How to remove redirects to Bing caused by HideMeFast
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is HideMeFast?
HideMeFast is rogue software, which operates as a browser hijacker. Typically, software within this classification operates by making certain modifications to browsers to promote fake search engines, however, HideMeFast behaves in a different manner. It promotes a legitimate search engine called Bing (bing.com), without first redirecting to a bogus search engine.
Additionally, HideMeFast uses the "Managed by your organization" feature in the Google Chrome browser to ensure persistence (removing becomes rather complicated).
Due to the dubious methods used to spread this software, HideMeFast is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). Most PUAs monitor users' browsing activity, and this is the case with HideMeFast.
Browser hijackers primarily target Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and other popular browsers. They reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of fake search engines. Usually, these changes can be seen in the browser settings, however, this is not the case with HideMeFast.
Browser hijackers also reset any changes users attempt to make to their browsers or restrict/deny access to the settings outright. Therefore, the only way of recovering a hijacked browser is by removing the software affecting it. This applies to HideMeFast, as the unwanted redirects it causes can only be removed by eliminating HideMeFast itself.
As previously mentioned, browser hijackers tend to promote bogus search engines. The latter are rarely capable of providing valid search results, and so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine sites.
HideMeFast does not redirect to any fake search addresses, but redirects straight to Bing (bing.com), which is a legitimate search engine. Generally, such redirects are caused when users open a new browser tab/window or type a search query into the URL bar.
With HideMeFast installed, redirects to Bing are caused when attempts to search are made via legitimate/default search engines (e.g. Google). Most browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities and HideMeFast possesses these as well.
It can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, web pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This vulnerable data is often monetized by sharing with and/or selling to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of data-tracking content on browsers/systems can lead to financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user safety, remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | HideMeFast browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus. |
| Browser Extension(s) | HideMeFast |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Incredible Tab, Image Seeker, Perfect Startpage, and Weather Discover are some examples of other browser hijackers. They may seem normal and harmless, and users are often tempted into download/installation with offers of "useful" functionalities, however, the advertised capabilities are seldom operational.
In fact, this is true of most PUAs. The only purpose of these unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers, whilst regular users receive no real value - they can instead cause serious issues. PUAs modify browsers, cause redirects, run intrusive advertisement campaigns and gather private information.
How did HideMeFast install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via the download/installation set-ups of other software. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling". Rushing downloads/installations (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content onto the device.
Some PUAs also have "official" promotional pages from which they can be downloaded. Intrusive ads proliferate these apps as well. When clicked, they can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders are untrusted, since they can offer deceptive and/or bundled content.
When downloading/installing, you are strongly advised to read the terms, study all available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.
It is also important to exercise caution when browsing. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.). If you encounter these ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins.
If your computer is already infected with HideMeFast, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
HideMeFast asking for permissions:
HideMeFast managing the Google Chrome browser:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is HideMeFast?
- STEP 1. Uninstall HideMeFast application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove HideMeFast adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove HideMeFast ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by HideMeFast' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove HideMeFast extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
HideMeFast adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "HideMeFast", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes HideMeFast ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove HideMeFast adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "HideMeFast", select this entry and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the hidemefast browser hijacker, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "HideMeFast", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the hidemefast browser hijacker, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "HideMeFast".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with hidemefast browser hijacker removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the hidemefast browser hijacker, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on hidemefast browser hijacker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion