Inbox Toolbar: what it is and how to remove it

Inbox Toolbar is yet another suspicious application that was known for its browser-hijacking capabilities on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or MS Edge web browsers. The app may infiltrate your computer behind your back because it has been actively promoted with the help of bundling - an unfair marketing campaign that deliberately hides optional components from users' sight during the installation process of the program.

Facts checked October 7, 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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Inbox Toolbar: browser hijacker pup
Inbox Toolbar as our 2020 report showed it.

Inbox Toolbar: summary

NameInbox Toolbar
TypeBrowser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
InfiltrationPotentially unwanted applications are typically delivered via software bundle packages or are downloaded intentionally via third-party websites
SymptomsExtension Inbox Toolbar installed on all web browsers Search engine, new tab URL and the homepage set to hxxp://www.inbox.com/homepage.aspx Search results are filled with sponsored links Most of visited websites show various ads, including pop-ups, banners, deals, coupons, offers, etc. Operation of the web browser diminished
DangersInstallation of other potentially unwanted programs or malware, personal information disclosure to unknown parties/cybercriminals, monetary loss due to scams or phishing messages, etc.
TerminationYou cab get rid of the unwanted app by following our manual removal instructions listed below or use automatic anti-malware tools
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 7 more facts
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
DistributionNot recorded in the old report
DamageNot recorded in the old report
Evidence4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
ProgramInbox Toolbar
First seen16 March 2020
Facts checked7 October 2026

Is Inbox Toolbar dangerous? What it collects

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

Inbox Toolbar is unnecessary browser plugin that will show you intrusive ads

Inbox Toolbar is yet another suspicious application that was known for its browser-hijacking capabilities on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or MS Edge web browsers.

The app may infiltrate your computer behind your back because it has been actively promoted with the help of bundling - an unfair marketing campaign that deliberately hides optional components from users' sight during the installation process of the program.

Similarly to other hijackers, Inbox Toolbar changes the settings of the web browser and appends Inbox Toolbar. From that point, users are presented with a customized search engine that populates the browser with sponsored search results at the top, increasing the chances of people clicking on ads instead of organic results.

Additionally, Inbox Toolbar is also set to track users' web browsing activities and even their location, if a mobile device is used. While the app was discontinued, it can still be downloaded from various places on the internet by accident, so we highly advise you to remove Inbox Toolbar if you have it installed.

Developers of the Inbox Toolbar virus present the app as a useful addition to every users' web browser and claim that it will enhance the web browsing routine of anyone using it. The app is described as follows:

The official website used to include a variety of other different applications that the developers used to distribute, including Movies Toolbar, Music Toolbar, Maps toolbar, Games toolbar, and so on. Each of these would be used for different purposes and seemingly help users find what they are looking for faster, and more efficiently.

While it might sound promising, it is important to note that poor quality search tools like Inbox Toolbar rarely benefit users, and the main goal of the app is exposing them to all sorts of ads, including pop-ups, in-text links, auto-play, flashing windows, banners, coupons, and others.

Allegedly, Inbox Toolbar should be a helpful tool for people who are looking for some sort of information on the internet. However, it may show you altered search results that may try to redirect you to its affiliate websites. If you want to avoid Inbox redirects to unknown places, you should avoid this program.

It is important to note that those infected with Inbox Toolbar will have their web browsers set to hxxp://www.inbox.com/homepage.aspx, which also includes a customized search engine. As mentioned above, this allows the hijacker to display sponsored content to users. In some cases, unfortunately, you may end up on insecure websites that are filled with scam messages or malware.

For example, if you access a hacked or otherwise compromised website, a drive-by download would initiate the infection automatically (this works with the help of software vulnerabilities and lack of installed anti-malware software, so it is important to ensure that these security holes are patched). Therefore, while Inbox Toolbar is not considered to be malware, its presence might be the reason for it being installed sometime later.

Besides, Inbox Toolbar is set to track a variety of information about users' online activity. While no personal data is shared with other parties, anonymous information like:

Additionally, if you are using the Inbox Toolbar on your phone, it may lead to the disclosure of your current location via the GPS. Here's the explanation of how this can happen:

Most of people do not change the default settings of their apps, so they end up sharing their location without knowing if Inbox Toolbar is installed.

Due to all these listed reasons, we highly advise you proceed with Inbox Toolbar removal from your device as soon as possible. There is no need to share your data with unknown third-parties, have your browsers being spammed with ads, and risk of infecting your computer with malware. Get rid of the PUP either manually or automatically as explained below and then reset the installed browsers.

  • IP address, (note that the IP is considered to be PII in some US states and other countries)
  • visited sites,
  • search terms,
  • links clicked, and other data.
Inbox Toolbar: browser hijacker pup
Inbox Toolbar in our 2020 report.
Inbox Toolbar: potentially unwanted program
Inbox Toolbar in our 2020 report.

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

PUPs are often hidden inside the software bundle installers

This distribution technique is called bundling, so the main thing that you need to keep in mind when installing download managers, PDF creators, video streaming software and similar apps is that you have to be very very careful during their installation.

The most common way how Inbox Toolbar virus may infiltrate your system is when downloading and installing freewares without checking their installation process. That's why you should be very cautious when downloading and installing questionable programs from the web.

By selecting advanced or similar installation method, you will be able to track every installation step and prevent their infiltration. Don't forget to unmark any additional plug-ins and/or extensions that you are not familiar with. If you noticed that toolbar.inbox.com hijacked your browsers, you should waste no time and check the system for this web browser plug-in.

