Browser Bleach (Removal Instructions) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Browser Bleach Removal Guide
What is Browser Bleach?
Browser Bleach – a browser hijacker collaborating with suspicious third parties
Browser Bleach is yet another potentially unwanted program (PUP)[1] that exhibits the traits typical to browser hijacker. Apart from the ability to infiltrate random PCs without requiring permission, it is also capable of initiating severe modifications of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Safari web browser’s settings.
All alterations made to these browsers lead to search results being infected with various kinds of ads. Moreover, redirects to questionable or even dangerous sites could occur out of nowhere while you're browsing the net. We don't recommend using this app, and we'll clarify why.
| Name | Browser Bleach |
| Type of malware | Browser hijacker |
| Danger level | Medium (can deliver potentially dangerous websites) |
| Symptoms | Corrupted web browser's settings (new tab URL, search site, start page), web browser's redirects, intrusive ads among search results, unusual web browser's performance |
| Distribution | Software packages (Bundling) |
| Browser types | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari |
| Elimination | You can remove this and any other cyber threats by using reliable antivirus software |
| System health check | The best way to ensure that your device runs smoothly is by using the FortectIntego system diagnostics tool |
The installation of this extension triggers unusual web browser behavior. The new tab URL and primary search engine are replaced by browserbleach.com, while the default search engine is set to Browser Bleach by default. The developer of the tool claims that the service they offer is trustworthy and valuable. The supposedly Google related search site allows:
access [to] privacy-related features from your New Tab page.
Delete tracking cookies, browse incognito, and clear your cache and history, all without digging into complicated settings menus.
However, cybersecurity experts express a different viewpoint towards this app. Based on various test results, the Browser Bleach virus might expose the system to the risk of malware infection and privacy leakage. Promised services are just tricks used to deceive as many Internet users as possible into using this third-party service.
The fundamental goal of this dubious search site is to drive visitor traffic to affiliated websites and generate pay-per-click revenue by displaying intrusive ads. Dieviren.de[2] cybersecurity experts warn that the following types of ads generated can expose you to potentially dangerous or even malicious content:
- Prize giveaways asking to participate in online surveys;
- Fake software updates;[3]
- Offers to check the system online for free;
- Ads featuring catchy slogans;
- Counterfeit warnings about Trojan, Spyware, Worm, and other infections.
Officially, Browser Bleach hijacker displays Google-based search results. However, that does not prove evidence that the results are genuine. Since this tool participates in affiliate programs, it may display links to third-party websites to generate income by redirecting people to sponsor websites.
This search can also gain profit with the help of tracking cookies. It is capable of collecting search data (browsing history, search queries, clicks, IP address, etc.). However, it may also gather personally identifiable information. The fragment from the Privacy Policy illustrates that:
Your Search Data is collected and stored and may include personally identifiable information, depending on your search query. For instance, if you search your own name, personally identifiable information would be included in the search query. By using the services, you are consenting to grant browser bleach permission to collect your URLs and search data, including search queries that may contain personally identifiable information, share them with third parties, and use search-related cookies.
To protect yourself from identity theft, you should initiate Browser Bleach removal as quickly as possible. This tool seems worthless and could only cause trouble. There are two possible methods to remove this threat from the system. One of the easiest ways to eliminate it is to run a scan with a professional anti-malware tool, like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
After that, reset the web browser’s settings to disable the Browser Bleach extension. And lastly, use the FortectIntego system diagnostics tool to take care of the overall health of your device so it doesn't crash, freeze, or exhibit any other odd behavior.
Alternatively, you can remove Browser Bleach manually. In this case, you should navigate to Programs & Features or Apps section depending on the OS type that you use and delete all suspicious/unknown entries. Anyway, it would be best if you did not forget to reset the web browser to undo the non-permitted changes.
Browser hijackers are promoted via freeware
This particular extension is promoted by several means. It can be downloaded from the official website as a free web browser extension that is supposed to enhance the browsing experience. Alternatively, people can find its installer on the official Google Chrome Web Store.
Nevertheless, the ratio of direct downloads is low. Most frequently, people get tricked into installing this app as an extra component of freeware. It may be disguised under Quick or Recommended setup of freeware installation setup and pre-marked as the default component.
Consequently, by clicking the Next button, people inadvertently permit this extension and other potentially unwanted programs to get inside the system. Luckily, there’s a way to prevent this kind of scenario. All you have to do is to monitor the installation procedure and opt-out of additional components.
Learn how to get rid of Browser Bleach virus easily
Manual and automatic – there are the two methods that can be applied to Browser Bleach removal. Neither of them requires having in-depth knowledge of IT. However, by initiating the uninstall process manually, you take the risk of skipping malware-related components.
The quickest and most reliable way to remove the article's culprit from any device is to perform a deep scan with a professional security tool. Please select one of the programs listed below and launch it. Finally, follow the steps at the end of this article to eliminate the extension from Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Browser Bleach. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Eliminate PUPs from Windows with the help of this tutorial:
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Reset Firefox to its original parameters.
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
revert changes made to your Chrome browser:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Browser Bleach registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting browser hijacker
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. PUPs Explained: What is a “Potentially Unwanted Program”?. How-To Geek. Online Tech Publisher.
- ^ Dieviren. Dieviren. German cybersecurity news.
- ^ Liam Tung. Windows Meltdown-Spectre: Watch out for fake patches that spread malware. ZDNet. 24/7 news coverage and insights.