Trotux: what it is and how to remove it
Trotux is a browser hijacker that has been affecting computer systems since 2016. It infiltrates the system without any notice and then alters target web browsers to redirect its victims to www.trotux.com.
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.
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Trotux: summary
| Distribution | Software bundles, fake ads, misleading official site |
|---|---|
| Name | Trotux |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Category | Potentially unwanted program |
| Symptoms | Alters system settings, causes redirects and pop-up ads, fails to leave the system when asked |
| Main danger | Collects various information about the user, redirects to possibly malicious sites |
| 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 7 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 7 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Search page | iwatchavi.com |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 2 January 2021 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Is Trotux dangerous? What it collects
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
PUP infiltration can be avoided
There are numerous ways computer viruses can enter computers.
However, every family of cyber threats has their typical ways of spreading . Speaking of distribution methods used to spread potentially unwanted programs, the most frequently used technique is called software bundling. Briefly said, PUPs secretly install with other programs without the user's consent.
To avoid being tricked into installing potentially dangerous software, always read through the EULA and other software documents. In the downloaded program's setup choose "Advanced" installation mode and inspect all the programs in the software package content list. If you see some suspicious applications, cancel them immediately and proceed with the installation as usual.
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Trotux
- Use for general system cleaning
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
Trotux is a browser hijacker that uses stealthy techniques to stay on the system and collect browsing-related information
Trotux is a browser hijacker that has been affecting computer systems since 2016.
It infiltrates the system without any notice and then alters target web browsers to redirect its victims to www.trotux.com. If you try to modify these settings back to normal, the virus uses Windows services and its own components to recover these settings. As a result, numerous tech forums have been filled with questions about the removal of this virus.
However, at the moment of writing, this potentially unwanted program is detected as safe. Nevertheless, you should not deal with Trotux virus as it starts causing redirects and pop-up ads right after it settles down on the system. Additionally, it silently tracks your browsing habits and personal information like IP address, location, email address, etc.
Trotux browser hijacker can easily infiltrate your compute without your permission which is a clear indicator that there is something suspicious about this program. However, stealthy system hijack is just the beginning.
As soon as Trotux.com hijack is finished, this virus immediately goes for your browser and starts altering its settings. Therefore, it is likely that the first thing you will notice when this virus settles on your system will be the changes in your browser. Do not be surprised if one day, after opening your browser, you will find this hijacker instead of your regular search engine.
It is also important to remember that this virus will try to remain on your browser for as long as possible by altering your DNS settings and installing additional software, such as toolbars and extensions. Besides, Trotux collaboration with another hijacker, which is called iwatchavi.com, is another reason for mistrusting this program.
As we have already discussed, this browser hijacker adjusts homepage plus the new tab page settings and redirects users to a particular search engine page that is shown in the picture above. If you click the "About" link provided at the bottom of this site, it will open the author's note which introduces this search engine as a useful and innovative web browsing tool.
The note claims that Trotux virus compiles "results from many of the Web's major search properties, delivering more relevant and comprehensive results. The search results you receive include the top commercial (sponsored advertising) and non-commercial (algorithmic) results from the most popular search engines on the Web."
However, according to our research, other shady search engines, such as safehomepage.com, nuesearch.com or dogpile.com also promise the same thing. Sadly, all these search tools are associated with browser hijackers which are actively distributed all around the web. Many users complain about these search tools and are actively looking for their removal tutorials, including Trotux removal.
Besides hijacking of the browser's settings, the virus also causes redirect issue on every target computer system. is also one of the most concerning features worth mentioning when talking about the program's malicious tendencies.
Each time you enter the web browser your home page is redirected to Trotux.com and every click on the browser and pop-up windows opens at least a few news windows or tabs. This search engine reportedly delivers rigged search results, which hold vague and questionable hyperlinks.
Once activated, these hyperlinks can reroute the user to highly suspicious Internet sites and, consequently, puts user's privacy and computer security in danger. These web pages that promote themselves via such shady search engines can be filled with dangerous content, so it is advisable to stay clear of them.
