How to remove ProTabs Default Search browser hijacker

ProTabs Default Search is a potentially unwanted application that changes your browser preferences to insert ads into your searches

We use browsers to access our favorite websites, check for daily news, search for information about something we don't know about or browse the preferred social media platform. The great thing about this is that there are plenty of choices in which browser to use, which extension to install, and which bookmarks to add – customization was always regarded as a beneficial trait by users.

Unfortunately, once a browser hijacker^[1] is installed on the browser, its functions are no longer the same. ProTabs Default Search is one of such potentially unwanted applications that has been bothering users for a while now. In most cases, users do not install it deliberately, as they are spread via methods that are considered deceptive.

As soon as it is installed, the changes to the browser are immediate:

• homepage and the new tab address are set to protabs.xyz;
• a customized search box is applied to the start page;
• search queries are redirected to a different provider, such as Yahoo, Bing, or another one;
• search results are filled with sponsored links and ads.

However, there are many other problems with a browser hijacker that are not immediately visible. For example, the ads that are promoted by PUPs might not always be accurate or even secure. Therefore, it is not recommended to click links that are shown at the very top of the search results that initially seem to be legitimate.

Another issue with the app is that it tracks user data that might later be used for marketing purposes or even shared with unknown parties. If you want to get rid of the unwanted activities that it is causing, you need to eliminate the browser extension it is associated with – we explain how to do that in detail below.

How do hijackers spread and how to avoid them

Considering the functionality of a browser hijacker, it is not surprising that most people do not install it intentionally. In most cases, these apps are spread in software bundles^[2] that are downloaded by users from third-party websites – most of them are, even the more popular ones.

Even though it is not illegitimate to ask users whether or not they would like to try an application, the way it is implemented does matter a lot, and the distributors abuse this fact, just like they do users' inattentiveness during the installation process. This is also one of the reasons why people believe that browser hijackers and other PUPs just show up on their systems seemingly out of nowhere – they simply missed the time when they could have declined the offer.

First of all, we recommend you avoid sites that promote illegal installers and cracks, as these could easily result in the installation of Loov or another dangerous ransomware.

When it comes to the installation of freeware, you should always be aware of bundles, especially if you are keen on downloading third-party applications from unknown sources, although even the more popular sites do the same thing. After you initiate the installation process of an app, decline all the offers on the way, watch out for pre-ticked boxes and fine print, pick Advanced settings and, most importantly, never rush through steps.

Removal steps explained

Potentially unwanted programs of all kinds have been around for decades by now. The main difference between back then and now is that they have become more of a nuisance than anything else (although it does not mean that malicious PUPs do not exist).

That being said, the removal of a browser hijacker rarely causes issues to users, especially if it is a browser extension we're talking about. There is no guarantee, however, that ProTabs Default Search wouldn't be installed on the system as well. Therefore, we recommend checking both – the installed apps and extensions on the browser.

1. Get rid of ProTabs Default Search browser extension

If you have ever uninstalled an en extension before, this step shouldn't cause you any issues. If you indeed need help, please check the information below.

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.

Mozilla Firefox

• 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.

MS Edge

• Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
• Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

MS Edge (legacy)

• 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.

Safari

• Click Safari > Preferences…
• In the new window, pick Extensions.
• Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.

2. Uninstall programs from the system

In Windows, you need to access the Control Panel and uninstall the unwanted program from there:

1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.

If you are using a Mac, it might seem like removal should be really straightforward. While it is true for most legitimate applications, adware, browser hijackers, and other suspicious apps usually insert additional components and files on the device which, if not removed, make the unpleasant symptoms of the browser hijacking return.

1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
2. In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
3. 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:

1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
3. In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
4. Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.

Cleaning web browsers and checking for malware

As we already mentioned, browser hijackers are known for their data tracking capabilities, and ProTabs Default Search is no exception. It is not uncommon for the apps to collect information for various reasons – improving the services or for communication purposes.

However, potentially unwanted applications are known to do this more for commercial purposes. It's one of the reasons why people who have a hijacker installed see ads that are catered to their personal tastes – this increases the chances of a purchase. On the contrary, people might see too many of the same ads they are not interested in.

Besides, considering how many legitimate parties are already collecting your information, there is no need to increase this number. In fact, overly large caches can be a real problem, as they might break websites and cause errors, preventing normal page access.

In order to clean your browser from cookies,^[3] caches, and other web data, you can follow the instructions below or employ FortectIntego PC repair and maintenance tool. Not only can it clean your browsers to protect your privacy quickly, but also repair damaged system components for you.

Before using it, we recommend you check your device with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, or another powerful security software first to ensure there are no malware processes running in the background.