“Yahoo Search redirect virus” is a term that web users commonly think of if there is a sudden change on their browser’s homepage in which the said search engine becomes the default setting. The same thing is also regarded by web users after seeing that the homepage is taken over by Search.yahoo.com or search inquiries are redirected to this service. This is an incorrect designation or merely a false allegation. Claiming that overriding the default homepage and new tab preferences is a Yahoo Search redirect virus defames the company’s brand and integrity.
Unexpectedly seeing Yahoo Search redirects on the browser’s homepage and new tab window does not mean that the computer is already infected with a virus. In fact, even if there is an unwanted modification of preferences, it is not right to conclude that the cause is a Yahoo Search redirect virus or some sort of malware infection. The truth is, this alteration is due to the installation of potentially unwanted program (PUP) or Adware that are not as critically hazardous as computer viruses. The category covers freeware and third-party apps that normally get installed on the computer in a discrete manner or without the user’s full knowledge.
Is it Really a Yahoo Search Redirect Virus?
First and foremost, we must emphasize that Yahoo is a prominent company, and Yahoo Search is one of the most popular search engine to date, second only to Google Search. For this reason, most freeware makers as well as PUP and Adware developers are utilizing Yahoo Custom Search whenever they create apps that mean to override homepages on internet browser programs. Obviously, the company itself is unaware that cybercrooks are exploiting the custom search for their own fraudulent deeds. Hence, rest assured that Yahoo will carry out immediate actions to reprimand bad software developers and might as well block them from using the custom search.
Things that will make you unexpectedly see Yahoo Search redirect on the browser includes:
- Installation of malicious browser extension to Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
- Installation of software bundles that causes unwanted browser changes
- Clicking on pop-up links that automatically downloads and execute scripts
- Misleading ads that provides “Allow” or similar buttons, which maliciously changes browser settings
From the given sources above, it is clear that most browser modifications that cause Yahoo Search redirects are without Yahoo’s influence. Individual applet and software developers are the ones who decide to deliberately redirect the browser to Yahoo Search after program installation. As a matter of fact, other adware creators prefer to redirect the internet software to Google or Bing search. It is just a matter of how they design the app and what it can execute once installed on the browser.
The main reason for getting redirected to Yahoo Search is mainly because these adware creators need to generate online revenue through search results. Moreover, one reason adware makers are fond of redirecting homepages and new tabs to Yahoo Search is because they find it easier to modify this custom search to reflect their own advertising scheme.
Therefore, it is clear that it is adware makers prerogative why we are seeing Yahoo Search redirect on the homepage and new tab in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Hence, the integration process calls for the user’s intervention, whether through software installation, browser extensions, or scripts.
So the straightforward response, if the overtaking of the homepage is really a Yahoo Search redirect virus, would be “No“. It is unfair to blame the legitimate Yahoo Search for any unnecessary changes in the browser because it is the carelessness of web users themselves. If only they were cautious in acquiring free programs and were very vigilant about the software they were installing, there would be no issue with the Yahoo Search redirect virus.
Avoiding the so-called Yahoo Search Redirect Virus
We clearly stated that the cause of redirecting the homepage to Yahoo Search is mainly due to unsolicited browser changes carried out by the installation of PUP’s or Adware. So, to prevent the homepage or new tab from being redirected to Yahoo Search, please follow these tips:
- Avoid downloading programs from suspicious websites.
- Do not click the links to intrusive pop-up ads and redirects.
- Run software installation in ‘Custom’ mode to see if there are surplus apps to exclude.
- Never install pirated or cracked programs.
- Keep away from Torrent sites and distrusted file-sharing networks.
- And lastly, install legitimate security applications that provide real-time protection.
Yahoo Search Redirect Removal Procedure for PC
Below is a systematic instruction that is very useful in getting rid of the potentially unwanted program (PUP) from compromised Windows computer. Aside from removing the malicious browser extension, this guide is also helpful in deleting internet hijacker and pop-ups.
In order to totally eliminate the threat, it is vital to follow the process in exact manner.
Remove Yahoo Search Redirect from the PC by executing the steps below. Procedure for Mac is also available.
Quick Fix - Scan the PC with Combo Cleaner for Windows
Combo Cleaner is a trusted PC security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of adware like Yahoo Search Redirect through this procedure.
1. Download the application from the following page:
2. Save the file to your preferred location.
3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.
4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.
5. The tool will update the signature file; please wait for this process to complete.
6. To begin checking for threats like Yahoo Search Redirect, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.
7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete Yahoo Search Redirect hijacker, including all malicious objects from the computer.
