How to eliminate Wallpaper Ext browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Wallpaper Ext?
In our investigation of the Wallpaper Ext app, we observed that this extension is created to function as a browser hijacker. Its primary goal is to change the settings of a web browser. Apps of this type should not be trusted, and users are advised to remove them from affected browsers.
Wallpaper Ext browser hijacker overview
Browser hijacking usually involves altering the settings of a web browser, such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, and replacing them with a specific address, often a deceptive search engine. Consequently, users find themselves directed to this particular page whenever they open their browser or a new tab and perform search queries, regardless of their preferences.
Wallpaper Ext takes control of web browsers to promote bing.com, a legitimate search engine under Microsoft's ownership. This means users will see search results from Bing. Nonetheless, this situation can cause issues as it limits users' freedom to choose their preferred search engine and can disrupt their browsing experience.
It is crucial to highlight that browser hijackers frequently compel users to visit fake search engines. Relying on these search engines presents a substantial issue as they tend to prioritize showcasing altered search outcomes and intrusive ads and may even gather sensitive user information without permission.
By engaging with these misleading search engines, users could unknowingly subject themselves to malware, phishing schemes, or other online hazards. Aside from promoting dubious search engines, browser hijackers may gather diverse forms of data, such as browsing history, search queries, IP addresses, geolocation details, and more.
| Name | Wallpaper Ext |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Wallpaper Ext |
| Supposed Functionality | Enhanced browsing experience |
| 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 hijacking represents a significant threat to users' online security and privacy. By promoting deceptive search engines and collecting sensitive data, these malicious apps undermine user trust and expose individuals to a range of potential risks, including malware infections and identity theft.
It is crucial for users to remain vigilant and employ effective security measures to protect themselves against browser hijacking and its associated dangers. Some more examples of apps designed to operate as browser hijackers are Flixtab, Dictionary Ext, and Horoscope Ext.
How did Wallpaper Ext install on my computer?
Browser hijackers frequently accompany freeware or shareware programs, sneaking into users' systems when they opt not to modify default settings during installations. Additionally, users may unwittingly encounter browser hijacking via shady pages or misleading ads, which may coerce them into installing or adding browser hijackers.
Furthermore, obtaining applications from third-party app stores, downloaders, peer-to-peer networks, or dubious pages heightens the risk of browser hijacking. Users are occasionally duped into adding browser hijackers via notifications received from deceitful pages, further exacerbating the issue.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
To mitigate the risk of browser hijacking, exercise caution when downloading and installing software, especially free programs, from the internet. Obtain software exclusively from trusted sources and meticulously scrutinize installation settings to prevent inadvertently agreeing to install unwanted extensions or other apps.
Do not allow questionable pages to send notifications. Additionally, ensure that your operating system, browsers, and security software are regularly updated to bolster protection against potential vulnerabilities. If your computer is already infected with Wallpaper Ext, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Wallpaper Ext browser promotes bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Wallpaper Ext browser hijacker:
Website promoting Wallpaper Ext browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Wallpaper Ext?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Wallpaper Ext application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Wallpaper 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.
Wallpaper 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.
Wallpaper 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 "Wallpaper 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 "Wallpaper 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 wallpaper 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 "Wallpaper 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 "Wallpaper 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 wallpaper 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 wallpaper 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?
Encouraging users to visit a counterfeit search engine may serve the purpose of artificially boosting traffic to the site, potentially resulting in higher revenue through increased ad impressions or participation in affiliate marketing programs.
Is visiting a fake search engine a threat to my privacy?
Using a fake search engine can jeopardize your privacy. These search engines commonly track browsing habits and gather personal data. Furthermore, they may showcase altered search results or misleading advertisements, putting you at risk of encountering scams or malware.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Typically, browser hijacking occurs through software acquired from untrustworthy sources, malicious links or advertisements, downloads from P2P networks, third-party app stores, compromised websites, or notifications from dubious web pages.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Wallpaper Ext browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner conducts thorough scans of computers and effectively eliminates browser-hijacking applications. Manual removal may not always suffice, particularly when dealing with multiple hijackers capable of reinstalling each other. In such cases, simultaneous removal is necessary to ensure complete eradication.
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