GillCom: what it is and how to remove it

GillCom is a browser extension that has plenty of browser-hijacking characteristics. While it is known to be mostly designed for Google Chrome, other browsers that are compatible with Chrome extensions can also be affected, including the new, Chromium-based MS Edge or Opera.

Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.

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GillCom: browser hijacker extension
GillCom as our 2020 report showed it.

GillCom: summary

DistributionThe main distribution method for browser hijackers remains software bundle packages downloaded from third-party websites
DamageDue to information tracking, users might be subjected to privacy risks. Also, since PUPs are distributed via software bundles, there is a chance of other infections
NameGillCom
TypeBrowser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
IP address172.67.181.12 (fxsmash.xyz), 172.67.165.195 (websearches.club)
SymptomsOne of the main symptoms of browser hijacking is changes to the search provider, homepage, and new tab address, etc. In this particular case, no homepage alternations are performed, but users are redirected to another provider, and search results are filled with sponsored links
Removal

Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.
Show 6 more facts
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
Evidence4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
Search pagefxsmash.xyz
BrowsersChrome, Edge and Firefox
First seen4 December 2020
Facts checked6 October 2026

Is GillCom dangerous? What it collects

From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since

GillCom - browser hijacker that performs invisible changes to redirect your searches to unreliable providers

GillCom is a browser extension that has plenty of browser-hijacking characteristics.

While it is known to be mostly designed for Google Chrome, other browsers that are compatible with Chrome extensions can also be affected, including the new, Chromium-based MS Edge or Opera.

The app usually shows up on users' computers unexpectedly - they do not install the GillCom hijacker intentionally since its main distribution method is software bundling, where several optional components might be injected into a freeware installer downloaded from third-party sources.

Once installed, the extension performs several changes to web browser settings to begin its operation. Therefore, users' search queries are redirected through fxsmash.xyz URL, then to the landing page websearches.club. Such activities allow the so-called GillCom virus to inject ads into searches, producing profits for app creators but negatively impact users' time online due to sponsored links and ads.

More and more browser hijackers seem to take the form of a browser extension instead of a standalone application that needs to be installed on the computer, be it Windows or Mac.

This approach nullifies some compatibility issues since the addon or extension attaches itself to the browser. The good part about this is that GillCom removal should not be that difficult in most cases. If you keep the app installed, you might face several issues.

Since GillCom can show up on your browser without permission, you might not even be aware that it is present. Additionally, the app does not change the homepage or the new tab address as it is typical for browser hijackers of this type. However, as soon as the search query is typed in and Enter is pressed, differences can be spotted immediately.

Thus, you are infected with the GillCom virus if you are seeing the following:

As evident, the redirects to alternative providers are done in order to reroute regular search channels and direct users to sponsored websites. Each time users click on a promotional link, the developers of the app receive commission. With enough people having the PUP installed, it can turn into big profits for the developers.

However, sponsored results and ads are mere signs that users can observe visually - there is plenty of activities that the app does in the background. One of the main reasons to remove GillCom is its information tracking practices. Just like other apps of a similar nature (GetIncognitoSearch, Muti-Webtool, Omyweb), it tracks data such as IP address, ISP, technical device details, browsing history, links clicked, search queries, etc.

Thus to avoid unnecessary tracking and return to your regular search provider, you should uninstall GillCom hijack immediately. There should be no issues with its elimination, although if you are not sure how to proceed, you can follow our instructions provided below.

After you delete the unwanted app, experts also recommend using , , or another reputable security tool to ensure that no malware managed to sneak into your device.

  • GillCom extension is installed on your browser;
  • fxsmash.xyz web address is briefly shown when trying to search the web;
  • all results are redirected to websearches.club;
  • search results are filled with sponsored links and ads.
GillCom: browser hijacker extension
GillCom in our 2020 report.
GillCom: potentially unwanted program websearches redirect
GillCom in our 2020 report.

From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since

Avoid potentially unwanted programs

Many users believe that adware, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs appear on their machines seemingly out of nowhere.

