How to stop gadgetech.info redirects

Browser Hijacker

Also Known As: gadgetech.info browser hijacker

Damage level:

Get free scan and check if your device is infected.

Remove it now

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

What kind of website is gadgetech.info?

gadgetech.info is a search engine promoted through various browser hijackers and unwanted applications. It does generate its own search results, but those results lean heavily on sponsored advertisements and links to questionable websites. For this reason, gadgetech.info is considered an unreliable search engine. Users should avoid it and remove any related hijackers or unwanted apps from their browsers.

gadgetech.info browser hijacker

More about gadgetech.info

Browser-hijacking software typically reassigns browsers' default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of endorsed webpages. In the case of gadgetech.info, the hijackers and unwanted apps that push it only set it as the default search engine - the homepage and new tab page are usually left alone. As a result, anything users type into the URL bar gets routed through gadgetech.info instead of the search engine they actually picked.

Unlike most browser hijackers, which silently redirect users to a legitimate search engine, gadgetech.info generates its own search results. When a search query is entered, the page leads off with sponsored advertisements, followed by a mix of organic links that often point to unreliable websites and questionable offers.

On these promoted pages, users may be tricked into sending money to scammers or revealing sensitive information such as passwords or banking details. They may also be lured into downloading potentially malicious software.

Remember that the specific ads and results shown can be influenced by factors such as user geolocation, so different users may see different content.

gadgetech.info is virtually identical to other questionable search engines we have analyzed, such as mightytechy.com and nextgeeker.com - the same layout, the same results format, and the same unreliable-by-design behavior.

Browser hijackers often rely on persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as restricting access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes - to prevent users from recovering their browsers.

Software within this classification usually has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and similar. This vulnerable information can be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, browser-hijacking software is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name gadgetech.info browser hijacker
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Promoted URL gadgetech.info
Threat Status (gadgetech.info) PCrisk Website Scanner Results
Affected Browser Settings 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), dubious websites, and similar channels.
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.

Download Combo Cleaner

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.

More examples of questionable search engines

More examples of questionable search engines are aztcsearch.com, dinosrchius.com, and searchscr.com.

Typically, these webpages and the software promoting them appear ordinary and harmless. Users may be enticed by promises of "handy" features, which are rarely operational. Even when a page or extension does work exactly as advertised, that alone does not prove it is legitimate or safe to use.

How browser hijackers are delivered?

The bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions, is used to distribute browser hijackers. Pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, and other dubious channels. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, browser hijackers can have "official" promotional webpages, and they are endorsed on scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate browser-hijacking software as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless - however, they redirect users to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.). Never allow notifications from suspicious websites, and keep your operating system, applications, and security tools up to date.

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already affected by gadgetech.info, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Appearance of gadgetech.info website (GIF):

gadgetech.info appearance (GIF)

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.

Quick menu:

Gadgetech.info redirect removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

gadgetech.info browser hijacker uninstall via Control Panel

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, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. 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.

Gadgetech.info redirect removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing gadgetech.info related Google Chrome extensions

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing gadgetech.info from Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.gadgetech.info) 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:

Removing gadgetech.info from Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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 "gadgetech.info", 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 gadgetech.info browser hijacker, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing gadgetech.info related Mozilla Firefox extensions

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing gadgetech.info from Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove hxxp://gadgetech.info and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing gadgetech.info from Mozilla Firefox 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 Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button button.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with gadgetech.info 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, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...

removing browser hijacker from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 3 - changing homepage

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.

removing browser hijackers from safari step 4 - changing the default Internet search engine

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

If you continue having problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 2

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 3

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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 Microsoft Edge (Chromium) puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the gadgetech.info browser hijacker, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of browser hijackers while downloading free software sampleA 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 gadgetech.info browser hijacker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of forcing users to visit websites like gadgetech.info?

Software that generates rogue redirects is developed for profit. The developers and publishers behind pages like gadgetech.info make money from forced visits - mainly through sponsored advertisements on the search results page, traffic-driven revenue, and clicks on partner sites.

Is visiting gadgetech.info a threat to my privacy?

Yes, to some extent. Fake search engines such as gadgetech.info typically collect visitor data, and the gathered information may be sold to third-parties. The sponsored results shown on the page can also lead to unsafe websites and scams. For these reasons, using this site carries notable privacy and security risks.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser-hijacking software is primarily distributed via bundled installation setups, deceptive promotional webpages, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove browser hijackers?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. It is worth noting that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present - after one is removed, the others may reinstall it. What is more, removal-related settings might be inaccessible while this software is installed. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

Share:

facebook
X (Twitter)
linkedin
copy link
Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas

Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

▼ Show Discussion

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT.

Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

Donate