Uninstall Google redirect (Virus Removal Instructions) - Jan 2021 updated
What problems can cause Google redirect virus?
Google redirect virus is similar to Yahoo Redirect virus and Bing redirect virus and is classified as a browser hijacker. It is created for delivering sponsored content and redirecting users to various websites. As the name of the infections informs, virus initiates redirects to Google.com. However, it can also redirect users to other search engines, such as Yahoo or Bing, and other websites.
Redirects are not only annoying and disturbing, but also might lead to weird or malicious websites, such as pornographic sites, gambling sites or various online shops. Another symptom of Google redirect infection is altered browser’s settings. Once you open an infected browser, you might notice that homepage, new tab or default search engine were changed. What is more, it can modify bookmarks and install various tools to the browser without asking user’s permission.
Virus targets both, Windows and Mac operating systems, and affects web browsers such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc. Usually, the browser hijacker travels and enters computer system with a help of regular software installers, so users rarely notice when the hijack occurs.
However, when you notice the hijack, remove Google redirect immediately. Redirect viruses are tricky and might hide under different names, so they might be hard to find manually. For this reason, we recommend using anti-malware tools (e.g., ReimageIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner) and eliminating infection automatically.
Millions of computer users all over the world have already faced Google redirect problem. Even though Google is legitimate and safe to use a search engine, the creators of browser hijacker use customised Google search (they might also use customized Yahoo, Bing or unknown search providers). It means the search results are altered. The purpose of the browser hijacker is to generate revenue from affiliate marketing.
For this reason, search results are filled with sponsored links. These links might lead to irrelevant and high-risk websites. By entering these Internet sites, you might accidentally install malware, Trojan or virus. You should initiate Google redirect removal to protect your computer from further infections.
Also, the virus can fill the browser with various ads that offer great deals, discount coupons or software downloads. No matter how great deal looks, do not consider clicking on it, because they might be malicious as well. Another problem with Google redirect browser hijacker is that it might be capable of collecting information related to users browsing habits and history. It can monitor what websites you visit, how much time you spend there, what search queries you enter, what’s your IP address or location, and other similar information.
Google redirect
Distribution techniques
The risk of computer infection increases if you do not use any antivirus program. For computer’s protection, you should use reliable and powerful security program and watch your actions online. Any program cannot protect your computer 100% if you do not act wisely online.
The creators of Google redirect virus use the same old deceptive software marketing technique – ‘bundling.’ The browser hijacker is added as an optional download and hidden under ‘Quick’ or ‘Recommended’ installation mode. So, for software installation, you have to choose ‘Advanced’ or ‘Custom’ setup. This method allows preventing the computer from Google redirect hijack and other PUPs from getting inside the system.
Getting rid of Google redirect problem
Google redirect virus removal consists of two steps. First, you have to detect and remove browser hijacker from the computer. Second, you have to uninstall suspicious browser extensions, toolbars or add-ons. You can complete this task manually; however, we have to remind you that virus is capable of hiding itself and this feature makes it hard to find and eliminate.
For this reason, we recommend getting rid of this computer infection automatically. To remove Google redirect automatically, you have to employ malware removal tools and scan computer’s system. Once the program finishes its job, you can reset browser’s settings and get back to the regular browsing.
You may remove virus damage with a help of ReimageIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove Google redirect, follow these steps:
Uninstall Google in Windows systems
To remove Google redirect virus you have to find and uninstall browser hijacker from your computer. It can hide under different files names, so it might be hard to find. For this reason, we recommend scanning computer’s system with a reputable anti-malware program such as ReimageIntego.
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Go to Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, open Add/Remove Programs).
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If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, click on Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen to open Quick Access Menu. Then click Control Panel and select Uninstall a Program.
- Remove Google and programs related to it
Now, take a look at the list of programs and find Google or other programs that you do not remember installing. -
Right-click on these programs and select "Uninstall." Then click OK to save changes.
- Delete Google from Windows shortcuts
Right-click on the shortcut of Mozilla Firefox and click Properties. -
Now, go to Shortcut tab and find Target field. Then delete the URL that is associated with your virus.
Follow the same steps as explained above with all other shortcuts of Internet browsers, including Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. Please check Start Menu, Desktop, and taskbar to find all shortcuts.
Uninstall Google in Mac OS X system
The browser hijacker might have sneaked into the system when you installed one of the latest programs. Check the list of recent installs. You have to find and uninstall the potentially unwanted program.
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Users who use OS X should click on Go button, which can be found at the top left corner of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Google or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Delete Google from Internet Explorer (IE)
To get rid of unwanted redirects you have to find and disable suspicious add-ons that might have been installed to Internet Explorer.
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Delete suspicious browser add-ons
Launch Internet Explorer, and then open IE by clicking on the Gear icon, which is located at the top right corner of the Internet browser. Then, click Manage Add-ons. -
Manage Add-ons window will appear on your screen. Now, search for Google and other questionable browser add-ons. Right-click them on each of them and select Disable.
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If virus altered your homepage, change it:
Click the Gear icon at the top right corner of the Internet browser and then click Internet Options. Stay in General section. -
Now, delete malicious URL and enter
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Reset all Internet Explorer settings
Click on Gear icon and then opt for Internet options. Then go to Advanced section. - Click Reset.
