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Start by reviewing your browser’s extension list, then disable or remove extensions you do not recognize or trust. If unwanted changes or other symptoms remain, use the browser’s reset or diagnostic tools; if they persist after that, scan the computer with reputable security software. A browser reset changes browser settings—it is not a full malware scan of your device.
1. Review your installed extensions
Open the browser’s extensions page and inspect each installed item. Check its name, publisher, purpose, and permissions. An unfamiliar extension is not automatically malicious, but remove or disable one if you cannot verify that you want it or trust its publisher. Menus can vary by browser version, and an organization may manage some settings or extensions.
Be cautious about extensions that request access beyond what their function seems to require. Review permissions before installing anything new, especially when installing from a store other than the browser’s own store.
Chrome
Open Chrome’s extension management page from the browser menu and review the installed extensions. Remove items you do not want or recognize. Menu labels may change, so use the extension controls shown in your current Chrome version.
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Microsoft Edge
Choose Extensions, then Manage extensions, and switch off an extension to disable it. To remove one, use its extension icon or More actions menu and select Remove from Microsoft Edge. Microsoft notes that extensions can affect the default search engine, new tab page, and site preferences; disable or remove an extension that appears to be changing settings unexpectedly. See Microsoft’s Edge extension instructions and its guidance on why Edge may turn off extensions. If an add-on on the Edge Add-ons site violates policy or contains malware, use its Report abuse option.
Firefox
Open Firefox’s Add-ons and themes manager to review extensions. To test whether extensions are behind a problem without removing them, use Troubleshoot Mode as described below.
2. Test whether an extension is causing the problem
Firefox: use Troubleshoot Mode first
Firefox Troubleshoot Mode temporarily disables extensions and makes other diagnostic changes. If the symptoms stop in this mode, an extension or another factor disabled by Troubleshoot Mode may be involved; re-enable or investigate items one at a time to narrow down the cause. Troubleshoot Mode is diagnostic, not a cleanup that permanently removes extensions. Follow Mozilla’s Troubleshoot Mode instructions.
Chrome and Edge: disable suspicious extensions
Turn off extensions you do not trust and check whether the unwanted behavior stops. If it does, remove the extension rather than leaving it enabled. If the problem continues with suspicious extensions disabled, proceed to the relevant browser reset or device-level checks.
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3. Reset browser settings when unwanted changes remain
Use a reset when settings such as the search engine, homepage, startup pages, or new-tab behavior have changed and you cannot restore them reliably. A reset can remove customizations, so it is more disruptive than temporarily disabling an extension.
Chrome: restore original defaults
- Open Chrome and choose Settings.
- Choose Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their original defaults, then confirm.
Google says this restores selected defaults and affects settings including the default search engine, homepage and startup tabs, new-tab page, pinned tabs, content settings, cookies and site data, extensions, and themes. Bookmarks and saved passwords are not deleted or changed. Some settings, such as fonts and accessibility settings, are not removed; Google cautions, “These steps won’t provide a full reset.” Read Google’s Chrome reset details before proceeding. Google also advises checking the computer for unwanted programs before resetting Chrome.
Firefox: refresh only if a temporary test is not enough
Refresh Firefox is more disruptive than Troubleshoot Mode. Mozilla says it removes extensions and themes, extension data, and preference configurations. Consider it only after understanding that those add-ons and custom settings will need to be restored or configured again. See Mozilla’s Refresh Firefox instructions.
Edge: review extensions and settings rather than assuming a universal reset
The cited Microsoft guidance explains how to disable or remove extensions and notes that extensions can alter browser settings. It does not establish a single reset procedure that applies to every Edge version or managed-device configuration. Start with the extension controls above and consult current Edge support materials for the settings available in your version.
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4. Scan the computer if symptoms persist
Browser cleanup and a device malware scan address different layers. Resetting browser settings does not establish that the computer is free of unwanted programs. If symptoms continue after removing suspicious extensions—or if you see signs of a broader infection—check the computer for unwanted programs and scan it with reputable security software obtained from its official website. Google’s guidance on removing unwanted ads, pop-ups, and malware recommends checking for unwanted programs; Mozilla also notes that malware can cause Firefox problems and recommends periodic scans for viruses, spyware, or other malware. Do not ignore or turn off security warnings to install or run a scanner.
5. If an extension returns or settings are locked
If an extension comes back after removal, settings are locked, or the device is managed by work or school, do not delete policy keys or browser profile files using generic instructions. Management policies and causes differ across devices, and changing them can disrupt legitimate settings. Contact the organization’s administrator or use current support instructions for the browser and operating system.
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