Manuals Aid: what it is and how to remove it
Manuals Aid is a browser hijacker that changes your homepage and search engine while collecting extensive personal data. Remove it by uninstalling the extension and blocking its notifications in browser settings.
Facts checked October 5, 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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Manuals Aid: summary
| Damage | Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, personal data disclosure to unknown parties, distorted perception of online content and inability to find relevant information easily |
|---|---|
| Name | Manuals Aid |
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted application |
| Infiltration | While users can download the app from the official browser stores, others may stumble upon the extension within |
| Symptoms | Manuals Aid extension installed on the web browser(s) Homepage and new tab address set to hxxps://manualsaid.com All searches are redirected to Yahoo Search results are filled with sponsored ads Increased amount of ads (If notifications were enabled) Manualsaid.com notifications show up on the desktop |
| Termination | You can uninstall the extension via your web browser by right-clicking on it; to get rid of the notifications, you should access web browser settings as we explain below; if you still see unwanted browser activities, check for potentially unwanted programs as per our instructions below or |
| 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 names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Search page | manualsaid.com |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 6 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
What Manuals Aid changes in your browser
The type of information depends on the specific Extension but may include package tracking numbers, flight information and routes, downloaded wallpapers, notifications, and (on a temporary basis and in no case for more than seven days) certain files you choose to upload. <...> may include your astrological sign, your reminders and to-do lists, your recipe search terms and recipes, and your map search queries.
Is Manuals Aid dangerous? What it collects
What readers reported about Manuals Aid
How can I get rid of AtoZManuals?. How can I get rid of AtoZManuals? I can't find it anywhere on the programs when I go to Control Panel. It's really messing up my computer. PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Can't remove ProductManualsFinder Toolbar. I want to remove ProductManualsFinder Toolbar, but i can't. It is in Chrome. Can you remove it for me? Please... I have no idea how this toolbar got on my computer system, but I don't want it. Please help!!!
From the comments under our earlier guide; names and contact details removed.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Manuals Aid - a browser hijacker that seeks to know everything about you
Manuals Aid is a browser extension that users can download from official sources, such as Chrome Web Store, or install unintentionally via the ad, as well as software bundle.
According to its developers, the app is a great tool to search for manuals easily from brands like Dell, Honda, Kenwood, LG, Sony, Casio, and many more. However, Manuals Aid extension comes with a package of side effects that most users would not be fond of.
As soon as Manuals Aid is installed on the web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or MS Edge), it appends an extension and changes the homepage address, as well as the new tab URL to hxxps://manualsaid.com. Additionally, users will see a customized search engine that redirects all search results to Yahoo.
However, suchlike results are not organic and filled with sponsored ads at the top, which might change the way users browse the web entirely. Additionally, Manuals Aid collects a variety of information about users to serve targeted ads.
Before we start analyzing the so-called Manuals Aid virus, there is another topic we would like to talk about. While there are many users who installed the add-on along with freeware downloaded from third-party websites, most probably stumbled across the official website, which advertises the extension. Upon accessing this website, users are displayed a notification prompt that asks to enable Manuals Aid notifications.
Those who allow notifications will soon notice that Manuals Aid ads are showing on their desktops, even if the web browsers are not functional. These can be extremely annoying, as they can disrupt computer operations during other activities other than browsing, e.g., watching movies or playing video games.
To remove Manuals Aid pop-up ads, you will have to access the settings of your web browser and disallow notifications from the site - we explain how to do that below. Additionally, uninstalling the extension should not be difficult - simply right click on the icon within the web browser and select "Remove."
If ads and sponsored content do not stop, it may be that you have adware or other PUP installed on your system besides Manuals Aid, so check the instructions on how to eliminate them below. Note that you could eliminate the notifications from any site by resetting your web browsers - the action is recommended after the termination of PUPs.
What is particularly interesting about this browser hijacker and should warrant Manuals Aid removal for many is the information tracking practices. Unfortunately, not many users go to the depths of text that is presented in the Privacy Policy of apps, so most are unaware of what exactly is tracked about them.
While many other hijackers record information such as the IP address, ISP geolocation, and other non-personally identifiable data (although this PUP also harvests this), Manuals Aid goes a little bit further. Here's what the Privacy Policy says:
Additionally, Manuals Aid will also collect personal data you choose to disclose, such as name, phone number, search terms via the customized search engine, email address, etc.
All in all, while browser hijacker is considered to be a minor security threat, we do not recommend using Manuals Aid due to its rather extensive data gathering practices and sponsored content that it presents. If you found the links to various manuals useful, you can literally find the relevant website of the brand you are looking for in merely a few seconds with a quick Google search.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Don't clutter your browser and the computer with unneeded apps
Potentially unwanted applications, while not a major security risk, can sometimes bring much more than just seemingly useful functionality of links to various websites, file conversion feature, weather forecasts, and much more.
The main goal of browser hijackers and other PUPs is to appeal to the audience and present the app as useful. In reality, most such applications rarely have any beneficial qualities about them, and their main goal is to monetize users by tracking their data and feeding their browsers with ads.
While it is true that many browser hijackers have become less intrusive from years ago, they are proceeding with tracking user data and selling it for marketing purposes.
In the wake of data breach era and information misuse by third parties (for example, the well-known Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed that Facebook allowed misusing user details without acquiring the permission in the first place), it is important to keep your data private - we also advise choosing more privacy-focused search engines and browsers.