It is important to remove Trotux engine from your browser because it is a pure gateway for the potentially unwanted programs to enter your PC. Since the main technique of distribution is software bundles there is a possibility of already installed unwanted programs or tools:
If the question "why Trotux keeps coming back" is your primary concern, you should look at Trotux removal guidelines provided at the end of this article. Our spyware research team has prepared this virus elimination tutorial for users who do not have an anti-spyware program or just wish to eliminate this hijacker manually. Additionally, run to make sure that your PC is clean from spyware and malware infections automatically.
- rogue optimization tools;
- browser extensions;
- background processes;
- adware programs;
- bookmarks;
- toolbars.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
iwatchavi.com
How to remove Trotux
How to remove Trotux 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
Trotux 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 and delete iwatchavi.com
Searches that pass through
iwatchavi.commean the browser's default search engine was replaced. Chrome: Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, then Make default on Google, Bing or another engine you chose, and Delete on iwatchavi.com.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 the hijacker's address there. 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 programs you did not mean to install
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10, and sort the list by install date. Look at what appeared around the day the problem started and uninstall every program you do not recognise or did not choose.
Free converters, PDF and video tools, "system optimizers" and unknown browsers are the usual carriers of Trotux. If a name is unclear, search for it before you remove it, so you do not uninstall a driver or a Windows component.
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
If your Windows OS was hijacked by Trotux Search virus, you need to uninstall all entries that could be related to this browser hijacker.
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
Trotux elimination from Google Chrome is explained in detail below:
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
If Trotux has breached your Microsoft Edge protection and installed itself on this browser, you should remove it immediately. We have prepared a tutorial below to help you with the elimination.
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)
If your Mozilla Firefox is affected by this hijacker, we highly recommend removing Trotux add-on and other entries from this browser by following these steps:
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
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
To fix Mac OS X, you need to uninstall everything that is related to this hijacker.
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.
Reset Internet Explorer
When eliminating Trotux from your Internet Explorer, please be sure to remove all the virus-related extensions and add-ons from your browser and then reset your search engine to confirm these changes.
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
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.
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
Trotux removal FAQ
Question by Allen, 21: Hey.
I was wondering what antivirus software would be most suitable for the Trotux removal? I am currently a college student so I cannot afford expensive antivirus suites. Can you suggest any free or some inexpensive solutions I could try?
Answer: Dear Allen. We are glad you are concerned about the health of your system. Despite the common misconception, you do not necessarily need expensive software to keep your computer clean and protected. There are free anti-malware utilities like that may help you keep on top your computer's security and remove any undesirable malware, including Trotux with a couple of mouse clicks.
Question by Daniele, 34: In your articles, you claim that it is necessary to reset the browser after you remove Trotux from the computer. Does this condition remain when malware removal is carried out automatically, i.e. using some sort of antivirus or anti-malware program?
Answer: Thank you for your question, Daniele. No matter what methods you use to get rid of Trotux from your computer, it is absolutely necessary to reset all browsers that have been infected by this hijacker. Please remember that hijackers may install additional browser extensions, toolbars or other components on your browser in order to secure their place in your system.
Antivirus utilities may remove them from the computer, but it will not uninstall these browser add-ons from your browser; therefore, you may continue to experience interruptions and other inconveniences when browsing the web. Thus, we highly recommend dedicating a few minutes of your time to clean your browsers and start fresh.
Question by George, 49: Can Mac OS X be infected with Trotux? I mean, what should I do if I find this site on Safari?
Answer: Dear George. Unfortunately, Mac OS X users are regularly reporting infections even though this virus was initially thought to be exclusively Windows-based. This means that your Safari browser is not longer safe from this malware and can get infected.
If this happens to your Web engine, do not panic -- you can take the hijack under your control. Antivirus utilities such as can fix the problem in just a few minutes, but if you do not wish to invest your money into malware-fighting equipment, you may as well delete Trotux manually.
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
Trotux elimination require professional help
There are two ways to banish potentially unwanted programs, such as this browser hijacker, from the infected device one and for all.
More experienced users usually take the manual approach. However, if you have not dealt with virus elimination before, the whole Trotux removal process may seem quite intimidating. it is more advisable to use anti-malware programs and PC repair tools to clean your system thoroughly.