While this approach has some truth to it, it is not precisely the case. The unexpected appearance of browser hijackers can be easily explained with its distribution techniques, which can often be deceptive.

There are two main methods of how PUPs spread:

You should straight out ignore all the prompts that ask you to update or install some software, especially when it comes to Flash Player. This outdated and flawed plugin is obsolete and practically unnecessary for any modern web browser. Besides, malicious actors often use fake updates to deliver dangerous malware, such as ransomware or Trojans.

One of the main pointers when it comes to PUP avoidance is the careless installation of new software. Thus, you should always pay attention to the process - choose Advanced/Custom settings to stay in control, remove all ticks from checkboxes, read the fine print, and watch out for misleading offers.

  • Software bundles downloaded from third-party websites;
  • Fake update prompts or similar deceptive advertisements encountered around the web.

From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on GillCom

  • Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings.

Check your browser and PC

  • Address: fxsmash.xyz

How to remove GillCom

How to remove GillCom and get your search engine back

Remove the extension first.

The search settings only stay fixed once nothing on the PC can change them again.

  1. Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add

    In Chrome open chrome://extensions, in Edge edge://extensions, and in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.

    Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially search, new tab, coupon, PDF, weather or video downloader add-ons. Check every browser and every profile, because each keeps its own list.

    If an extension has no Remove button or comes back, a browser policy holds it (see "Managed by your organization" in the procedure below). The pages are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

    Chrome menu with Extensions and Manage extensions highlighted
    Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension

  2. Step 2: Put the search engine back and delete fxsmash.xyz

    In Chrome open Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, make an engine you trust the default, and delete fxsmash.xyz from the list.

    In Edge type search engine into the search box at the top of Settings and open Manage search engines; in Firefox use Settings > Search. Then check the homepage and the new tab page in the same settings, because hijackers change all three.

    If fxsmash.xyz is back after a restart, an extension, a program or a policy still sets it, so finish the other steps and check again. The settings are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

    Chrome Settings with the Search engine and On startup sections
    Chrome on Windows 11: check Search engine and On startup.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine

  3. Step 3: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install

    GillCom rarely comes alone: it is usually installed by, or together with, a free program. In Windows 11 open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and sort by install date.

    Uninstall every entry from the day the trouble began that you did not install on purpose, for example a download manager, a converter or a browser you never chose.

    Keep drivers and entries from Microsoft, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or your PC's maker unless you are sure.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix

  4. Step 4: Reset the browser

    A reset removes what the steps above could miss:

    • changed start pages
    • site permissions
    • hidden settings

    In Chrome open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults; in Edge Settings > Reset settings; in Firefox Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.

    Tip: Bookmarks and saved passwords stay, while extensions are turned off and the search engine and start page return to the defaults.

    Reset every browser on the PC, including Edge, which Windows 11 and Windows 10 always have.

    Chrome Settings page with the Reset settings section open
    Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine

  5. Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan

    A scan finds the parts of GillCom that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.

    Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.

    It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.

    Windows Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

Instructions for each browser and system

The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.

Uninstall from Windows

To uninstall potentially unwanted applications from a Windows machine, proceed with the following:

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows
Remove from Google Chrome

To uninstall GillCom extension from your Chrome browser, you need to access the settings section as explained below:

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2
Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

If you are experiencing ads and redirects on a Mozilla Firefox browser, look for suspicious extensions installed behind your back:

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2
Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari
Delete from macOS

Since macOS systems are prone to adware infections, you should use these instructions to clean your device:

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.

Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.

Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.

From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since

Delete GillCom to stop the fxsmash.xyz and websearches.club redirects

As evident, if your Google Chrome or another browser was hijacked, you need to remove GillCom virus in order to stop the unwarned activities.

For that, you need to find the correlating extension within the browser's settings. If you are not familiar with this process, you can check out the guide below.

GillCom removal might be the least of your worries if you constantly install programs without being careful and visit high-risk websites (for example, torrents or warez). This is especially true if no security software is installed on the system. In such a case, you should install anti-malware and perform a full system scan immediately.

However, most advanced security solutions should also be able to catch PUPs and delete them automatically for you.

