Newtab browser hijacker (Removal Instructions)
Newtab browser hijacker Removal Guide
What is Newtab browser hijacker?
Newtab browser hijacker is a potentially unwanted application that redirects users to suspicious websites
Newtab is yet another dubious software that modifies your browser settings. This particular potentially unwanted application (PUA) tries to promote a fake search engine called fxsmash.xyz by redirecting all searches to it. Moreover, this browser hijacker also collects browsing-related information so security experts recommend removing it from the system without any doubt.
Newtab virus enters the computer with other free software and immediately changes default settings. Users already reported that this browser hijacker affects Microsoft Edge but it is still unclear if other browsers are in danger too.
Once the virus gets on the system fxsmash.xyz search engine gets set as the main homepage and as the new tab preference. This means that each time you try to search anything or simply browse the internet, you get results filed with commercial content and you constantly experiencing redirects to shady websites.
| name | Newtab browser hijacker |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker, PUA, redirect virus |
| Altered browser settings | Default search engine, homepage, new tab URL |
| Promoted fake search site | fxsmash.xyz |
| Purpose | Promote fake search engine and generate revenue by showing ads |
| Symptoms | Changes default settings of the browser, shows pop-up ads, redirects to dubious websites, interferes with online searches |
| Risks | Tracks and collects browsing-related information, redirects to untrustworthy websites, displays unwanted ads |
| Distribution | Fake Flash Player installers, deceptive pop-up advertisements, software bundles |
| Removal | Use a powerful anti-malware tool to remove Newtab browser hijacker or rely on our instructions at the bottom of this article if you want to get rid of it manually |
| System health check | If you want to remove any traces of this infection from your computer and repair the system, you should use a reliable system optimizer, f. e. FortectIntego |
Chances are that these redirects might take you to malicious pages where you accidentally download additional PUPs or even malware. The same goes for suspicious advertisements – if you try to click on a pop-up ad, you might also get redirected to any of Newtab virus-affiliated sites, which may include malware, porn, scams, gambling, and so on. Moreover, redirects, pop-up ads, and other activities significantly affect your computer, so it can run slower or even freeze.
If you are still hesitant to remove Newtab browser hijacker, keep in mind that the it can track your online activities. It can collect information about your searches, location, favorite websites, and more. Of course, all gathered data is usually non-identifiable information and doesn't pose any risks but it is still unpleasant. Besides, all of this information may be used by developers for unclear purposes or passed on to other third parties.
If you want to get rid of Newtab browser hijacker, the fastest way to do it is to use a powerful antivirus program. We recommend installing SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or similar official anti-malware software. After installation, simply scan the entire system and automatically delete any malicious programs.
If you are an advanced computer user and want to fix the problem yourself, we provide easy-to-understand instructions below. However, keep in mind that no matter which virus removal method you choose, the system may still need to be repaired after the removal is completed. The fastest and most reliable way to fix your system is to use a system optimization tool like FortectIntego.
Ways to avoid potentially unwanted applications
Unfortunately, it is possible to download browser hijackers from “official” download websites designed to distribute such annoying tools. That's why it is always a good idea to find more information about developers and the new application itself before trying to install it.
Browser hijackers[1] and other PUAs often enter the system without the user noticing it too. That happens because developers of these annoying applications use software bundles.[2] If you want to avoid additional tools, you should always download new programs only from trustworthy websites. It is not recommended to download applications from unofficial free websites, peer-to-peer sharing networks, etc.
Also, security experts[3] recommend using advanced/custom installation because this way it is possible to uncheck all unwanted applications and install only the main one. If you already rushed to install new software, then you will find explanations on how to get rid of unwanted additional tools below.
Easy instructions to remove Newtab browser hijacker
If you don't want to see pop-up ads or experience redirections to fake search engines, you should think about Newtab browser hijacker removal. The easiest way to get rid of this problem is automatic removal. Simply install a professional antivirus program, run a system scan and eliminate all files associated with this application.
Of course, you can try to remove Newtab manually. Keep in mind that manual removal might be complicated but we provide useful guidelines at the bottom of this article. Also, even after removing this problem and all related files, you may notice that your computer is still performing worse than before the infection. In this case, try to rely on a trustworthy system optimization tool.
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 Newtab browser hijacker. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Clean your computer and remove all potentially unwanted applications
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
IF you want to eliminate Newtab virus properly, make sure to delete all shady content from your browser
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
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 Newtab browser hijacker 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
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 Private Internet Access 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 Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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- ^ Browser hijacking. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ Bundled software. Techopedia. IT and computing definitions.
- ^ Security and virus news. Los Virus. Security experts.