Luckily, you can delete this infection from your computer automatically as well. With respectable antivirus utilities, you will be able to achieve that in just a few clicks. Additionally, the software will scan your whole computer to find other malware, potentially hiding in your system.
Nevertheless, if you wish to remove Trotux virus manually, read through the instructions provided below this article to avoid elimination errors. If you encounter any uninstall issues, do not hesitate to contact us, and we will do our best to help you get rid of this clingy virus.
As we have already mentioned, this browser hijacker may try to mess up your DNS settings. If you want to make sure that they are fine, follow these steps right after uninstalling Trotux:
- Go to "Control Panel"-> "Network and Internet" -> "Network and Sharing Center"-> "Change Adapter Settings". here, you should reveal your active Internet connection.
- Right-click this option and select "Properties".
- Look for "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)", select it and click on "Properties" one more time.
- Once "Properties" window shows up, make sure that "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically!" are selected. As we have already warned you, this hijacker may try to change these settings.
- Select "OK" to save changes.
Questions about Trotux
How do I change my search engine back from iwatchavi.com?
Open the browser's search engine settings, choose the search engine you want and set it as default, then remove iwatchavi.com from the list.
If the option is greyed out or a note says it is controlled by an extension, remove that extension first and try again. If the browser says it is managed by your organization, a policy holds the setting, and the policy steps in this guide apply.
When the change will not stick, reset the browser: it restores the default search engine and start page and turns off extensions, but keeps bookmarks and saved passwords. Then check Installed apps for a program that may put iwatchavi.com back.
Did iwatchavi.com come with a program I installed?
Most likely, yes. Search hijackers such as iwatchavi.com usually arrive with free software, where an extra offer is pre-ticked in the installer, or as an extension that promises something useful, such as file conversion, maps, recipes or streaming.
Look at Settings, Apps, Installed apps sorted by install date: whatever was installed just before the search engine changed is the main suspect. Uninstall it, then remove any extension you do not recognise. In future, choose the custom or advanced option in installers and untick extra offers, and install extensions only from the official store pages of publishers you know.
Why do my searches go to iwatchavi.com?
Because the browser's default search engine was changed to it. Trotux did that through an extension, a program or a browser policy, and as long as that source remains, the setting points to iwatchavi.com.
The page then passes your query to a real search provider, so the results look almost normal, with extra sponsored links on top. Changing the search engine back on its own does not last, because the source resets it. Remove the extension or program first, then the policies if any, then set your own search engine.
Is it safe to keep searching with iwatchavi.com?
We would not. Every query you type is logged by its operators and shared with their advertising partners, and the sponsored links at the top are chosen for payment, not relevance. Results that look like a download page or a support site may lead to scams.
The page will not damage Windows by itself, but there is no benefit in keeping it: the results come from another search engine anyway. Remove Trotux and use that search engine directly, by typing its address or choosing it in the browser settings.
Which browsers does Trotux affect?
We saw it in Chrome, Edge and Firefox. That does not mean the other browsers on your PC are safe: hijacker installers usually change every browser they find, and browser sync can carry an extension to other computers signed in to the same account.
Check the search engine, home page, new tab, extensions and policies in each browser you have, including ones you rarely open. Chrome and Edge profiles count separately, so switch to each profile and check it as well before you call the job done.
What does iwatchavi.com know about me?
It knows what you searched for while it was your search engine, when, from which IP address and with which browser, and usually which results you opened. Tracking cookies let it connect those searches into a profile. It does not see your saved passwords or files.
After removing Trotux, delete the cookies and site data for iwatchavi.com so the profile cannot be continued, and remove it from the browser's list of saved search engines. Signing out of important sites and back in also replaces session cookies.
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.
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 Trotux 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.
The results look like Google or Bing. Is that real?
Partly. Many hijacker search pages pass your query to a real search engine and show its results, so the list looks familiar. What changes is the frame around it:
- extra sponsored links at the top
- the hijacker's own tracking
- sometimes a design that copies a known search engine
You can tell by the address bar. If it shows iwatchavi.com or another unfamiliar domain instead of the search engine you know, the results come through a middleman. Remove Trotux and search directly.
Will Fortect remove Trotux?
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 Trotux, 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
- Cnet Computer Help forum: Need help to remove Trotux (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: What is EULA? (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)