[Fixed] Yahoo Keeps Replacing Google As My Browser

[Fixed] Yahoo Keeps Replacing Google As My Browser

/ James Masterson

Yahoo Search is a popular search engine that provides users relevant search results, news, and other content. However, some users may want to remove Yahoo Search from their Chrome browser. This may be because they prefer a different search engine or accidentally installed Yahoo Search as their default one.

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Whatever the reason, removing Yahoo Search from Chrome is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. In this article, we will guide you through the steps you need to take to remove Yahoo Search from your Chrome browser.

If your browser directs you to Yahoo instead of Google, it could be a sign of malware, commonly called a browser hijacker. Malware can be installed on your computer without your knowledge and can change your browser settings.

Normally, when you install Google Chrome, Google automatically becomes your default search engine. Therefore, if your settings haven’t been altered and you are experiencing these redirects, there may be a problem with your internet browser.

What Is the Yahoo Redirect Virus?

If your default search engine redirects to Yahoo, it could be a sign that your browser is infected with the Yahoo search redirect virus – a browser hijacker, considered malware. This potentially unwanted application (PUA) can modify your browser settings without your knowledge or consent, changing your default search engine, homepage, and new tab URLs.

Browser hijackers are not useful because accessing and using Yahoo is already free. Instead, some hijackers redirect users to sites filled with ads, where the hacker generates revenue from clicks. In more serious cases, hijackers can install malware to spy on your browsing activity and collect personal information about you. This information is then used to create personalized ads or, in rare cases, even lead to identity theft.

Removing browser hijackers as soon as possible is essential to prevent potential harm.

Other Reasons Why Yahoo Keeps Replacing Google

There could be several reasons why Yahoo keeps replacing Google as your browser. Here are five possible reasons:

  • Default Search Engine: Your browser settings may be set to use Yahoo as the default search engine. This means that when you type a search query into the address or search bar, the results will come from Yahoo rather than Google. You can change this setting in your browser’s options or preferences.
  • Browser Extensions: You may have installed a browser extension that changes your search engine to Yahoo. Extensions can be useful, but some may have hidden agendas or be malicious. You can check your extensions list and remove any you don’t need or trust.
  • Automatic Updates: Sometimes, browser updates can cause changes to your default search engine or homepage. Check your browser settings after updating to ensure your preferred search engine and homepage are still selected.

Quick and Easy Ways to resolve this issue

Run Security Checkup in Windows and Chrome

It’s important to check for any potential threats on your computer, such as browser hijackers or harmful files. You can easily use the Windows Security Scanner to detect and remove these files. Here’s how to do it:

1. In the Windows search bar, key in Windows Security.

2. Choose Virus and threat protection from the left sidebar options.

3. Click Quick Scan to automatically scan your system for potential threats.

defender quick scan

The scanner will detect any harmful files and rate their severity. You can choose to remove them by clicking on Take Action.

If you don’t have a Windows device, or if the problem persists, use Chrome’s built-in PC cleanup tool to identify programs that may interfere with your browser’s performance. Here’s how to run the cleanup:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Advanced from the left sidebar and navigate to System.
  3. Click on Clean up computer and press Find to detect any harmful programs.
clean up computer in chrome

Restore Default Browser Settings

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots at the top-right corner of the screen.

chrome settings

2. Click on Advanced.

Chrome Advanced Settings

3. Under Reset and Cleanup, choose “Restore settings to their original defaults.”

restore chrome settings

4. Click on Reset settings on the following prompt.

reset chrome settings

5. Relaunch your browser.

Disable Any Yahoo Extensions and Programs

It is possible that outdated extensions that developers do not properly maintain can become infected and cause redirects to the Yahoo search engine while browsing in Chrome. While it can be challenging to filter out shady extensions with the help of reviews and active users, you can start by uninstalling all extensions powered by Yahoo.

uninstall yahoo

If the problem persists, disable the remaining extensions temporarily to confirm whether one of them is causing the issue. If extensions are not the cause, try uninstalling any Yahoo-powered search-related programs on your system. To do this, navigate to the Control Panel and click on Programs and Features. Then, search for Yahoo in the search bar and right-click on Search the Web (Yahoo) to uninstall it.

Remember that this program may have a different name depending on your device. Search Provided by Yahoo is another common name for this type of program, backed by Yahoo.

Restart Your PC in Safe Mode

To solve critical errors, boot your Windows 10 PC in Safe Mode. This environment runs only system and essential programs, disabling any applications that might run automatically on your system.

Set Google to Open at Startup

Although not a foolproof solution, setting Google to open automatically upon startup can help you search quickly in the Google search engine, even if your default search engine is Yahoo. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Chrome’s Settings > On Startup (found on the left side of the screen).

2. Update the “Open a New Tab page setting” to “Open a specific page or set of pages”.

3. Add Google to the field below and press Enter.

add google on startup

Remember that this solution only works when you start the browser, and every new tab will still open in your default search engine. Therefore, this solution is limited. Let’s move on to a more complicated solution to resolve the issue permanently.

Delete Any Temporary Files

A commonly overlooked solution that can often resolve the issue is clearing all temporary files, which serve no purpose other than occupying space on your computer.

To remove these files, access the Run command by pressing the Win + R keys, then type %temp% and click OK.

run temp folder command

You will be directed to the temporary files folder. Press CTRL + A to select all files and then delete them. You should also empty your trash to ensure they don’t return.

select all temp files and delete them 1

Reset Chrome and Clear the Cache

If you’re still experiencing the issue of being redirected to the Yahoo search engine while using Chrome, it could be due to a misconfiguration or cached data. Resetting Chrome to its default settings and clearing the cache might solve this. To do so,

1. Press the CTRL + H keys on your keyboard.

2. Click on “Clear browsing data”.

3. Tick the boxes for Cached images, files, Cookies, and other site data ON.

4. Click on “Clear data”.

clear browsing data all time

To restore Chrome to its default settings, go to Chrome settings, select the Advanced menu on the left-hand side, and then click on Reset and Clean up. Please choose the first option, Restore settings to their original defaults, and click Reset Settings.

chrome reset settings

Remove Unwanted Extensions

Web extensions that you’ve unintentionally installed can sometimes cause redirects. You can check your extensions and choose to disable or remove them. However, if you find any malicious extensions, it’s best to remove them entirely.

1. Click the three dots (“⋮”) in the upper-right corner of Chrome. Hover over to “More Tools” to open an option list, and from there, select “Extensions.”

chrome

2. Click “Remove” for any extensions you don’t recognize.

How to Remove Yahoo Search From Chrome?

You can remove Yahoo Search from Chrome if Yahoo keeps popping up as your default web browser. It is necessary to locate and remove the browser hijacker responsible for the issue.

1. Open the Chrome browser.

2. Click on the three dots at the top-right corner of the screen to access the Settings menu.

chrome settings

3. From the left-hand pane, select the Search engine option.

chrome search engine settings

4. Choose the search engine of your choice from the drop-down list.

change chrome search engine to google

5. Now, select the Manage search engines option.

6. Hover over the three dots next to Yahoo and choose Delete.

delete yahoo in chrome search engine

Take Control of Your Browser: Stop Yahoo From Replacing Google as Your Search Engine

A hijacked browser may disrupt your usual browsing habits and take time to fix. It is important to remember that several factors could be causing this problem, and it may require trial and error to determine the underlying cause. By taking the time to investigate and find a solution, you can regain control of your browsing experience and use the search engine that best meets your needs.

James Masterson
Meet the author

James is a software engineer and an information architect with a keen eye for detail. Among his key interests are enhancing the usability of our Windows 10 content, troubleshooting errors, and tech news.