Inbox Toolbar: addon and program
Inbox Toolbar in our 2020 report.

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Inbox Toolbar

  • Easy Search - Better, Faster Search Results Find what you want.
  • Some photos and videos you place in or on our Services may contain recorded location information.
  • We may use this information to optimize your experience.
  • If you do not wish to share files embedded with your geo-location information with us, please do not upload them.
  • If you don't want to store location data in your photos or videos, please consult the documentation for your camera, phone or other device to turn off that feature.

How to remove Inbox Toolbar

How to remove Inbox Toolbar 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

    Inbox Toolbar often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:

    • chrome://extensions
    • edge://extensions
    • Extensions and themes in Firefox

    Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.

    Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.

    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

    Inbox Toolbar replaces the browser's default search engine, so searches pass through its own page first. Chrome: Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, then Make default on Google, Bing or another engine you chose, and Delete on the entries you never added.

    Edge has the same list under Manage search engines (search the Settings page for it), and Firefox under Settings > Search.

    Look at On startup and the homepage settings too and remove any address you did not set. Nothing in this step differs between 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 Inbox Toolbar

    Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10. Sort the list by install date and find Inbox Toolbar, then choose Uninstall from the three-dot menu next to it (in Windows 10, click the entry and then Uninstall).

    Remove anything else installed on the same day that you do not recognise, because such programs usually arrive together in one installer. If the uninstaller opens a browser page with an offer or a survey, close it: the program is removed either way.

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

  4. Step 4: Reset the browser

    Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.

    Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

    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

    Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.

    Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.

    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 get rid of PUPs from Windows, access Control Panel/Programs & features section as explained below:

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

Reset Google Chrome as soon as you eliminate the PUP:

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)

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

macOS users should perform the following steps in order to remove Inbox Toolbar from their computers:

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

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.

While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important - recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.

Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since

Remove Inbox Toolbar from your system and use official search tools instead

There are plenty of legitimate search engines available to choose from - the most commonly used Google.com.

If you want more privacy, you can also switch to privacy-focused search engines/browsers, e.g., DuckDuckGo or Brave Browser.

Questions about Inbox Toolbar

Is Inbox Toolbar a virus?

Most programs that appear the way Inbox Toolbar did are not viruses in the strict sense. They are potentially unwanted programs:

  • real software that arrives bundled with other downloads and then shows offers
  • changes browser settings
  • starts with Windows

Some are harmless, some are annoying and a few carry adware. What makes it worth removing is that you did not choose it.

Uninstall it from Installed apps and check the startup list and the browsers for anything added the same day. If it refuses to uninstall or returns after a restart, treat it as more serious and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan.

Inbox Toolbar will not uninstall. What can I do?

First restart the PC and try again, because the program may have been running and locked its own files. If the uninstaller is missing or fails, start Windows in Safe Mode, where most third-party programs do not start, and remove Inbox Toolbar from Installed apps there.

If it still refuses, delete its startup entry and its scheduled task, restart, and try once more. A program that actively prevents removal is behaving like malware, so finish with a Microsoft Defender offline scan. Avoid third-party uninstallers offered on search ads; several of them are unwanted programs themselves.

I changed the search engine, but it switched back. Why?

The hijacker is still installed, and it rewrites the setting whenever the browser starts or the extension updates. Changing the setting is the last step, not the first. Find what controls it: the search settings page usually names the extension, and a greyed-out field means a policy.

Remove that source, restart the browser, then pick your search engine and delete the hijacker's entry from the list of saved search engines so it cannot be chosen by accident. Check again after a day, when extensions have had a chance to update.

Will resetting the browser remove Inbox Toolbar?

A reset disables extensions, restores the default search engine, start page and new tab, and clears temporary data and cookies. It keeps bookmarks, history and saved passwords. For many hijackers that is enough.

It does not remove a program installed in Windows, policies in the registry, changes to the hosts file or DNS, or edited shortcuts, so Inbox Toolbar can come back after a reset if one of those remains. Do the reset after removing the program and policies, not instead of it.

Should I just switch to another browser?

It may not help. Installers that add hijackers usually target every browser on the PC, and system-level changes such as the hosts file, DNS or proxy affect all browsers at once. A new browser also leaves the hijacker's program and extension in place, collecting data in the old one.

Remove Inbox Toolbar properly first. After that, use whichever browser you prefer; Chrome, Edge and Firefox all let you set and protect your own search engine. Import your bookmarks only after the old browser is clean.

Does Inbox Toolbar collect my data?

Our report does not list what Inbox Toolbar records, but software of this kind commonly tracks browsing data. Typical data includes the sites you visit, your searches, your approximate location and the device type.

Never enter passwords or card numbers into pages that appear after a redirect you did not expect. After removal, clear cookies and site data, and check your saved passwords.

How did Inbox Toolbar get on my computer?

There is no need to share your data with unknown third-parties, have your browsers being spammed with ads, and risk of infecting your computer with malware. Software of this kind often comes bundled with free programs, fake updates or downloads from unofficial sites.

It can also arrive through a browser extension or a notification you allowed on a spam page. Think back to what you installed or allowed just before the first ad or redirect appeared.

Will my antivirus detect Inbox Toolbar?

Not always, because our check found no Microsoft Defender detection name for it. Our check found no Microsoft Defender detection name for it, so a scan may not name it. Update the security program first, then run a full scan instead of a quick one.

Also scan with a second on-demand scanner, because one program can miss what another finds. A clean scan does not prove the signs are gone, so check the browser extensions and installed programs by hand too.

Will Fortect remove Inbox Toolbar?

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 Inbox Toolbar, 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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