Ged rid of HowToSimplified Toolbar (Removal Guide)
HowToSimplified Toolbar Removal Guide
What is HowToSimplified Toolbar?
HowToSimplified Toolbar is the program that changes the search engine and the homepage setting once it gets installed on the system
HowToSimplified Toolbar is the unwanted program that hijacks your browser and changes various preferences to achieve the main developers' goal – redirecting online traffic. Pages that appear on your screen from the minute this potentially unwanted program infects the machine as redirects contain various commercial, deceptive and promotional content. All these ad-supported sites can cause even more frustration on the system besides unwanted material delivery.
Unfortunately, HowToSimplified Toolbar virus is the product developed by the same Mindspark company that is responsible for fro delivering a well-known browser hijacker/fake search engine/PUP – MyWay. This is why you shouldn't be surprised when this particular search engine appears set as your homepage, default search engine, and new tab. There are many related pages and search engines that are more likely to appear as redirects on the screen of an already infected device.
| Name | HowToSimplified |
|---|---|
| Other names | HowToSimplified by MyWay |
| Type | Toolbar |
| Category | Browser hijacker/ Potentially unwanted program |
| Developer | Mindspark |
| Related | Hp.myway.com |
| Symptoms | Delivers questionable commercial content, changed browser settings, appearance, sets default search engine to associated sites, redirects all the in-browser search results to ad-supported pages |
| Distribution | Software bundles, deceptive advertisements |
| Elimination | Get a trustworthy anti-malware to remove HowToSimplified Toolbar. Run a scan on the PC with FortectIntego to eliminate possible damage |
HowToSimplified by MyWay offers to provide users with helpful tips, DIY tutorials, money-saving suggestions or recipe ideas, but this is not a browser tool that you should keep and use. Once it gets installed on the system by the user on purpose or unwillingly it makes changes that are considered as potentially unwanted application symptoms.
HowToSimplified Toolbar is a PUP that causes unwanted alterations on your web browser and then may implement suspicious activities in order to earn money for its developer. At the moment of writing, it is compatible mainly with Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Nevertheless, if you are using Google Chrome, you shouldn't feel safer. Experts[1] note that it is only a matter of time when this browser add-on will be updated to work on Google Chrome as well as other browsers.
Similarly to other PUP's, HowToSimplified hijack is spread along with free programs (download managers, video or music players, PDF creators, etc.). Therefore, it has already been labeled as a potentially unwanted program because it may easily change the homepage and default search engine.
It also drops the toolbar or any other browser extension, add-on without your permission asked. This activity disrupts your browsing activities because this questionable search engine delivers altered search results with third-party sponsored content and filled with useless material.[2] Moreover, you may see various commercial advertisements among your search results in the form of:
- pop-ups;
- pop-unders;
- hyperlinks;
- in-text links;
- banners.
Do not fall into this trick and do not rely on this search engine as it is employed by third parties and used in order to redirect people to sponsored websites. Beware that by clicking on links and advertisements that this browser plug-in delivers you may be led to the infiltration of another adware or even malware. To avoid this, you have to remove HowToSimplified Toolbar from your web browsers and the entire system, and also restore your browser to their previous state.
You can remove HowToSimplified Toolbar hijack and other applications or files during a thorough system scan with the antivirus program. This is the easiest way to fight PUPs and other more severe malware.[3] You need to do this as soon as possible because PUPs track and collect information about you.
Mindspark, the developer of HowToSimplified Toolbar even addresses this issue of data tracking and personalized advertisements int the Privacy Policy:
We use cookies and similar technologies (such as local stored objects) to collect and store information when you interact with the MS Services, view our emails or view our ads. We, and certain third parties we work with e.g. ad networks and data management platforms, may also use these technologies to better target ads to you based on your online browsing activities.
You should focus on HowToSimplified toolbar removal as soon as possible because such programs also install files, programs, tools, or browser content and affect the performance of an already infected system even more. When it comes to system cleaning and this type of cyber infections, anti-malware tools are required.
We offer to pay more attention to this elimination of HowToSimplified Toolbar process and get a professional anti-malware program to scan the machine and remove the main PUP, alongside other installed programs. Then, to ensure that your PC is virus-free and there is no damage get a system tool like FortectIntego and run an additional system check.
In most cases, HowToSimplified Internet Explorer Toolbar appears on infected systems, but there is a huge possibility that other browsers get affected by the hijack. To get rid of the intruder fully, check your browsers for suspicious content even when the particular toolbar is not found. 
Unwanted browser content gets installed once deceptive sites get visited
This program is classified as a potentially unwanted program due to the fact that it is mostly spread around via various freeware and shareware. Software bundles get delivered during insecure installations.[4] Also, it is capable of initiating redirects to suspicious websites and other unwanted activities by visiting deceptive pages.
In order to avoid cyber infiltration, you should remember that every questionable program that is promoted on the suspicious-looking website carries additional attachments, such as toolbars, add-ons, plug-ins or extensions that belong to the potentially unwanted programs list. Therefore, if you don't want to download them, you should pay more attention to the installation process of a freeware.
Try reading Privacy Policy, comments and reviews of the program in order to find out what negative features the program has. Besides, always opt out for Advanced or Custom installation as it expands installation process and discloses all available checkboxes.
Make sure to remove HowToSimplified Toolbar with AV tools
If your computer was affected by HowToSimplified Toolbar virus, you should delete it from your web browsers and system entirely. You can eliminate the toolbar alongside other browser content manually, but there is a need to terminate the main PUP that causes all the activity.
We recommend doing so with the help of a reliable anti-spyware as it will easily detect and remove this program automatically alongside the additional malicious content. In case you don't want to use additional software, follow the guidelines below and remove HowToSimplified Toolbar manually by resetting the browsers.
However, automatic HowToSimplified Toolbar removal is recommended because of the function that all anti-malware programs have – system scanning. During a full scan on the computer, the performance of your machine gets improved significantly and all the intruders get terminated.
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 HowToSimplified Toolbar. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Remove HowToSimplified completely from the machine
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)
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
You may need to check the browser for any additional material installed without your permission that affects HowToSimplified Toolbar elimination and the performance of your PC, in general
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 HowToSimplified Toolbar 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.
- ^ Dieviren. Dieviren. Spyware related news.
- ^ Ashley Rodriguez. Digital ads have gotten too aggressive and intrusive for some people. Qz. News, videos, and ideas.
- ^ Margaret Rouse. Potentially unwanted programs. Techtarget. Search security.
- ^ Bundled software. Techopedia. Online tech dictionary.