Free features of Combo Cleaner for Windows include Disk Cleaner, Big Files finder, Duplicate files finder, and Uninstaller. To use antivirus, privacy scanner, and to delete identified threats, users have to upgrade to a premium version.
Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the threat and malicious items linked to it.
Step 1 : Delete Yahoo Search Redirect or Suspicious Browser Extension
Most adware and unwanted programs use an application called a "browser extension" to be able to take over the settings of internet applications. Therefore, we highly recommend checking and removing the extension that is closely related to Yahoo Search Redirect. If it is not present, look for and delete any suspicious browser extension.
Remove the Yahoo Search Redirect Extension from Google Chrome
1. Open your Google Chrome browser.
2. Type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar and press Enter on the keyboard.
3. Find Yahoo Search Redirect or any relevant entry and remove it from the Google Chrome browser.
Uninstall the Yahoo Search Redirect Extension from Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. Type about:addons in the address bar and press Enter on the keyboard.
3. Choose Extensions from the sidebar menu.
4. Look for an object that pertains to Yahoo Search Redirect and remove it from the browser.
After deleting the malicious browser extension, it is expected that pop-ups and other troubles will be gone from the internet browser.
Remove Yahoo Search Redirect from Microsoft Windows and Edge Browser
1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key + R and then, type the appwiz.cpl command.
2. The Program and Features window will open. Arrange the list in a chronological manner, with recently installed applications on top. To do this, click on the 'Installed On' column.
3. Select Yahoo Search Redirect or a recently installed unwanted entry. Then, click on Uninstall to remove it from the Windows system.
If Yahoo Search Redirect is still present on the browser and there are still homepage and pop-ups, another option is to remove the browser hijacker from the browser settings.
4. Open the Microsoft Edge program.
5. Input edge://extensions/ in the URL bar and press Enter on the keyboard.
6. Look for and Remove or Disable entries for Yahoo Search Redirect from the Installed Extensions area. Additionally, delete the same object from the Search Providers section by executing the Hijacker Removal Procedure for Edge.
7. Close the window and restart Microsoft Edge.
Step 2 : Scan the computer with Sophos Antivirus
To remove Yahoo Search Redirect automatically, scanning the computer with this powerful virus and malware removal tool is recommended. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware; it is also effective in discovering browser hijacker like Yahoo Search Redirect.
1. Download the Sophos Virus Removal Tool from the link below. Save the file on your computer where you can easily access it.
2. Once the download completes, browse the location of the file. Double-click to run the program and begin the installation process.
3. On the first window of the installation wizard, click Next to continue. Then, it will display the program’s License Agreement. You need to Accept the terms in order to proceed. If Windows prompts for User Account Control, please click Yes to proceed.
4. On succeeding windows, click Next or Continue to carry on with the installation. After completing the installation process, Launch the Sophos Virus Removal Tool.
5. An internet connection is required when running this scanner in order to download important updates. Make sure that everything is up-to-date to effectively remove browser hijacker like Yahoo Search Redirect.
6. Click the button to carry out the Scan. This will check the system for the presence of malicious objects, malware, and viruses. The tool reveals items that were found linked to Yahoo Search Redirect and other suspicious entities. Be sure to remove all identified threats.
The above procedures should have totally eliminated the Yahoo Search Redirect browser hijacker. However, if you find that there are still remnants of the threat, please proceed to the succeeding procedures below.
Step 3 : Scan and Delete Browser Hijacker with AdwCleaner
In addition to the procedure, we suggest scanning the computer with the AdwCleaner tool. Possibly, there are some traces of Yahoo Search Redirect on the browser that were not deleted during the preceding steps. This tool will scan the computer and check for the presence of malicious applications as well as invalid browser entries that produce annoying pop-ups.
1. Follow the link below to download the tool called AdwCleaner.
2. When the download has completed, please close all running programs on the computer, especially browsers affected by Yahoo Search Redirect.
3. Browse to the location of the downloaded file and double-click on adwcleaner_Ver.exe to start running the tool. Then, click on the Scan button.
4. AdwCleaner searches the computer for malicious programs, extensions, plug-ins, adware, and any items that may be associated with Yahoo Search Redirect. It will also check for suspicious entries in browser settings.
5. Clean or Remove all suspicious and harmful items identified after the thorough scan.
6. After the cleanup procedure, rebooting the computer is required to finalize the removal of the detected threats.
In addition to the procedures above, resetting the affected browser program and clearing the cache are extra methods to completely eliminate Yahoo Search Redirect. You can execute the guide on resetting internet browser below.
Procedures to Remove Yahoo Search Redirect from Mac
This section contains comprehensive guide for Mac users. It will help you remove the subject malicious browser extension from internet software. In the same manner, the procedure is helpful in stopping redirects, pop-ups, and browser hijacking activities.