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A new window appears, and then you have to tick Delete personal settings and click Reset to finalise Google removal.
Fix Google redirect issue in Microsoft Edge browser
If browser hijacker affected Microsoft Edge, you have to clear all browsing data and reset the browser. Follow these steps presented bellow.
Reset settings in Microsoft Edge (Technique No.1):
- Open Microsoft Edge browser, then click on More button, which is situated at the top right edge of the screen
- Select Settings from the drop down menu.
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When the Settings panel appears, find Clear browsing data section and hit Choose what to clear button.
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Then mark all components that you wish to delete and after that hit Clear.
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Right-click the Start button (that has Windows logo on it) and choose Task Manager.
- Go to Processes tab and look for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and select Go to details. If there is no Go to details option, select More details and carry out previous instructions.
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Once Details tab appears, look for entries that contain Microsoft Edge name. Right-click on such individual entries and choose End Task option to terminate them.
Reset Microsoft Edge (Technique No.2):
In case the Technique No.1 did not help you to fix the problem, use advanced Edge reset option.
- Important: you must backup your files before you use these tips
- Locate this folder on your PC:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
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Select all items in this folder and right-click with your mouse. Select Delete.
- Click on the Start button (that has Windows Logo on it) and in Search my stuff field, type in window power.
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With the right button of your mouse, click on every entry and select Run as administrator.
- Once you get Admin's rights, Windows PowerShell window should show up shortly. Paste this line:
after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and hit Enter.Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge should be Google-free.
Delete Google from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
To get rid of Google redirect problem you have to look through extensions list and remove all suspicious toolbars or add-ons that were installed to the Firefox.
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Delete suspicious browser extensions
Launch Mozilla Firefox, and then open menu (click a button at the top right corner). Then, go to Add-ons → Extensions. -
Now, locate Google and other suspicious extensions. Click Remove to eliminate them.
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If virus altered your homepage, change it:
Open Firefox menu (click the button at the top right corner), and go to Options → General. - Delete malicious URL and then enter the address of the website that you want to set as your homepage.
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Click OK to save the changes.
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Reset all Mozilla Firefox settings
Click on the Firefox at the top left corner and then click the question mark. Then, select Troubleshooting Information. -
Reset Firefox to its default state message should appear then. You will see Reset Firefox button. Click this button a few times and finalise Google removal.
Delete Google from Google Chrome
Google Chrome is one of the most targeted browsers. You have to check the list of extensions. There you might find several suspicious plugins installed to your browser. You have to find questionable extensions and uninstall them.
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Remove malicious extensions
Launch Google Chrome, and then open menu (click a button at the top right corner). Then, go to Tools → Extensions. -
Now, look for Google and other suspicious extensions and then click the trash icon to remove them.
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If virus altered your homepage, change it:
Open menu and select Settings. -
Find Open a specific page or set of pages under On startup section and click Set pages.
- An additional window should pop-up. Here, remove dubious URLs and add a new page that you wish to set as a homepage.
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Open Chrome menu and go to Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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In Search Engines..., configure default search engine settings. Remove untrustworthy ones. We advise you to leave only Google or another reputable website of your choice.
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Reset all Google Chrome settings
Open menu by clicking the button at the top right corner of Google Chrome, and go to Settings. -
Scroll down to find Reset browser settings button. Click on it.
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Click Reset to approve this action and finish Google removal.
Delete Google from Safari
Look through the list of recently installed extensions. Some suspicious plugins might have been installed without your knowledge. Uninstall all of them.
- Delete suspicious browser extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences. -
Here, select Extensions and look for Google or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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If virus altered your homepage, change it:
Open your Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu section. Here, select Preferences as it was displayed previously and select General. -
Here, look at the Homepage field. If it was altered by Google, remove unwanted link and enter the one that you want to use for your searches. Remember to include the "http://" before typing in the address of the page.
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Reset all Safari settings
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari.... -
Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Google removal process.
Prevent the government from spying on you
As there is a growing debate in government about collecting users' data and spying on citizens, you should take a closer look at this issue and find out what shady ways of gathering information can be used to collect information about you. You need to browse anonymously if you want to avoid any government-initiated spying and tracking of information.
You can enjoy secure internet browsing and minimize the risk of intrusion into your system if you use Private Internet Access VPN program. This VPN application creates a virtual private network and provides access to the required data without any content restrictions.
Control government and other third party access to your data and ensure safe web browsing. Even if you do not engage in illegal activities and trust your ISP, we recommend being careful about your security. You should take extra precautions and start using a VPN program.
Reduce the threat of viruses by backing up your data
Due to their own careless behavior, computer users can suffer various losses caused by cyber infections. Viruses can affect the functionality of the software or directly corrupt data on your system by encrypting it. These problems can disrupt the system and cause you to lose personal data permanently. There is no such threat if you have the latest backups, as you can easily recover lost data and get back to work.
It is recommended to update the backups in parallel each time the system is modified. This way, you will be able to access the latest saved data after an unexpected virus attack or system failure. By having the latest copies of important documents and projects, you will avoid serious inconveniences. File backups are especially useful if malware attacks your system unexpectedly. We recommend using the Data Recovery Pro program to restore the system.
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