Chrome opening taboo tabs instead of google

Title: Troubleshooting Browser Hijacking: Why Google Chrome Keeps Redirecting to Yahoo and How to Fix It

The internet is a vast network that’s essential to our daily operations, whether for casual browsing, professional research, or simple communication. Yet, it’s not uncommon to encounter issues that disrupt our normal activity. One such issue is the phenomenon of Chrome redirects, where new tabs open to unexpected websites like Yahoo instead of your intended Google search. If you’ve experienced similar issues, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll delve deep into understanding why this happens, and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to resolve it.

Understanding Browser Hijacking

Browser hijacking occurs when unwanted Software alters a web browser’s settings without the user’s consent. This type of Software is often classified as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and can be a nuisance at best or a major privacy risk at worst. It frequently manifests itself by changing the default search engine, homepage, or new tab page settings and redirecting the user to other websites—often laden with ads or even more malicious Software.

Common Symptoms of Browser Hijacking

1. Redirection to Unintended Websites: If your default search engine settings suddenly change or your browser redirects you to different search engines, such as Yahoo, it’s a clear indicator of a browser hijacker.

2. Unexpected Toolbars or Extensions: Sometimes, additional browser extensions might appear on Chrome, which you never installed.

3. Homepages Alterations: Your browser’s homepage might switch to an unknown site, or you may find it filled with ads or pop-ups.

4. Slow Performance: Excessive ads and extensions can slow down browser performance.

5. Pop-Ups and Ads: A sudden increase in the number of pop-ups and intrusive advertisements.

How Browser Hijacking Occurs

Browser hijacking can happen through various methods, including:

• Software Bundling: Often, legitimate-looking software that you download may come bundled with PUPs. If you don’t pay close attention during the installation process (i.e., avoid advanced/custom installation options), unwanted extensions and changes may be authorized without your knowledge.

• Malicious Extensions: Certain browser extensions, even from reputable stores, could harbor unwanted capabilities that cause unwanted redirections.

• Dead Links and Phishing: Clicking on unsafe links or email attachments could allow malware to install on your system.

Why Does Your Chrome Redirect to Yahoo?

When Chrome opens Yahoo instead of Google, it might be due to:

1. Changed Default Settings: A hijacker may have altered your Chrome settings, designating Yahoo as the default search engine.

2. Malicious Extensions: The presence of extensions that may redirect your browsing attempts to third-party search engines.

3. Corrupt Profiles: Occasionally, creating a new user profile in Chrome resolves persistent issues caused by corrupt user data.

How to Fix Chrome Redirect Issues

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rectify Chrome redirect problems:

Step 1: Verify and Adjust Chrome Settings

• Access Settings: Open Google Chrome, go to the three-dot menu at the top right corner, and click on “Settings”.

• Default Search Engine: Go to “Search engine” in the left sidebar and make sure Google is set as the default search engine. If Yahoo is listed, click on “Manage search engines”, remove Yahoo, and set Google as the default.

• Startup Pages: In “On startup”, ensure either “Open the New Tab page” or specific pages you’ve chosen are set (without unknown URLs).

Step 2: Remove Malicious Extensions

• Navigate to Extensions: Click on the three-dot menu, hover over “More tools”, and select “Extensions”.

• Identify and Remove Unwanted Extensions: Look through the installed extensions for anything unfamiliar including those that you didn’t intentionally add. Disable potentially harmful extensions you identify from this list by clicking on the toggle, or remove them entirely.

Step 3: Conduct a Malware Scan

1. Use Built-In Chrome Clean Up Tool: Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Clean up computer. This tool can find and remove unwanted software, which may include browser hijackers.

2. Utilize Trusted Anti-Malware Tools: Perform a full system scan using reputable security software to catch malware that might have slipped past other defenses. Regular solutions recommended include Malwarebytes, Norton Power Eraser, and Windows Defender Antivirus.

Step 4: Reset Chrome to Default

If the problem persists, consider resetting Chrome:

• Reset Chrome Settings: Navigate to Settings > Advanced > Reset settings to their original defaults. Note that this will restore the default search engine, homepage, and remove temporary data like cookies, but it won’t delete your bookmarks, history, or saved passwords.

Step 5: Create a New Chrome Profile

Sometimes, user profiles become corrupted due to various reasons. To start fresh:

• Create a New User Profile: Close Chrome, navigate to ‘%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\’ in Windows Explorer, and rename the ‘Default’ folder to ‘Backup Default’. When you reopen Chrome, a new ‘Default’ folder will be generated, effectively creating a new profile.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Future Hijacking

1. Mindful Download Practices: Always download software from trusted sources and be vigilant during installation. Watch for bundled software and opt for ‘custom’ installations that allow you to uncheck unwanted items.

2. Extension Management: Regularly review your installed extensions and remove those that seem suspect or unnecessary.

3. Robust Security Software: Ensure you have a real-time security suite installed that catches threats as they arise.

4. System Updates: Regularly update your browser and operating system to safeguard against vulnerabilities.

5. Educate Yourself on Phishing: Become familiar with recognizing phishing schemes and malware delivery tactics to reduce risks.

Conclusion

Browser hijacking is an inconvenience that disrupts our otherwise fluid digital experiences. By understanding the causes and implementing proactive measures, unnecessary redirects like those from Google Chrome to Yahoo can be effectively managed. With this comprehensive guide, your browsing should once again be a secure, streamlined process, free from the frustrations of unsolicited redirections. Remember, vigilance in browsing habits and regular maintenance of your browser’s settings and extensions is the cornerstone of a safe internet journey.