To avoid potentially unwanted programs, security experts recommend the following:
- If possible, choose official sources for your downloads (Chrome Web Store, Amazon, Microsoft Store, etc.);
- Read reviews and forum posts before installing the app you know nothing of;
- Ensure that the program comes with necessary documents, such as Privacy Policy and Terms of Service;
- Always opt for Advanced/Custom mode instead of Recommended/Quick one;
- Watch out for pre-ticked boxes, misleading offers, misplaced buttons, fine print text, and other tricks used by third-party app developers and distributors.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
manualsaid.com
How to remove Manuals Aid
How to remove Manuals Aid 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.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
Manuals Aid often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://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 on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Put the search engine back and delete manualsaid.com
Searches that pass through
manualsaid.commean the browser's default search engine was replaced. Chrome: Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, then Make default on Google, Bing or another engine you chose, and Delete on manualsaid.com.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 the hijacker's address there. Nothing in this step differs between Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: check Search engine and On startup. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 3: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10, and sort the list by install date. Look at what appeared around the day the problem started and uninstall every program you do not recognise or did not choose.
Free converters, PDF and video tools, "system optimizers" and unknown browsers are the usual carriers of Manuals Aid. If a name is unclear, search for it before you remove it, so you do not uninstall a driver or a Windows component.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
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 on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
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 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 eliminate potentially unwanted programs from Windows, follow these steps:
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Remove from Google Chrome
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 suspicious extensions 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.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
You can reset MS Edge in case you found some unwanted apps on your computer:
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 Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- 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.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
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.
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.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
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 May 2020 · not reviewed since
Get rid of Manuals Aid extension and notifications
To remove Manuals Aid, all you have to do is right-click on the extension and select "Remove from Chrome," "Remove Extension" (Firefox), or "Remove from Microsoft Edge."
This should eliminate the customized search engine, as well as the manualsaid.com homepage from your web browsers. Note that not all potentially unwanted applications can be detected by anti-virus tools, so you might want to check our manual guide below.
If you allowed notifications to be shown, Manuals Aid removal would differ. For this purpose, you will have to access the settings of your web browser and terminate the manualsaid.com address.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Google Chrome
- Click on Menu > Settings
- Select Advanced
- Under Privacy and security, pick Site Settings > Notifications
- Under Allow section, find manualsaid.com
- Click More Actions and then select Block
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Mozilla Firefox
- Go to Menu and then select Options
- Go to Privacy & Security > Notifications
- Select Settings – you should see manualsaid.com
- Click on the the drop-down menu and select Block
- Save Changes
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
MS Edge
- Click on thee horizontal dots and select Settings
- Go to Site permissions
- Select Notifications
- Click on More actions next to manualsaid.com
- Pick Block
Questions about Manuals Aid
What is Manuals Aid?
Manuals Aid is a browser extension and hijacker that claims to help users find product manuals from brands like Dell, Honda, Kenwood, LG, and Sony. Once installed on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, it modifies your browser settings and redirects your searches.
Despite its helpful-sounding purpose, Manuals Aid functions as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that changes your homepage and search engine while collecting extensive personal data about your browsing habits.
Is Manuals Aid a virus?
No, Manuals Aid is not a virus. It is classified as a browser hijacker and potentially unwanted program (PUP). While not malicious code like malware, Manuals Aid is intrusive and designed to profit from your data and browsing habits.
It is considered unwanted because it modifies browser settings without clear user consent and collects personal information for targeted advertising, making it a privacy invasion rather than a traditional security threat.
How does Manuals Aid get installed on my computer?
Manuals Aid can be installed in two ways: directly from the Chrome Web Store or unintentionally through software bundling. Some users intentionally install it believing it will help them find product manuals.
However, most installations occur when users download freeware and use Quick or Recommended installation settings, unknowingly agreeing to bundle Manuals Aid with their primary software. The website also displays notification prompts requesting permission to show desktop notifications.
What does Manuals Aid do to my browser?
When installed, Manuals Aid changes your homepage and new tab page to hxxps://manualsaid.com, modifies your search engine to redirect searches through Yahoo, and fills results with sponsored advertisements.
This completely changes your browsing experience by forcing you to visit a specific homepage and see advertising-heavy search results. Additionally, if you allowed notifications, Manuals Aid will display ads on your desktop even when the browser is closed.
Does Manuals Aid track me?
Yes, extensively. Manuals Aid collects a variety of personal information including your IP address, browsing history, search terms, downloaded wallpapers, flight information, package tracking numbers, astrological sign, reminders, to-do lists, recipe searches, map queries, and any personally identifiable information you share.
This data is used for targeted advertising and may be sold to third parties. The Privacy Policy reveals the extent of tracking, which most users do not read before installation.
How do I remove Manuals Aid?
To remove Manuals Aid, right-click the extension icon in your browser and select 'Remove from Chrome,' 'Remove Extension' (Firefox), or 'Remove from Microsoft Edge.' This will uninstall the extension and restore your homepage and search settings.
If Manuals Aid notifications are enabled on your desktop, access browser settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Notifications, find manualsaid.com, and click Block to stop notifications. After removal, reset your browser to default settings.
Will Manuals Aid damage my computer?
Manuals Aid will not directly damage your computer files or operating system. However, it severely impacts your browsing experience by redirecting searches, injecting ads, and collecting personal data.
The main risk is privacy invasion and potential data misuse. If other potentially unwanted programs were bundled with Manuals Aid during installation, your system may have additional unwanted software that requires separate removal with antimalware tools.
Why should I remove Manuals Aid?
You should remove Manuals Aid for privacy protection and to restore normal browsing. The extension violates your privacy by tracking extensive personal data and sharing it for advertising purposes.
Finding product manuals is trivial—simply search for the brand name and manual model online with Google. Manuals Aid provides no genuine benefit beyond what you can already do with a standard search engine, while imposing invasive data collection and reducing your online privacy significantly.
Will Fortect remove Manuals Aid?
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 Manuals Aid, 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
- Manuals Aid: Privacy Policy (read October 5, 2026)
- SenzaVirus: SenzaVirus (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 5, 2026)