Screenshot of GillCom: virus
GillCom in our 2020 report.

Questions about GillCom

Why does my search engine keep changing to fxsmash.xyz?

Because something keeps setting it. An extension can change the search engine every time the browser starts, and an ad-supported program in Windows can do it for every browser and re-add the extension after you remove it. Some hijackers also add a policy that locks the setting.

Changing the search engine back only works once the source is gone. Remove extensions you do not recognise, uninstall programs installed around the time fxsmash.xyz first appeared, and then set the search engine again. If it still returns, check the browser for the Managed by your organization message and follow the policy steps in this guide.

Is fxsmash.xyz a virus?

It is a browser hijacker, not a virus in the classic sense. fxsmash.xyz is a search page that an extension or program set as your default without a clear choice from you.

It does not destroy files or spread to other PCs, but it takes control of your searches, collects them and shows ads, and the software behind it is often bundled with other unwanted programs.

Many antivirus products flag such software as potentially unwanted. Removing the extension or program and resetting the search engine is enough in most cases. A full scan afterwards checks for anything else that came with it.

What is fxsmash.xyz?

It is the search page used by the browser hijacker GillCom. It has no search index of its own: it forwards your queries to another search engine and adds ads and tracking along the way.

People rarely choose it on purpose; it becomes the default search engine, home page or new tab after an extension, program or policy changes the browser settings. The page itself is not malware, but it should not be in your browser if you did not set it. The steps above remove the source and restore your settings.

Is fxsmash.xyz dangerous?

It is not designed to infect the PC, but it is not neutral either. It logs searches, adds sponsored results that are hard to tell apart from real ones, and its ad partners are not checked as strictly as those of major search engines.

Some hijacker pages have shown ads for fake updates, tech support scams and unwanted software. The main harm is to privacy. Remove GillCom, and if you entered personal data on sites reached through its results, check those sites carefully.

Do I have to fix every browser?

Yes, every one where the search engine or start page changed. In the cases we checked, GillCom affected Chrome, Edge and Firefox.

Each browser stores its own search settings and extensions, so fixing one does not fix the others, and Windows-level changes such as shortcuts can affect each browser differently. Work through them one at a time:

  • remove the extension
  • check the policies
  • restore the search engine
  • start page

If you sync a browser, stay signed in so the fix spreads to your other computers.

Did fxsmash.xyz record my searches?

Almost certainly. Logging is the point of a hijacker search page: each query, with your IP address, browser details and the result you clicked, is valuable to advertisers.

The operators of fxsmash.xyz can store and share that data under their own privacy policy, which you never agreed to knowingly. There is no way to delete it from their side. What you can do is stop the flow:

  • remove GillCom
  • clear cookies and site data for fxsmash.xyz
  • treat sensitive searches made in the meantime as known to a third party

Why can't I change my search engine back?

Because something keeps setting it. If an extension controls the search engine, Chrome and Edge show a note that an extension is controlling this setting, and your change is reverted. If a policy controls it, the field is greyed out and the browser shows Managed by your organization.

Remove the extension first, then the policies, and only then change the search engine; the change will stay. If it still reverts, look for a program in Installed apps or a scheduled task that reinstalls the extension.

Is only one browser affected?

Often not. Programs that install hijackers tend to change every browser they find, and sync can carry the extension to other computers signed in to the same browser account. Check Chrome, Edge and Firefox, even the ones you rarely use, and look at the shortcut targets on the desktop and taskbar for each.

If you use sync, remove the extension while signed in so the removal syncs too. Also check the On startup setting and the new tab page, because hijackers change those as well as the search engine.

Can I just block fxsmash.xyz?

You can, but it treats the symptom. Blocking the domain in a firewall or the hosts file makes searches fail instead of redirecting, while the extension or program that set it keeps running and collecting data.

Hijacker operators also switch to new domains in updates, so a block may stop working within weeks. Remove the source instead, then set your own search engine. If you want extra protection afterwards, turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security, which stops many hijacker installers before they run.

Will Fortect remove GillCom?

Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.

For GillCom, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.

Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.

Sources

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