slower performance or even reinfections.

That’s why, without extra protection, the same virus or worse can sneak back in later. In this case, I recommend TotalAV antivirus. It quickly detects and removes lingering malware that manual fixes might miss, blocks new hijackers before they take hold, and keeps your system protected in real-time. Since Yahoo redirect viruses often infiltrate all systems through unsecured downloads, shady links, or malicious extensions. By staying cautious, keeping your software up to date, and using trusted antivirus protection, you can keep your Chrome browser clean, secure, and running smoothly in the long term.

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FAQ

Is Yahoo Search a virus?

No, Yahoo Search itself is not a virus. It is possible, however, for a browser hijacker to redirect your search engine to Yahoo without your consent, thus giving the impression that Yahoo is the cause of the problem. There is no problem with Yahoo itself, but rather with malware or unwanted extensions. So, removing the hijacker will resolve the problem.

Is Yahoo redirect virus dangerous?

Yes, the Yahoo redirect virus can be a serious threat. It hijacks your browser settings, redirects your searches, and may track your online activity. It can also slow down your browser and expose you to further malware or phishing attacks.

How do I make Google Chrome my default, not Yahoo?

To make Google your default search engine in Chrome, open Chrome, click the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Settings." Go to the "Search engine" section, then choose Google from the dropdown menu next to "Search engine used in the address bar." This will set Google as your default search engine.

How to permanently delete Yahoo search engine from Chrome?

To permanently remove Yahoo from Chrome, open Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner, and select "Settings." Under "Search engines," select "Manage search engines." Find Yahoo in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove from list." Finally, apply the changes and restart your computer.

What is the best free browser hijacker removal tool?

One of the best free browser hijacker removal tools is TotalAV. It will remove any malicious software you find, including browser hijackers like the Yahoo Search virus, and you can test it for 30 days for free. The premium version offers enhanced protection against viruses, phishing, and ransomware. It also includes browser cleaners, system optimization tools, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.