Startpage.com virus: what it is and how to remove it
Startpage.com is advertised as "the world's most private search engine." However, security experts disagreed with such saying and categorized it as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and a browser hijacker for these reasons:
- Startpage proclaims itself as a "Privacy-friendly" service and vows to protect its users' privacy
- guard them against targeted online advertising
- provide a generally improved browsing experience
Facts checked October 6, 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.
Automatic
Get a free scan and check if your PC is infected.
Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.
If Startpage.com virus keeps coming back after uninstalling, a scan can find what reinstalls it.
Do it yourself · free Remove Startpage.com virus yourself 4 steps, about 12 minutes, no software needed.
Start the steps
Startpage.com virus: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | Startpage.com virus |
| Type | Unwanted browser or VPN app |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| 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 4 more facts
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
|---|---|
| Program | Startpage.com virus |
| First seen | 30 April 2021 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Is Startpage.com virus safe? Why it is flagged
From our report of Apr 2021 · not reviewed since
The main issues caused by Startpage search engine
Startpage.com is advertised as "the world's most private search engine."
However, security experts disagreed with such saying and categorized it as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and a browser hijacker for these reasons:
Startpage proclaims itself as a "Privacy-friendly" service and vows to protect its users' privacy, guard them against targeted online advertising and provide a generally improved browsing experience.
Search engine offers to search in the web, images and videos categories. What is more, it has an advanced search feature that allows narrowing your queries. Developers also offer also provide additional email services and invite the users to sign up at StartMail.com.
However, instead of enhancing the browsing experience, this site starts generating ads and tries to control your browsing habits. Search engine virus may show you altered search results and bombard you with tons of various pop-up advertisements that might be dangerous.
In this case, the biggest problem is redirect tendencies. This cyber threat might display content that leads to harmful websites where you can get infected with malware or suffer from other cyber crimes. No matter how legitimate it looks, this tool can be used by cyber criminals.
If you don't wish to deal with these problems, head straight to the Startpage.com removal. Fixing your computer can be easier if you apply automatic virus elimination technology and use software like anti-malware.
The hijacker can affect all web browsers that are installed on your computer, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Thus, you should remove adware from each of them.
- tricking users into visiting unknown and questionable websites;
- active and intrusive embedding of sponsored ads;
- alteration of the infected Internet browsers' settings.
From our report of Apr 2021 · not reviewed since
Freeware helps to install the hijacker on the computer silently
Search engine virus spreads bundled with freeware, shareware, and other free applications.
Thus, careless installation of software can result in the hijacked web browser.
To avoid unintentional installation of PUPs, you should always select "Custom" or "Advanced" installation method instead of "Quick" or "Standard." Then you will be able to opt out pre-selected third-party entries.
From our report of Apr 2021 · not reviewed since
Getting rid of the Search engine virus
After the hijack, you can follow a step-by-step tutorial which has been compiled by our experts and can be found down below.
If you want to be sure that all components of this hijacker are eliminated, you should use automatic removal tools.
We suggest taking some time and invest in a reputable antivirus utility which will not let you down and assuredly remove Startpage.com from your computer.
How to uninstall Startpage.com virus
Uninstall it, then set your own browser and search engine back, because it changes both.
Step 1: Uninstall Startpage.com virus
Startpage.com virus is removed like any other program, from the list of installed apps. In Windows 11 that is Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and in both you can also use Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Select Startpage.com virus, click Uninstall and follow the uninstaller to the end. Then look at the entries just above and below it when the list is sorted by date: bundled programs install at the same minute.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 2: Remove it from startup
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and select Startup apps (Windows 11) or the Startup tab (Windows 10). Disable entries you do not recognise, especially ones with no publisher or with a name that copies a Windows component.
Right-click an entry and choose Open file location to see where it runs from: programs in
%AppData%or%Temp%deserve a closer look. Some entries are not listed there but in the registry Run keys, which the procedure below shows how to check.Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix
Step 3: Delete the folders left behind
Uninstalling often leaves the program's folders, and some threats reinstall themselves from them.
Press Windows + R, type
%LocalAppData%and press Enter, then do the same for%AppData%and %ProgramData%, and look for folders named after Startpage.com virus, its publisher or created on the day the problem started.Delete those folders, and check
C:\Program FilesandC:\Program Files (x86)too.If Windows says a file is in use, end it in Task Manager or delete the folder after a restart in Safe Mode. The folders are the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of Startpage.com virus that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.
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
Generally, Startpage is considered a regular search engine but its malicious counterparts may pretend to be the legitimate service as well. So, the original website should be easily removed from the browser by deleting it from the list of default search engines. But if the website bounced back to your browser, you are most likely infected with a browser hijacker and need to follow the instructions provided below to remove it from your computer.
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
The hijack may have occurred due to the installation of some browser extension. These instructions will help you to get rid of it:
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
These guidelines will help you to get rid of the hijacker-related entries:
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)
In order to delete it from Firefox homepage, you may need to uninstall suspicious browser extensions and reset the browser.