Procedures on this page are written in a manner that can be easily understand and execute by Mac users.
To remove Yahoo Search Redirect from Mac, follow the steps below. Procedure for PC is also available.
- Quick Fix : Scan the Mac computer with the Combo Cleaner.
- Step 1 : Uninstall Yahoo Search Redirect from the Applications folder.
- Step 2 : Remove malicious browser extensions.
- Step 3 : Delete Yahoo Search Redirect files from your Mac computer.
- Step 4 : Run another scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
- Step 5 : Delete Login items associated with Yahoo Search Redirect.
- Optional : Manually reset internet browser settings.
Quick Fix - Scan the Mac Computer with Combo Cleaner
Combo Cleaner is a trusted Mac utility application with complete antivirus and optimization features. It is useful in dealing with adware, malware, and PUP's. Moreover, it can get rid of malicious browser extension like Yahoo Search Redirect that is responsible for displaying unknown homepage and pop-ups.
To quickly remove Yahoo Search Redirect without going through the complicated process, please click on the button to download the removal tool. You may need to purchase full version if you require to maximize its premium features.
Proceed with the rest of the removal steps if you are comfortable manually removing malicious objects associated with the threat. The following guides are also vital in deleting malicious items from the browser configuration.
Step 1 : Delete Yahoo Search Redirect from Mac Applications
1. Go to Finder.
2. On the menu, click Go and then, select Applications from the list to open Applications Folder.
3. Find Yahoo Search Redirect or any unwanted program.
4. Drag Yahoo Search Redirect to Trash Bin to delete the application from Mac.
5. Right-click on Trash icon and click on Empty Trash.
Step 2 : Remove Browser Extensions that belongs to Yahoo Search Redirect
1. Locate the add-on or extension that is relevant to the hijacker. To do this, please follow the following depending on affected browser.
Safari - Choose Preferences from the Safari menu, then click the Extensions icon. This will open a window showing all installed extensions.
Chrome - Select Preferences from the Chrome menu, and then click the Extensions link found on the left pane.
Firefox - Choose Add-ons from the Menu. Look at both the Extensions and Plug-ins lists when it opens a new window.
2. Once you have located Yahoo Search Redirect or any relevant item, click on Remove or Uninstall, to get rid of it.
3. Close the browser and proceed to the next steps.
Step 3 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed Yahoo Search Redirect
1. Select and copy the string below to your Clipboard by pressing Command + C on your keyboard.
~/Library/LaunchAgents
2. Go to your Finder. From the menu bar please select Go > Go to Folder...
3. Press Command + V on your keyboard to paste the copied string. Press Return to go to the said folder.
4. You will now see a folder named LaunchAgents. Take note of the following files inside the folder:
- unknown.download.plist
- unknown.ltvbit.plist
- unknown.update.plist
- com.unknown
The term unknown is just a representation of the actual malware name. It is normally an unfamiliar file name such as the following:
- Genieo, InstallMac, WebEx
On some occassions, the malware is represented by a domain name that is closely related to the subject. Like in this case, it can be Yahoo Search Redirect with associated .com, .net, .org, and so on .
If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing Yahoo Search Redirect to be present on your Mac. Arranging all items to see the most latest ones may also help you identify recently installed unfamiliar files. Please press Option + Command + 4 on your keyboard to arrange the application list in chronological order.
Important: Take note of all the suspicious files as you may also delete the same item on another folder as we go on.
5. Drag all suspicious files that you may find to Trash.
6. Please restart the computer.
7. Open another folder using the same method as above. Copy and Paste the following string to easily locate the folder.
~/Library/Application Support
8. Look for any suspicious items that are similar to the ones in Step 4. Drag them to the Trash.
9. Repeat the process on the following non-hidden folders (without ~):
/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/Application Support
/Library/Preferences
Optional : For locked files that cannot be removed, do the following:
1. Go to Launchpad and open Activity Monitor (Under Utilities or Other Folder).
2. Select the process you want to quit.
3. Click on Force Quit button.
4. You may now delete or remove locked files that belongs to Yahoo Search Redirect browser extension or homepage hijacker.
Step 4 : Double-check with MBAM Tool for Mac
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac from the link below.
2. Run Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac. It will check for updates and download if most recent version is available. This is necessary in finding recent malware threats including the Yahoo Search Redirect malware and browser hijacker and pop-up provider.
3. If it prompts to close all running web browser, please do so. Thus, we advise you to PRINT this guide for your reference before going offline.
