Tech Fix

Fix: Browser keeps redirecting to ads or unknown sites

Clicking a link or opening a new tab leads to ad pages, 'You won a prize' pop-ups, or unknown search engines.

Updated regularly

Why this happens

Almost all 'redirect' problems are browser hijacks: malicious extensions, a changed default search engine, a notification permission you accidentally granted, or — less often — system-level adware.

Step-by-step solutions

1. Open chrome://extensions (or equivalent) and remove anything you don't recognize or recently installed.
2. Reset default search engine and homepage in browser settings.
3. In Settings → Site Settings → Notifications, remove any sites you don't recognize.
4. Run a reputable scanner: Microsoft Defender Offline, Malwarebytes (Free), or your antivirus's full scan.
5. Reset the browser to defaults (keeps bookmarks, removes extensions and customizations).

Advanced diagnostic steps

• Check Programs and Features (Windows) or /Applications (macOS) for unfamiliar 'browser helper' or 'search assistant' apps installed near when the issue started.
• On Windows, run AdwCleaner — purpose-built for this category.
• Check the host file (`C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts` or `/etc/hosts`) for unexpected entries.

Common mistakes

• Trusting a 'remove redirects' tool from a search ad — those are often the redirect.
• Reinstalling Chrome without removing the malicious extension first — it re-syncs from your account.

When to contact support

If the redirects are on a work device, contact IT — they can image and reissue. For personal devices, escalate to a tech-savvy friend before paying any 'computer cleaning' service.

Frequently asked questions

Will a factory reset fix this?

Usually yes for the device, but the malicious extension can re-install if it's in your synced browser profile. Sign out before resetting.

How did I get this?

Most often from a browser extension that started clean and was sold/turned malicious, or a free download bundled with adware.

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