How to get rid of Yahoo redirect virus on Chrome

When your default search engine redirects to Yahoo, it means our browser has been infected by malware – specifically, a browser hijacker. A browser hijacker is a type of malware that changes your browser settings without your permission and redirects your searches to Yahoo or other unwanted search engines. To get rid of the Yahoo redirect virus, scan your computer for malware using a reliable antivirus program and reset your Chrome settings. In this guide, I'll walk you through the steps to do just that.

Read on to learn more about how to stop Yahoo from hijacking Chrome and protect your device from harmful viruses.

Why does Yahoo keep opening in Chrome?

Yahoo keeps opening in Chrome because your computer is infected with malware, specifically a browser hijacker known as the "Yahoo search redirect virus." This type of malware changes your Chrome settings, forcing Yahoo to act as your default search engine without permission. Browser hijackers can modify your search engine and homepage, making it challenging to revert to your preferred settings.

In some cases, browser hijackers can be dangerous. They may install additional malware that spies on your browsing history, collecting personal details like your search habits. Hackers can either use this information to personalize ads to you or for more malicious purposes.

This type of malware can infect your browser in several ways, such as by downloading software from untrusted sources or installing malicious browser extensions. It could even log your keystrokes, capturing passwords or payment details.

The most effective way to stop Yahoo from hijacking Chrome is by using a reliable antivirus, which scans your system for malware or browser hijackers and removes them. However, not all antivirus programs can fully resolve this issue. From my experience, TotalAV worked best for me. It detected and removed the browser hijacker, and since then, I haven’t had any issues with Yahoo taking over my browser settings.

How to stop Google Chrome from redirecting to Yahoo: a detailed guide

Now that you know the dire consequences of the Yahoo virus, it’s time to figure out how to remove Yahoo Search from Chrome. Although the internet is filled with alleged solutions, few of them actually work. Below are a few hacks that I have tested and found reliable.

Step 1. Remove the Yahoo redirect virus from Chrome using an antivirus

The best way to eliminate Chrome hijackers is to run an antivirus scan. Antivirus software thoroughly checks every file and app across your device while identifying suspicious processes that may be running in the background. Some highly robust antivirus suites, like TotalAV, have real-time protection to automatically detect and stop malware from infiltrating.

1. Subscribe to a reliable antivirus software. I recommend TotalAV, which easily detected and removed the Yahoo virus from my computer.
2. Download the antivirus app and register for an account.
3. Open the app and run a scan.
4. Delete the detected Yahoo redirect virus and start browsing.

The benefit of choosing TotalAV is that you can also get TotalVPN, which will make it much harder for malware to infect your device in the future.

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Step 2. Change your default browser to Chrome

It may seem that a quick fix for the Yahoo virus is to simply change your default search engine back to Google. Malware, however, overrides this by redirecting searches, so your changes will have no effect.

Follow these steps to permanently fix and change Chrome's default browser search:

1. Open Google Chrome and click the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner of your window, then select "Settings."
2. Select "Default browser" on the left side of the screen, then "Make Default," and finally, select Google.
3. Go to "Manage search engines and site search," click on the three dots (⋮), and select “Remove from list.”
4. Now close the Chrome window and check whether Yahoo redirects persist.

Step 3. Remove suspicious or unused browser extensions

Even with secure browsers, extensions are acommon culprits behind hijackers like the Yahoo Search Engine virus. A shady Yahoo extension virus could be added accidentally or by clicking a link online. Plus, when installing software packages or extensions, always uncheck the pre-filled checkboxes that attempt to add unnecessary bloatware to your device.

Since it’s difficult to identify rogue extensions, your best bet is to remove all unnecessary ones. You can think of this as a spring cleaning for your browser.

Remove Chrome extensions by following these steps:

1. Click on the three dots (⋮) located in the top right corner of Chrome.
2. Select "Extensions," then "Manage Extensions."
   
3. On the "Extensions" page, you will see all the installed extensions. To remove one, click the "Remove" button.
4. "Confirm" the removal in the pop-up prompt.

You can also disable suspicious extensions first to see if they stop the redirect problem before permanently deleting them. A complete extension cleanup eliminates any malware-laden extensions hijacking your settings.

Step 4. Restore the default Chrome browser settings

Simply removing problematic extensions is just one of the ways to remove Yahoo Search from Chrome. However, malware may embed itself deeper in cached browser data as well as cookies. So, if the Yahoo virus appears again, consider resetting your browser to its factory settings.

Here is how to do it:

1. Open Chrome and select the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner of your window.
2. Click “Settings” and select “Reset settings” on the left side of the screen.
3. Click “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
   
4. Confirm you want to reset settings.
5. Reopen Chrome and check whether the Yahoo virus redirects still happen.

This browser reset will have erased any cached files or site data the virus may have modified to enable redirects. A full browser reset gives Chrome a fresh start and erases any remaining traces of the virus.

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Step 5. Uninstall unrecognized programs from your device

If a full browser reset does not stop Yahoo redirects, there is a chance a hidden program could be manipulating things. So, comb through the installed programs on your computer and uninstall anything suspicious or unnecessary.

On Windows:

1. Find the Search bar on the taskbar, type "Control Panel," and select it.
2. Click “Uninstall a program.”
   
   
3. Right-click any shady programs that you did not install and select “Uninstall.”

On Mac:

1. Open Finder.
2. Go to Applications.
3. Drag unwanted apps directly to the Trash.
4. Empty Trash to permanently delete them.