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
Follow these steps to wipe out the hijacker from the 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
It is unlikely that this virus or software bundle will change your Safari homepage to any predetermined domain. But if it does, please follow the subsequent instructions to remove it.
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.
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.
Questions about Startpage.com virus
What is Startpage.com virus and why is it on my PC?
Startpage.com virus is a program that was installed on the PC, most likely together with something else you downloaded. Free software sites and many installers add extra programs on setup pages with pre-ticked boxes, so the extra install looks like your choice even though nobody read the page.
Check the install date in Settings, Apps, Installed apps: the program you installed that day is the probable carrier. If you do not need Startpage.com virus, uninstall it. If it belongs to your hardware or to a program you use, search its exact name and publisher first, because drivers and their tools can have unfamiliar names.
Startpage.com virus came back after I uninstalled it. Why?
Something else is reinstalling it. Common causes are a second program from the same publisher, a scheduled task that downloads it again, or a browser extension that keeps prompting for it. Sort Installed apps by install date and uninstall each entry from the same day that you did not choose.
Then open Task Scheduler and look in the Task Scheduler Library for tasks with updater-style names that you do not recognise. Check Startup apps in Task Manager too. If Startpage.com virus still returns, start Windows in Safe Mode, uninstall it there and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan, which looks for loaders that ordinary scans can miss.
Why does Startpage.com virus reinstall itself?
Programs like Startpage.com virus are often installed with an updater or a companion app whose job is to keep them present. When you uninstall the main program, the helper downloads it again at the next scheduled run or restart.
Find the helper by sorting Installed apps by date and by checking Task Scheduler and Services for entries with the same name or publisher. Remove them all, then delete leftover folders. Turning on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security also stops many reinstall attempts.
Does Startpage.com virus use a lot of resources?
It depends on the program, and no measurements have been published for Startpage.com virus. The sign reported is startpage.com virus in the list of installed apps. Check for yourself: open Task Manager, find its process and watch the CPU, memory and network columns for a minute while the PC is otherwise idle.
Steady use with nothing open is a strong reason to remove it. Even if it seems light, it may run more processes under other names, so sort Installed apps by date and remove anything else from the same day. Then restart and compare.
Why can't I uninstall Startpage.com virus?
Usually because it is still running or because a helper reinstalls it. Close it from the notification area first, then end its process in Task Manager and try Settings > Apps > Installed apps again. If there is no uninstall entry, look for a folder under Program Files or AppData with the same name and an uninstaller inside.
If the program comes back after removal, the cause of startpage.com virus in the list of installed apps is a scheduled task, a startup entry or the program it was bundled with. Remove those, restart and check again. Starting Windows in Safe Mode stops most helpers and makes stubborn programs easier to remove.
Startpage.com virus will not uninstall. What can I do?
Close it first: in Task Manager, select every process with its name and click End task, and exit its tray icon. Then uninstall it from Settings > Apps > Installed apps. If the uninstaller fails, shows an error or just reopens offers, restart Windows in Safe Mode, where third-party programs do not start, and uninstall from there.
Afterwards, delete its folders in C:\Program Files and %AppData%, remove its scheduled tasks and run a full scan in Windows Security. As a last step, System Restore to a date before the install can help.
How do I stop programs like Startpage.com virus from installing?
Turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings, with both Block apps and Block downloads checked. Download programs from the developer's own site or the Microsoft Store, choose Custom in installers and untick extra offers, and treat large download buttons on file sites as ads.
Apps from the Microsoft Store are checked by Microsoft and uninstall cleanly. Keep real-time protection on, so that bundled offers flagged as unwanted are stopped before they install.
Is Startpage.com virus safe to keep?
It is not dangerous in the way malware is: it does not steal passwords or encrypt files. It can still cost money through subscriptions, show ads that lead to scam pages, collect usage data and slow the start of Windows. If you installed Startpage.com virus on purpose and find it useful, you can keep it:
- turn off start with Windows
- offers and data sharing in its settings
- choose Custom during updates
If you do not know where it came from, remove it, together with anything installed on the same day.
Does Startpage.com virus collect my data?
Nobody has analysed Startpage.com virus yet, so there is no confirmed answer. Programs in this category often collect usage data, browsing history or device details and share them with advertisers, and their privacy policies usually allow it.
The sign reported, startpage.com virus in the list of installed apps, does not by itself show data theft, and nothing points to passwords or files being taken.
If you want to be careful, clear the browser's cookies after removal and review which apps may run in the background. Change passwords only if you also see signs of something more serious, such as unknown sign-ins or messages sent from your accounts.
Will Fortect remove Startpage.com virus?
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 Startpage.com virus, 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
- How-to Geek: Here's What Happens When You Install the Top 10 Download.com Apps (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 6, 2026)