4. Once it opens the user interface, please click on Scan button to start scanning your Mac computer.
5. After the scan, Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac will display a list of identified threats, Yahoo Search Redirect is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click Remove button to clean the computer.
Step 5 : Delete Yahoo Search Redirect Login Items
Some browser hijacker may also install login item into compromised account under System Preferences. This object automatically runs Yahoo Search Redirect during user log in.
1. Go to Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
2. Select Users & Groups from the preferences window.
3. You may need to Unlock this area in order to make changes. Click on the Lock icon on lower left corner of the window.
4. Next, select user account that runs Yahoo Search Redirect.
5. Click on Login Items tab.
6. Select Yahoo Search Redirect, , or any suspicious entries from the list and click on the minus [-] button and confirm your actions. Please see image below for reference.
Optional : If unable to change browser settings, execute these steps:
Some user complains that there is no way to change browser settings because it is grayed out by Yahoo Search Redirect. In such situation, it is important to check if there is unwanted profile. Please do the following:
1. Quit any running applications and launch System Preferences from your Dock.
2. Under System Preferences, click Profiles.
3. Select , Yahoo Search Redirect or any relevant profile from the left pane. See image below.
4. At the bottom of this window, click minus [-] button to delete the account. Please refer to image above.
5. Close the Profiles window and open the affected browser to change all settings associated with Yahoo Search Redirect.
There's More... Reset Internet Browser Apps (PC and Mac)
Cleaning your internet browser from clutter and unwanted add-on/extension is a must when dealing with Yahoo Search Redirect. The procedure below discusses on resetting various browsers to their default state.
Restore Google Chrome to Default Settings
Resetting Google Chrome to its default settings is helpful in deleting hard-to-remove extensions, such as Yahoo Search Redirect. This method is highly advisable to perform if you have difficulty removing unwanted extensions.
1. Open the Google Chrome internet browser.
2. On the address bar, type chrome://settings/reset and press the Enter key.
3. Click on Reset Settings on the sidebar and choose Restore settings to their original defaults.
4. On the confirmation window, click the Reset settings button to clear all entries for Yahoo Search Redirect.
5. Close the existing tab and restart Google Chrome. That should have removed the Yahoo Search Redirect extension and associated objects.
Reset Mozilla Firefox to Default
This section describes how to remove unwanted extensions from Firefox that may be related to Yahoo Search Redirect. This process can fix many browser issues by restoring Firefox to factory settings without affecting your essential information (bookmarks, browsing history, passwords, and Internet cookies) on the browser. If you desire to remove only a specific extension, please see the manual removal of add-ons from Firefox.
1. Input the string about:support on the Firefox web address and press Enter on the keyboard.
2. You will now see the Troubleshooting Information page of Mozilla Firefox.
3. You will notice a section in the upper-right corner of the screen stating, Give Firefox a tune-up. Click the Refresh Firefox button.
4. If a confirmation window appears, click Refresh Firefox to continue.
5. Firefox browser will close and start the resetting process. When done, it will display a list of restored data. Yahoo Search Redirect should be gone by now. Click Finish to open a fresh version of Firefox.
Restore Microsoft Edge to Default Settings
1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. On the address bar, please input edge://settings/reset and press Enter on the keyboard.
3. Once you are on the Reset Settings page, click on Restore settings to their default values.
4. A confirmation window will appear; click on the Reset button to continue.
Your data, like favorites, bookmarks, and history, will remain in the browser. However, this process will delete add-ons by Yahoo Search Redirect and other unknown objects.
Clear the Safari Internet Browser (Mac)
1. Open your Safari browser application.
2. In the Safari menu, click on Preferences from the drop-down list.
3. On the Preferences window, please select the Privacy tab.
4. Click on the Manage Website Data button.
5. Select an unwanted entry, like Yahoo Search Redirect and click the Remove button. If you choose to Remove All, you may be logged out of your most visited websites and online services. Therefore, we advise removing suspicious items one at a time to prevent changing your behavior towards your favorite websites.
6. If it prompts you, please confirm your actions.
7. Next, we will need to clear the Cache. Back in the Safari Preferences window, choose the Advanced tab.
8. Navigate to the bottom and activate the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
9. Go to the Safari menu, choose Develop from the drop-down list, and click on Empty Caches.
10. The next thing to do is restore the Homepage to your preference and remove the one from Yahoo Search Redirect.
11. Back in the Safari Preferences window, click on the General tab.
12. Under the Homepage section, type your desired URL to be the default start-up page.
13. Lastly, make sure to have the right Search Engine.
14. Go back to the Safari Preferences window and click on the Search tab.
15. Select your desired Search tool under the Search Engine section.
16. You may now restart the Safari browser.
Thanks Chona, this worked on my MacBook.