Scrutinizing installed software can reveal any hidden malware that forces redirects through background processes outside the browser. Getting rid of unnecessary applications reduces the attack surface.

Step 6. Delete temporary files

Malware often hides downloaded temp files to avoid detection. Clearing these provides another removal vector.

On Windows 10:

1. Open the RUN dialog with Windows + R.
2. Type %temp% in the dialogue box that appears and hit OK.
   
   
3. Now, delete all files/folders in the destination.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.

On Windows 11:

The Windows 11 operating system has slightly different features than Windows 10, including a centered Start menu, rounded corners on windows, and updated icons. It also has a streamlined taskbar and new Snap Layouts for easier multitasking, contributing to a more modern and user-friendly interface. So, start by pressing the Menu button and selecting Settings. Then, click System Settings on the left pane and Storage on the right. Select Temporary files from the menu. Lastly, check all the boxes next to each file you want to delete and click Remove files.

On Mac:

1. Open Finder and press Shift+Cmd+G.
2. Type ~/Library/Caches/ and then hit Go.
3. Drag unnecessary temp files to Trash.
4. Empty Trash.

Malware can easily hide in temporary folders since users rarely check them. Periodically cleaning them removes any potentially infected files before they cause harm.

Clean up your device with TotalAV

How to prevent your computer from browser hijacking and other viruses?

It takes one misclick for a Yahoo Search Engine virus to enter your device. Seeing how tricky removal can be, you should take every step to avoid this headache in the future. Here are several ways to improve your digital hygiene:

1. Always use robust antivirus software. This provides real-time scanning that automatically detects and blocks suspicious extensions or downloads before hijackers embed themselves. I recommend TotalAV because it has robust real-time protection, blocks cyber threats, and eliminates malware.
2. Only download the necessary extensions. This can help keep your device secure and reduce malware risk. I advise you to always check the extension’s reviews before installing it and avoid downloading suspicious-looking extensions.
3. Only download files from trustworthy sites. Always check the website URL before downloading any files. Look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar to ensure site security. Make sure to review permissions before downloading a file.
4. Keep your browser updated. Only a fresh browser with the latest security protections can help prevent browser hijackers.

When my browser was hijacked, I tried to fix the problem by following step-by-step guides to remove the Yahoo browser. Unfortunately, that didn’t help for too long because the virus was still active. After that, I downloaded TotalAV antivirus software to clean my device and protect myself against cyber threats in real-time, and I haven’t had an issue since.

Get a #1 antivirus for prevention

Conclusion

Yahoo Search can hijack your Chrome browser without warning, often slipping onto your device unnoticed. You don’t need to visit unsafe websites to get infected—it can happen during normal browsing. Once the Yahoo Search virus takes over, it hijacks your browser by changing your default search engine and homepage, and removing it can be frustrating and challenging.

The most effective solution I’ve found is using a reliable antivirus program. I personally recommend TotalAV. It provides real-time protection and quickly detects and removes malware. Plus, its user-friendly interface makes navigating simple, even if you’re not tech-savvy. TotalAV offers strong security at an affordable price, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. All of these points make it a great choice for keeping your device safe.

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You may also like to read:
How to remove Google redirect to Bing virus
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Best antivirus for Chromebook
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FAQ

Why is Yahoo my search engine on Chrome?

Yahoo may become your default search engine on Chrome due to a browser hijacker or malware infection. These malicious programs can alter your browser settings without your consent, redirecting your searches to Yahoo instead of your preferred search engine. It happens when you download software inadvertently bundled with unwanted programs. You can restore your browser settings to their original state using a reputable antivirus program like TotalAV, as it can identify and remove the malware responsible for the change.

What is the Yahoo redirect virus?

The Yahoo redirect virus is a type of browser hijacker that alters your browser settings to redirect your searches to Yahoo. This virus can disrupt your browsing experience by displaying unwanted ads, changing your homepage, and collecting data about your online activities.

How do I stop Yahoo from hijacking my browser?

Firstly, remove any malicious software that may have altered your Chrome settings. I recommend a reliable antivirus like TotalAV. After installing TotalAV, run a full scan of your system to identify and remove any threats. You can also manually reset your Chrome settings by going to the browser settings and restoring them to their original state. This will help prevent Yahoo from taking control of your browser in the future.

Why does my search engine keep changing to Yahoo McAfee?

If your search engine keeps changing to Yahoo McAfee, it's likely due to a browser hijacker or an unwanted program that altered your browser settings. This can happen when you install software that comes bundled with these types of changes, often without your knowledge. TotalAV helps tackle this issue by scanning your system, identifying the culprit, and removing any malicious software causing unwanted changes. Once you’ve eliminated the hijacker, you can reset your browser settings to regain control over your search engine preferences.

Is the Yahoo search engine virus dangerous?

Yes, the Yahoo redirect virus is dangerous. It can compromise your computer’s security by tracking your browsing activities, stealing personal information, and exposing you to further malware threats. I strongly recommend using a reliable antivirus program to protect your system and remove any malicious software.

Which is the best antivirus to remove Yahoo’s default browser from Chrome?

TotalAV is the best antivirus for removing Yahoo Search redirects from Chrome. The provider offers comprehensive protection against various malware, including browser hijackers like the Yahoo virus. One malware scan is enough to find and remove this malicious software. An all-in-one solution.