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Applicable for: Windows

Removing unwanted pop-ups or site redirects

If you see unwanted pop-ups or experience site redirects, the problem may be caused by a browser hijacker. A browser hijacker is malware designed to change your browser's settings. You may experience any of the following:

  • Your search is getting redirected to different websites

  • Your homepage or search engine has been changed without your permission

  • Webpages load slowly

  • You see multiple toolbars on your web browser that you did not install

  • You get multiple pop-up alerts for advertisements

If you see a pop-up that directs you to a third-party support site or think you have been scammed, refer to the article: Cyber scams and how to avoid them.

Run advanced scans by Norton

Run the following scans with advanced settings and highest sensitivity. Start with the Startup Scan, followed by the Full Scan.

Note: These settings may increase scan duration depending on your system speed and file volume.

Run a Startup Scan:

  1. Open your Norton device security application.
  2. On the left panel, click Security.
  3. On the Scans tile, click Open.
  4. In the Preset scans tab, next to Startup Scan, click Set Up.
  5. Wait for the Startup Scan to complete the setup, then click Restart Now.
  6. When the system restarts, the Startup Scan progress screen appears. Wait for the scan to complete and check the scan results.

After completing the Startup Scan, proceed with a Full Scan to ensure thorough device check.

Run a Full Scan:

  1. Open your Norton device security application.
  2. On the left panel, click Settings.
  3. Select Scans.
  4. Hover the mouse pointer over Full Scan and click the settings icon.
  5. Scroll down and select Scan all archives.
  6. Click Save to confirm.
  7. Click Start next to Full Scan.
  8. Wait for the scan to complete and check the scan results.

If advanced scans do not remove the unwanted toolbars, manually remove them using the Add/Remove Programs or Uninstall a Program in your device’s Control Panel.

Reset browser settings

Depending on your browser, reset the browser settings to remove the unwanted toolbars and search engines completely.

Reset Google Chrome

  1. Start Google Chrome.

  2. Click options ⋮ (the three dots) in the top-right corner, then click Settings.

  3. Click Reset settings.

  4. Click Restore settings to their original defaults and Reset settings.

Reset Mozilla Firefox

  1. Start Mozilla Firefox.

  2. In the top-right corner, click Open menu, and then click Help.

  3. On the Help menu, select More Troubleshooting Information.

  4. On the Troubleshooting Information window, click Refresh Firefox.

  5. On the confirmation window, click Refresh Firefox.

  6. Click Finish.

  7. Click Open menu, select Library > History, and then click Clear Recent History.

  8. In the Time range to clear drop-down, select Everything.

  9. Select all options, and click Clear Now.

Reset Microsoft Edge

  1. Start Microsoft Edge.

  2. In the top-right corner, click Settings and more, and select Settings.

  3. In the Settings window, select Reset settings.

  4. On the right pane, under Reset settings, click Restore settings to their default values.

  5. In the Reset settings window, click Reset.

Furter recommendations

DocID: kb20100811171926EN
Last modified: 08/21/2025

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