Skip to content
Spyware News
  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · May 2021

How to remove Stream Tube

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Alice Woods · Likes to teach users about virus prevention

Stream Tube – a browser hijacker that inserts ads into your searches and tracks your online activities

Stream Tube

Stream Tube is yet another potentially unwanted application that mostly spreads as a browser extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or MS Edge. While users can install it intentionally when looking for a new addition to customize their browsing experience, most people find it installed without them knowing anything about it. This happens due to a deceptive software distribution technique known as bundling,

Once installed, the app might perform browser changes that might not be instantaneously visible. However, as soon as a search is performed, users might see suspicious URLs show up briefly – tailsearch.com, my-search.com, search-checker.com, or others.

In a few seconds, they would land on Bing, Yahoo, or another search provider, which usually differs from the default one. Additionally, Stream Tube hijacker also inserts promotional offers at the top of the search results, making users more likely to click on them; meanwhile, the developers would gain financial benefits via the pay-per-click scheme.[1]

Name Stream Tube
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted application
Infiltration  The application can be spread via software bundle packages downloaded from third party sites
Symptoms 
  • Stream Tube extension installed on the web browser
  • When using search bar, a redirect to various URLs occurs
  • Search results are redirected to Bing or another provider different from your default one
  • Search results are filled with ads and sponsored links
Risks Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, information disclosure to unknown parties, financial losses, etc.
Elimination You can eliminate the unwanted extension manually via the browser. Just to be sure, you can also scan your device with anti-malware software as well
Optimization Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the OS, perform a full system scan with FortectIntego repair software

Deceptive distribution practices are one of the main reasons why so many users find potentially unwanted programs on their machines seemingly out of nowhere, hence the “Stream Tube virus” term is often used. However, the application is not a virus but rather a browser hijacker – a type of potentially unwanted application that is very common. It does not mean that it should be ignored, as it can interfere with the normal web browsing experience and provide no benefits for end-users whatsoever.

Since the hijacker changes web browser settings, users are forced to visit the hijacked homepage each time they want to browse the web. As mentioned before, the changes might not even be visible right away, and the homepage might look virtually identical to that of google.com, for example.

After several Stream Tube redirects, users would be rerouted to an alternative search provider, and search results would not be genuine. Browser hijackers such as StreamsSearchWeb, Quick Search Tool, Findsearchresults.info, or OneLaunch behave similarly – they use Yahoo or Bing to display the results and also use filters to bring users various ads that are displayed at the top.

While most of the links are not likely to be dangerous (i.e., they won't direct you to malware-laden, scam, phishing, or similar dangerous websites), it is important to note that they can significantly influence the way you browse the web – services you order, products you buy, sites you visit, etc.

In order to return your browser to the previous state, you need to remove Stream Tube from your web browser altogether. Since the article's culprit is likely to be related to a browser extension, you should visit your web browser's settings and delete the app from there – we explain how below if you need instructions for that.

Stream Tube hijack

Another reason for Stream Tube removal is information tracking practices. Upon installation, it claims that it can read web browsing history, although it is likely that additional data, such as the IP address, ISP, location, technical device details, installed apps, etc., are also collected in the background. 

Thus, if you value your privacy and want a clutter-free web browsing experience, uninstall the app immediately. You should also check your machine with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, or another security software to ensure that no invisible threats are present on your device.

Finally, clean your web browsers as per instructions below to prevent further tracking and then employ FortectIntego to fix potential system damage that could have been sustained during the infection (this is especially recommended if malware was found on the computer).

Software bundling can result in various computer infections

If you wonder how a suspicious program managed to infiltrate your device without your permission, the answer is simple – software bundling. Many users tend not to pay a lot of attention during the installation of freeware programs downloaded from third-party websites, despite experts' warnings.[2]

The truth is that almost all distributors bundle software,[3] hence users download a full package instead of the desired application. The main goal here is to segregate these apps and only choose the one(s) you really want. For that, you need to pay attention to each of the steps during the installation process. Here are a few tips that might help you:

  • If possible, download apps from well-known sites and avoid torrents/warez ones due to the increased risk of malware infections;
  • Always opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones;
  • Read the fine print;
  • Remove all ticks from pre-selected checkboxes;
  • Watch out for misplaced buttons;
  • Decline all of the offers/deals on the way.

Also, having a powerful anti-malware installed could warn you about the potentially unwanted programs about to be installed on your system without your permission.

Get rid of Stream Tube to return your browser to normal

You have to get rid of the PUP or you will not be able to return your browser to default settings. This means that if you prefer to use Google for your searches, you will be forced to use Yahoo, Bing, or another provider instead. Besides, the background information tracking will continue as well. Thus, you should access the settings section of your web browser and eliminate the correlating extension. If you are unaware of how to perform these steps, you can follow the detailed guide below.

Stream Tube virus

If you see suspicious browser behavior even after you remove Stream Tube virus from your browser, there might be other PUPs installed. However, these might be installed as programs on the operating system instead – you can find detailed instructions on finding these apps below.

As a precautionary measure, you should also perform a full system scan with anti-virus software, as many malicious programs, run in the background without showing any symptoms whatsoever.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

Did this guide help?

Yes0No0

Be the first to comment

Log in to post your comment
Log in to comment
Editor's pick · tested 2026

Fortect Intego

9.4 / 10 9.6 / 10 Best overall pick
  • Real-time ransomware shield
  • Free 14-day trial, no card
  • Cleans the threats listed above

Ad — we may earn a commission if you buy via this link.

Get protected →Get protected → Read our full review Read our full review
Spyware News
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze traffic. Some cookies enable embedded content like videos and social posts. Choose what you allow — you can change this anytime.