How to remove Dictionary Ext browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Dictionary Ext?
When examining the Dictionary Ext app (browser extension), it was noted that it functions as a browser hijacker. It means that Dictionary Ext forces users to visit a specific page by changing the settings of the affected/hijacked browser. Additionally, Dictionary Ext may collect browsing-related and other data.
Dictionary Ext browser hijacker overview
Typically, browser hijacking entails replacing the default search engine, homepage, and (or) new tab page with a specific address, commonly a fraudulent search engine. As a result, users are forced to visit a particular page whenever they open a browser or new tab and conduct search queries.
Dictionary Ext hijacks a browser to promote bing.com, a legitimate search engine owned by Microsoft. Thus, users are provided with search results from Bing. However, this can still pose a problem as it interferes with users' freedom to choose their preferred search engine and may disrupt their browsing experience by forcefully redirecting them to bing.com, even if they prefer other search engines.
It is important to note that browser hijackers often promote fake search engines. Trusting these fake search engines poses a significant problem as they often prioritize displaying manipulated search results and intrusive advertisements and may even collect sensitive user data without consent. Users may unwittingly expose themselves to malware, phishing scams, or other cyber threats by interacting with these deceptive search engines.
In addition to promoting shady search engines, browser-hijacking apps can collect various types of data, including browsing history, search queries, IP addresses, geolocation information, etc. This data can be misused for targeted advertising, sold to third parties, or even employed to commit identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities.
| Name | Dictionary Ext |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Dictionary Ext |
| Supposed Functionality | Dictionary |
| Promoted URL | bing.com |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, browser hijackers pose significant threats to users' online security and privacy by forcibly altering browser settings and collecting sensitive information. Vigilance and proactive measures are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure a safer browsing experience.
Some examples of other apps that operate similarly to Dictionary Ext are Horoscope Ext, Adventure Wallpaper Extension, and Movie Zone.
How did Dictionary Ext install on my computer?
Browser hijackers often come bundled with freeware or shareware programs. Users agree to install or add these apps when they leave the provided settings unchanged during installations. Also, users may encounter browser hijacking through unreliable websites or advertisements that prompt them to click on deceptive links, triggering the installation or addition of hijacking software.
Downloading apps from third-party app stores and downloaders, P2P networks, dubious pages, and similar channels can also result in browser hijacking. Sometimes, users get tricked into adding browser hijackers via notifications received from deceptive pages.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
To avoid browser hijacking, be cautious when downloading and installing software from the internet, particularly freeware or shareware programs. Download software only from reputable sources and carefully read installation prompts to avoid inadvertently agreeing to install additional unwanted programs or browser extensions.
Regularly review and update the list of installed browser extensions, removing any unfamiliar or suspicious ones that may have been installed or added without your knowledge. Furthermore, keep operating systems, browsers, and security software up to date.
Exercise caution when clicking on links in social media messages or advertisements, especially those from unknown or untrustworthy sources. If your computer is already infected with Dictionary Ext, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Dictionary Ext shows bing.com results (GIF):
Permissions asked by Dictionary Ext browser hijacker:
Website promoting Dictionary Ext browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Dictionary Ext?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Dictionary Ext application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Dictionary Ext browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove bing.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove bing.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Dictionary Ext browser hijacker 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 any recently installed suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the bing.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Dictionary Ext browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Dictionary Ext" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Dictionary Ext", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.bing.com) below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "bing.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the dictionary ext redirect, 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 extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Dictionary Ext", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "Dictionary Ext", remove hxxp://bing.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with dictionary ext redirect 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 dictionary ext redirect, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit a fake search engine?
The goal of pushing users to visit a fake search engine could be to artificially inflate traffic to the site, potentially generating revenue through increased ad impressions or affiliate marketing programs.
Is visiting a fake search engine a threat to my privacy?
Yes, visiting a fake search engine can pose a threat to your privacy. These search engines often track browsing activity and collect personal information. Additionally, they may display manipulated search results or deceptive advertisements, potentially exposing you to scams or malware.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
A browser hijacker may have infiltrated your computer through software obtained from untrustworthy sources, malicious links or advertisements, compromised websites, or notifications from unreliable pages.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Dictionary Ext browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner scans computers and removes browser-hijacking applications. Manual removal is not always effective, especially with multiple hijackers capable of reinstalling each other, necessitating simultaneous removal.
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