How to remove Earth 3D (earth3d.net) from the browser

What kind of extension is Earth 3D?

Our researchers came across the Earth 3D browser hijacker while reviewing extensions that modify browser search settings. Earth 3D changes the browser's homepage, new tab page, and default search engine to earth3d.net.

The extension is promoted as a tool for viewing 3D satellite imagery directly from the search bar, powered by Yahoo. However, software that hijacks browser settings in this way is not trustworthy, and we recommend removing Earth 3D as soon as possible.

Earth 3D browser hijacker overview

Once installed, Earth 3D changes the browser's default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to earth3d.net. This process is known as browser hijacking, and its purpose is to force users to rely on a search provider they did not choose themselves.

Earth3d.net does not generate its own search results. Instead, it redirects users to search.yahoo.com (a legitimate search engine) to display results, while presenting them inside its own 3D-themed interface.

The extension also lets users pick a different satellite imagery provider from its icon menu, so the destination of searches and images may not always be the same. Keep in mind that the exact destination of a search may also vary depending on factors such as the user's geolocation.

Browser hijackers often include persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as restricting access to removal-related browser settings or reverting changes made by the user. This can make Earth 3D more difficult to remove than a typical extension.

Software within this classification typically has data-tracking abilities, and Earth 3D may be no exception. Information of interest can include visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, browser cookies, and other browsing-related details. This data may be shared with or sold to third parties.

To summarize, browser-hijacking software like Earth 3D is associated with privacy risks, intrusive advertising, and exposure to unreliable or harmful websites. We recommend removing it without delay.

Browser hijacker examples

We have examined numerous browser hijackers; Nautilus Notes, PerfecTab, Search with AI on Chrome, and Outer Space Tab are merely a few of our newest articles.

Browser-hijacking software typically appears legitimate and offers various features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are completely nonoperational.

How did Earth 3D infiltrate my computer?

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, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) sharing networks, and other dubious channels.

Additionally, browser hijackers like Earth 3D can have "official" promotional webpages and browser extension store listings that downplay the changes they make to browser settings.

They are also accessed via redirects caused by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, and installed adware.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources, including official browser extension stores. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, or features.

Even extensions that look polished and have many positive reviews can change their behavior over time or quietly modify browser settings. Be cautious of extensions that ask for permission to change your search settings or read and modify data on websites.

If your computer is already infected with Earth 3D, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Website promoting Earth 3D browser hijacker:

Permissions asked by Earth 3D browser hijacker:

Appearance of earth3d.net redirecting users to Yahoo (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:

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:

• What is Earth 3D?
• STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove Earth 3D browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove earth3d.net homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove earth3d.net redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Earth 3D 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, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Earth 3D 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 "Earth 3D" 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 "Earth 3D", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.earth3d.net) 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 "earth3d.net", 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 earth 3d 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 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 "Earth 3D", 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 "Earth 3D", remove hxxp://earth3d.net 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 earth 3d 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.

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

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 earth 3d 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of forcing users to visit websites like earth3d.net?

Software that generates rogue redirects is developed for profit. The developers behind Earth 3D likely earn revenue when users perform searches or view results through earth3d.net, for example through advertising or referral arrangements with search partners such as Yahoo.

Is visiting earth3d.net a threat to my privacy?

Search engines promoted by browser hijackers, including earth3d.net, are typically capable of collecting visitor data such as search queries and browsing habits. This information may be shared with third parties, which is why visiting such pages is considered a privacy risk.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers like Earth 3D are commonly installed through bundled software installers, deceptive advertisements, browser extension stores, and promotional webpages that do not clearly disclose how the extension changes browser settings.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Earth 3D browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. Manual removal performed without security software might not be ideal, especially if multiple hijackers are present, since one can reinstall another after it is removed.