Many users experience the frustrating issue of their default search engine being changed to Yahoo without their consent. This usually happens due to browser hijackers, which are unwanted software programs or extensions that alter your browser’s settings to redirect searches through a different engine, like Yahoo. Although Yahoo is a legitimate search engine, having your browser hijacked by third-party software can compromise your browsing experience and privacy. In this guide, we’ll cover three effective methods to remove Yahoo Search from the Chrome browser and restore your preferred search engine settings.
Why Does Chrome Keep Using Yahoo Search?
Yahoo Search may take over as your default search engine due to various reasons:
– Unwanted browser extensions or add-ons that change your search engine settings.
– Malware or browser hijackers installed on your device.
– A third-party program that installed Yahoo Search as a default during its setup.
Once this happens, it can be challenging to revert your Chrome settings back to normal. However, with the right steps, you can remove Yahoo Search and prevent it from returning.
1. Remove Yahoo Search via Chrome Settings
The simplest way to remove Yahoo Search is to manually change your search engine settings back to your preferred option, such as Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo.
Steps:
1. Open Chrome: Launch your Chrome browser.
2. Go to Settings: Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
3. Access Search Engine Options: Scroll down to the Search engine section. You’ll see your current search engine, which is likely set to Yahoo.
4. Change the Default Search Engine: Click on the Search engine used in the address bar dropdown menu, and select your preferred search engine (e.g., Google).
5. Remove Yahoo Search: To prevent Yahoo from returning, click Manage search engines and site search. Under Search engines, locate Yahoo and click the three-dot menu next to it. Select Remove from list.
After following these steps, Yahoo Search should no longer appear as your default search engine. If it continues to reappear, you may have a more serious issue involving browser hijackers.
2. Disable or Remove Suspicious Extensions
Browser extensions are often the culprits behind unwanted changes in search engine settings. Some extensions, especially those downloaded from untrustworthy sources, can override your Chrome preferences and force Yahoo Search as the default option.
Steps:
1. Open Chrome: Open your Chrome browser.
2. Go to Extensions: Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, go to More tools, and select Extensions.
3. Check for Unwanted Extensions: Look through the list of installed extensions and disable or remove any unfamiliar or suspicious extensions. Extensions with vague names or those you don’t remember installing are potential culprits.
4. Disable the Extension: Toggle the switch next to the suspicious extension to disable it. To remove it completely, click Remove.
Once you disable or remove the problematic extension, restart Chrome and check if the Yahoo Search issue persists. If it’s resolved, the rogue extension was the source of the problem.
3. Scan for Malware and Browser Hijackers
If changing Chrome’s settings and disabling extensions doesn’t remove Yahoo Search, your system may be infected with malware or a browser hijacker. These malicious programs can change your browser settings without your permission and are often bundled with free software or downloaded from untrusted websites.
Steps:
1. Run Chrome’s Built-in Cleanup Tool:
– Chrome has a built-in malware detection and cleanup tool.
– Open Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Clean up computer.
– Click Find to allow Chrome to scan for any harmful software that could be affecting your browser.
2. Use Anti-Malware Software:
– Download and run a reputable anti-malware program, such as Malwarebytes or HitmanPro.
– Perform a full system scan to detect and remove any malware or browser hijackers that could be causing the issue.
3. Reset Chrome Settings:
– If you suspect your browser settings have been deeply altered, you can reset Chrome to its default settings. Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.
– This will reset Chrome’s settings to their factory state, removing any hijacked configurations but keeping your bookmarks and saved passwords intact.
The Yahoo Search issue in Chrome is usually caused by browser hijackers, unwanted extensions, or malware, but it can be easily resolved by following these three methods. Start by changing your default search engine settings in Chrome, removing any suspicious extensions, and scanning for malware. If the problem persists, resetting Chrome to its default state should fix the issue. To prevent future occurrences, always be cautious when installing free software or browser extensions, and regularly scan your system for malware to keep your browsing experience secure and trouble-free.
