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How to resolve browser hijacking and pop-ups in Safari, Chrome, and Edge: Step-by-Step Guide


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Browser hijacking and intrusive pop-ups can be a frustrating experience when using web browsers like Safari, Chrome, and Edge on macOS and Windows systems. These issues not only disrupt your browsing but also pose security risks. Thankfully, Chibitek is here to provide you with specific and detailed instructions on how to resolve browser hijacking and pop-ups in Safari, Chrome, and Edge, ensuring a secure and uninterrupted browsing experience.

Follow the step-by-step guide below


Step 1: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies


Safari

1. Launch Safari and click on "Safari" in the menu bar.

2. Select "Settings" and go to the "Privacy" tab.

safari settings window

3. Click on "Manage Website Data" and then "Remove All."

safari privacy window

Safari manage website data window


4. Confirm the action by clicking "Remove Now."

safari manage website confirmation window

Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.


Chrome settings window

2. Go to "Settings" and click on "Privacy and security" in the left sidebar.

Chrome privacy and security in settings

3. Choose "Clear browsing data" and select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files."

chrome clear browsing data window

chrome clear browsing data window

4. Click on "Clear data" to remove the cache and cookies.



Edge

1. Launch Edge and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.

Edge settings window


2. Select "Settings" and go to the "Privacy, search, and services" section.

Edge settings Privacy, search, and services window


3. Under "Clear browsing data," click on "Choose what to clear."

Edge settings Clear browsing data window


4. Check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," then click "Clear now" to remove them.

Edge settings Clear browsing data window



Step 2: Disable Suspicious Browser Extensions


Safari

1. Open Safari and click on "Safari" in the menu bar.


safari settings

2. Select "Settings" and go to the "Extensions" tab.

3. Review the list of installed extensions and disable any suspicious ones by unchecking the box next to them.


Safari extensions window

Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.

2. Go to "Extensions" and select "Manage Extensions."


chrome extensions manage window

3. Disable any suspicious extensions by toggling off the switch next to them.



Edge

1. Launch Edge and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select "Extensions."

Ege Extensions window


2. Click on "Managed Extensions" and review the list of installed extensions.

Edge Manage Extensions window

3. Disable any suspicious extensions by clicking the toggle switch next to them.



Step 3: Reset Browser Settings


Safari

1. Open Safari and click on "Safari" in the menu bar.


safari settings

2. Select "Settings" and go to the "Advanced" tab.

safari advanced window

3. Check the box next to "Show Develop menu in menu bar."

4. Close the "Preferences" window and click on "Develop" in the menu bar.


Safari Develop Empty Caches window

5. Choose "Empty Caches" to clear the cache and reset Safari.



Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.

chrome settings

2. Go to "Settings" and scroll down to the bottom.

chrome reset settings

3. Click on "Reset settings."

chrome reset settings

4. Confirm the action by clicking "Reset settings."

chrome reset settings


Edge

1. Launch Edge and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.


2. Select "Settings" and go to the "Reset settings" section.

3. Click on "Restore settings to their default values" and confirm the action.


Step 4: Run Anti-Malware Scans

  • Download and install reputable anti-malware software such as Malwarebytes or Windows Defender.

  • Perform a full system scan to detect and remove any malware or adware that might be causing browser hijacking or pop-ups.


Step 5: Enable Pop-up Blocker


Safari

1. Open Safari and click on "Safari" in the menu bar.

safari settings

2. Select "Settings" and go to the "Websites" tab.

safari pop-up windows

3. Under "Pop-up Windows" on the left sidebar, make sure the "Block and Notify" option is selected.



Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.

chrome settings

2. Go to "Settings" and click on "Privacy and security" in the left sidebar.

chrome privacy and security settings

3. Choose "Site settings" in Privacy and security section.

chrome privacy and security

3. Scroll down to "Content" section and select "Pop-ups and redirects" and select "Don't allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects."

chrome pop-ups and redirects


Edge

1. Launch Edge and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select "Reset Settings."


Ege settings Profile window


2. Go to the "Cookies and Site Permissions" section and click on "Pop-ups and redirects."

Edge setting Cookies, and site permissions window


3. Under "Cookies and site permissions," click on "Pop-ups and redirects" and toggle the switch to block pop-ups.

Edge Pop-ups and redirects window



Chibitek: Your Trusted IT Support Partner

If you encounter any difficulties or need further assistance in resolving browser hijacking and pop-up issues on macOS and Windows systems using Safari, Chrome, and Edge, don't hesitate to contact Chibitek. We are a reputable IT support provider that offers best-in-class solutions to keep your browsing experience secure and hassle-free.


To learn more about Chibitek's services or to request assistance, visit our website at www.chibitek.com or reach out to us at support@chibitek.com. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in resolving browser-related issues and ensuring a safe online environment.


Partner with Chibitek today and experience the peace of mind that comes with reliable IT support for resolving browser hijacking and pop-ups on Safari, Chrome, and Edge.

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