FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Search.yahoo.com malicious redirect removal from Internet browsers

Also Known As: Search.yahoo.com browser hijacker
Damage level: Medium

What is search.yahoo.com?

Search.yahoo.com is a legitimate search engine, developed by the Yahoo! web services provider. However, users can experience undesirable redirects to it - due to rogue software, called browser hijackers, having infiltrated the browser and/or system.

search.yahoo.com browser hijacker

What are browser hijackers?

Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and other popular browsers with large user bases are common targets of browser hijackers. Following successful infiltration, they reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs - to the addresses of fake search engines.

Hence, with such software installed, every new browser tab/window opened and every single search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the address of an illegitimate search engine. Typically, these fake web searching tools cannot provide search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Yahoo, Google, Bing or other legitimate search engines.

In some cases this is done by the web search provider's affiliates, as this promotion is monetized. In others - simply to create the impression that the software (i.e. browser hijacker) is a genuine and useful product.

Browser hijackers have no real value to users, as search.yahoo.com (and other legitimate search engines) can be used without involvement of additional software. Furthermore, browser hijackers can install "helper objects", which prevent users from accessing their browser's settings.

Alternatively, the "helper objects" can automatically reset any permitted changes made. Therefore, the browser hijacker must be removed to recover the affected browser.

More details about browser hijackers

What is more, most browser hijackers can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect users' personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The gathered data is highly likely to contain sensitive and personally identifiable information.

Browser hijacker developers often misuse such data and share it with third parties, intent on doing the same. To summarize, presence of data tracking software on browsers/systems can lead to financial loss, severe privacy issues and even identity theft.

To ensure device integrity and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name Search.yahoo.com browser hijacker
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Affected Browser Settings Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Detection Names Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/InstallCore.Gen.A potentially unwanted), Kaspersky (not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Win32.DealPly.gen), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
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.
▼ 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 read more.

Browser hijackers in general

There are countless browser hijackers available on the Web. They are promoted as legitimate and useful software. Browser hijackers usually offer a wide variety of "handy" features.

The advertised functions can range from easy access to weather, maps, package tracking, film/TV streaming services and other content to providing fast searches and accurate search results. However, these features rarely work as promised and in most cases - they do not work at all.

Browser hijackers that promote search.yahoo.com are Protect My Search App, Unit Conversion Tab, Coupon Search, Templates Here Tab, Online Forms Hub, Weather Waves and many others. While, search.yahoo.com is a genuine search engine with no relation to viruses or malware, the software causing redirects to it - can be responsible for various issues.

How did search.yahoo.com install on my computer?

Browser hijackers and other PUAs can infiltrate systems in several ways. They can be downloaded from "official" promotional websites.

However, they also proliferate through download/installation setups of other programs. The deceptive marketing method of packing ordinary software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

This technique is frequently used by freeware developers to generate revenue from their "free" products or by designers of untrustworthy content to promote it by abusing the popularity of legitimate programs. It is often possible to opt-out from these additions, however such options are typically hidden behind "Custom/Advanced" download/installation settings.

Therefore, rushed download/installation processes (e.g. ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, used presets, etc.) - increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into devices. When clicked on, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts, designed to stealthily download/install unwanted software.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is highly recommended to always research software to verify its legitimacy, prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Only official and trustworthy download channels should be used.

Sources like: unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders - are advised against use, as they can offer deceptive and/or bundled content. Download/Installation processes should be treated with care.

Therefore, it is important to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and decline downloading/installing supplementary apps, tools, features and other additions. Additionally, caution should be exercised when browsing.

Intrusive ads usually appear legitimate and harmless, however upon being clicked - they redirect to various unreliable and questionable websites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, it is of utmost importance to inspect the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins from it. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate it.

If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate it.

Fake search engine (promoted via Utilitool browser hijacker) redirects to search.yahoo.com (GIF):

yahoo redirect by utilitool browser hijacker

Deceptive free software installer distributing "SearchConnect" application that causes browser redirects to Mac (OSX) users:

search yahoo.com hijacker installer mac

Deceptive free software installers used in search.yahoo.com browser hijacker distribution to Windows users:

yahoo hijacker installer sample 1 search.yahoo.com hijacker installer sample 2 search.yahoo.com hijacker sample 3 search.yahoo.com hijacker installer sample 4 search.yahoo.com hijacker installer sample 5 search.yahoo.com installer sample 6 search.yahoo.com browser hijacker installer sample 7 search.yahoo.com browser hijacker installer sample 8

Update January 10, 2023 - At this moment, malicious Google Chrome extensions are the main tools used to cause unwanted redirects to search.yahoo.com. Crooks present malicious extensions as browser updates or various useful tools and therefore trick gullible users into installation. Here are the screenshots of the latest and most popular Chrome extensions (fake Chrome extension, fake Google Docs extension, fake Google Translate extension, Keep Secure Search and National Parks Tab) that cause unwanted redirects to search.yahoo.com:

Malicious Google Chrome extension causing unwanted redirects to search.yahoo.com (fake Google extension) Malicious Google Chrome extension causing unwanted redirects to search.yahoo.com (fake Google Docs) Malicious Google Chrome extension causing unwanted redirects to search.yahoo.com (fake Google Translate) Malicious Google Chrome extension causing unwanted redirects to search.yahoo.com (National Parks Tab) Malicious Google Chrome extension causing unwanted redirects to search.yahoo.com (Keep Secure Search)

Examples of fake/deceptive pop-up messages promoting such malicious browser extension:

Deceptive page promoting browser hijackers that redirect users to search.yahoo.com (sample 1) Deceptive page promoting browser hijackers that redirect users to search.yahoo.com (sample 2) Deceptive page promoting browser hijackers that redirect users to search.yahoo.com (sample 3) Deceptive page promoting browser hijackers that redirect users to search.yahoo.com (sample 4) Deceptive page promoting browser hijackers that redirect users to search.yahoo.com (sample 5)

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:

search.yahoo.com 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.

search.yahoo.com 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 (which cause browser redirects to the search.yahoo.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

search.yahoo.com redirect removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing search.yahoo.com related Google Chrome extensions

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Change your homepage:

Removing search.yahoo.com 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, look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.yahoo.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:

Removing search.yahoo.com 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 "search.yahoo.com" when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the search.yahoo.com 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing search.yahoo.com related Mozilla Firefox extensions

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove all recently installed browser plug-ins.

Change your homepage:

Removing search.yahoo.com 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 "Options", in the opened window remove hxxp://search.yahoo.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing search.yahoo.com from Mozilla Firefox default search engine

In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
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 search.yahoo.com 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

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 search.yahoo.com 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 search.yahoo.com browser hijacker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of browser hijackers

Browser hijackers are designed to promote fake search engines. Usually, they do it by changing web browser's settings.

Is using a fake search engine/browser hijacker is a threat to my privacy?

Both browser hijackers and fake search engines can be designed to collect information about their users. That information could be sold to third parties or misused for other purposes.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser-hijacking apps are distributed using social engineering tactics (like browser notifications, intrusive advertisements), downloaders and installers for other programs, and in other questionable (often deceptive) ways.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove a browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove browser hijackers. When there is more than one browser hijacker present, it can be difficult to remove them because they can reinstall one another. In such cases, all apps of this type have to be removed at once. It can be quickly done with a specialized program like Combo Cleaner.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

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. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Search.yahoo.com browser hijacker QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Search.yahoo.com browser hijacker on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.