My Inbox Helper: what it is and how to remove it
My Inbox Helper is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that usually gets installed together with freeware or shareware obtained from the internet. Once inside, it hijacks Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another browser, and changes the new tab address and the startup page.
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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My Inbox Helper: summary
| Distribution | Spreads as a browser extension which might come inside software-bundles |
|---|---|
| Name | My Inbox Helper |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Sub-type | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Developer | Eightpoint Technologies Ltd (affiliate of the infamous Polarity Technologies) |
| Compatible OS | Windows 7/8/10/Vista/XP |
| 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 8 more facts
| Advertised as | A useful tool to help users access email accounts and other websites easily |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | It hijacks the targeted browser and modifies its settings to change the new tab page |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | My Inbox Helper |
| First seen | 17 June 2021 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Is My Inbox Helper dangerous? What it collects
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
My Inbox Helper is the browser plugin that rarely gets installed willingly by the user
My Inbox Helper is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that usually gets installed together with freeware or shareware obtained from the internet.
Once inside, it hijacks Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another browser, and changes the new tab address and the startup page.
This way, users are forced to browse through a search engine powered by an unwanted application. While all the search results generated through the questionable site, it directs users to Yahoo, the page is littered with sponsored links. This is done to increase the profits to browser hijacker authors, as both parties benefit from commercial ads via the pay-per-click revenue.
In some cases, My Inbox Helper might be installed intentionally - either from the Chrome web store or the official website. Allegedly, the browser extension created by Eightpoint Technologies Ltd offers all the quick access links to Gmail, Outlook, and other email services. However, these links can be created just as easily via bookmarks, so there is no need for a browser hijacker to be installed in the first place.
My Inbox Helper is created with one thought in mind: generate ad revenue while diminishing users' web browsing experience, gather a variety of non-personally identifiable information about them, and expose them to potentially harmful content on the internet (such as phishing, spoofed, scam or even malware-laden sites).
Once the hijack occurs, users' start page looks quite a bit different than a normal Google homepage. It includes a variety of links that all allegedly should help users entering their emails easier, and also prompts them to download other questionable applications, such as Search Encrypt. Additionally, users can spot the added toolbar at the top of the browser window.
While the app has many intrusive qualities, we cannot use the My Inbox Helper virus term as this application is not malicious itself. Despite that, experts categorize it as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) since it might spy on its users and record non-personally identifiable information for advertising purposes.
Usually, after My Inbox Helper gets installed, it starts monitoring the following details from the affected device:
According to the Privacy Policy, this data can be shared with affiliated companies:
This information allows My Inbox Helper to deliver customized ads to its users. In other terms, it modifies them to suit your interests and increases the chances of you clicking the advertisements. However, some details might include private information, such as an email address, if you type it in your search queries.
Likewise, despite what the reviews claim, you should protect your system and get rid of this browser hijacker. Note that the new search engine can deliver altered search results and lead you to affiliate sites or even malware distribution sources.
If you still have doubts about the removal, experts warn that the ads this program generates might include malicious scripts. In other terms, if you click on a bogus ad, it can trigger an automatic installation of malware.
- IP address;
- ISP;
- Geographic location;
- Clicked ads;
- Browser history;
- Chrome extensions enabled
- Search activity, etc.
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
Suspicious browser extensions can be bundled with freeware
However, developers also use the bundling technique to distribute this questionable browser extension together with freeware.
If you want to reveal all the components of the software bundle to reject suspicious extensions, you should follow these steps:
Additionally, users should also install reputable security applications to keep their machines safe from other, more serious infections, such as ransomware, spyware, banking trojans, info-stealers, etc.
- Read Privacy Policy, EULA, and Terms of Use;
- Change Quick/Recommended installation mode to Custom/Advanced;
- Do not skip any steps and read the provided information;
- Opt-out pre-selected components which suggest initiating changes in your browser.
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on My Inbox Helper
- Use security software or terminate the PUP manually with the help of our removal instructions
- We may share your information with our parent company and our affiliates, which are entities under common ownership or control of our ultimate parent company
How to remove My Inbox Helper
How to remove My Inbox Helper 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
My Inbox Helper 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
My Inbox Helper 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 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 My Inbox Helper
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10.
Sort the list by install date and find My Inbox Helper, 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
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
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
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.
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 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 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. 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.
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
My Inbox Helper PUP uninstall guide
Users who want to remove the infection from their systems can choose between two elimination methods.
They can either get rid of this browser hijacker manually by following the instructions at the end of this article or install a reliable antivirus and perform automatic My Inbox Helper removal.
Either way, you will need to reset each of the affected browsers. You can find detailed guidelines showing how to delete suspicious extensions from Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge below. Additionally, experts list the three best antivirus software to deal with PUPs below as well.
Questions about My Inbox Helper
Can I safely uninstall My Inbox Helper?
If you did not install My Inbox Helper yourself and it is not part of your hardware or a program you rely on, yes. Uninstalling an unwanted program does not harm Windows.
Before you do, search the exact name and publisher to be sure it is not a driver tool, a printer utility or a game launcher with an odd name. Then remove it from Settings, Apps, Installed apps.
Ignore any offers or warnings in its uninstaller about losing protection or performance. Afterwards check Startup apps and your browsers for leftovers, and restart once to confirm that it does not reinstall itself.
My Inbox Helper 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 My Inbox Helper 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.
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 My Inbox Helper 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.
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 My Inbox Helper?
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 My Inbox Helper can come back after a reset if one of those remains. Do the reset after removing the program and policies, not instead of it.
Is My Inbox Helper a virus?
Not in the strict sense:
- My Inbox Helper is unwanted software
- classed here as a search hijacker extension
- not a self-copying virus
Security programs often label such software as adware, a potentially unwanted program or a browser hijacker. It still needs removal, because it changes browser settings, shows ads and can lead you to unsafe pages. The larger risk is clicking an ad that leads to a fake update or scam page.
How did My Inbox Helper get on my computer?
Our report lists the distribution as spreads as a browser extension which might come inside software-bundles. 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 My Inbox Helper?
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 My Inbox Helper?
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 My Inbox Helper, 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
- SearchSecurity: PUP (potentially unwanted program) (read October 7, 2026)
- Brick Marketing: What is pay per click? (read October 7, 2026)
- Latent View: Non (Personally Identifiable Information) PII Data (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Browser extension (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)