WebNavigatorBrowser: what it is and how to remove it
WebNavigatorBrowser hijacks browser settings to display ads and redirects. It installs through freeware bundles and persists as a stubborn infection.
Facts checked October 5, 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.
Programs like WebNavigatorBrowser usually arrive in groups; a free scan lists the companions that are easy to miss.
Do it yourself · free Remove WebNavigatorBrowser yourself 5 steps, about 15 minutes, no software needed.
Start the steps
WebNavigatorBrowser: summary
| Distribution | Freeware installations trigger automatic downloads of the potentially unwanted programs, so you cannot notice the infection happening or avoid the infiltration. Other programs can easily drop the adware or a browser hijacker[2] on the machine when the computer is affected already |
|---|---|
| Name | WebNavigatorBrowser |
| Type | Browser hijacker/ Potentially unwanted program |
| Symptoms | The page focuses on redirecting people to advertisers' sites, delivering pop-ups with commercial content. |
| Issues | There are many programs that can be added without your consent, you also encounter redirects to commercial pages and possibly malicious programs or sites. These third-party advertisements can lead to other issues related to suspicious online material and ad-tracking |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| 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 5 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | WebNavigatorBrowser |
| First seen | 17 September 2020 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
Is WebNavigatorBrowser dangerous? What it collects
From our report of Sep 2020 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
WebNavigatorBrowser is the browser hijacker that creates issues with the performance and online traffic
WebNavigator is a particular program that creates problems with the web browser functions and performance when the suspicious website starts redirecting users to promotional sites, and commercial content pop-ups fill up the screen. It is not a serious malware or a crucially dangerous intruder.
However, this potentially unwanted program can trigger changes in important parts of the system and affect particular startup functions and can trick you into installing other shady programs or system tools. There are various promotional and directly advertising pages that appear on the screen and get added to search results when the affected web browser gets triggered with a search attempt.
Unfortunately, when the PUP triggers all the changes in specific sections of the browser like homepage, new tab, search engine, default tools, or functions all the searches automatically go through the shady domain. In addition, WebNavigatorBrowser virus is the one that focuses on redirects and pop-up advertisements.
This is one of many PUPs related to third-party sponsors and commercial content creators, so it becomes impossible to access wanted material online without entering an ad or site with intrusive advertisements and possibly ad-tracking functionalities.
WebNavigator Browser is the program identical to WebExplorer that is the program creating various issues with the machine because it triggers changes on the web browser. This is the program developed by the same shady company Better Cloud Solutions, so there are many issues that you can encounter while this PUP is triggering all the changes and other problems.
WebNavigatorBrowser is the Chromium-based web browser that should improve your experience online because it offers to show improved search results, provide access to exclusive material, and manage your device better. However, this is the program created to expose users to other sponsored material and control the online traffic.
You should note that WebNavigator virus is not the safest web browser add-on to use, especially when it gets installed out of nowhere and triggers those shady pop-ups and redirects. It should be removed from the browser, even though it is not residing there only. It mainly gets installed during other freeware installations as the additional application included in the bundle.
It might seem to easy to remove WebNavigator Browser since it triggers issues with the web browser only. However, there are more issues with this cyber infection than you might think. Even though it triggers symptoms with your Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or any other web browsers it is controlled by the potentially unwanted program.
You need a proper WebNavigatorBrowser removal process if you want to get rid of the issues created by this application. It can take time if you decide to find all the components yourself. Experts note about the persistence and intrusiveness of the PUP like this.
Pay attention to such tips like clearing the machine fully, and eliminating any suspicious extensions, add-ons from the browser. This is how you can remove WebNavigatorBrowser with all the traces and possibly related applications. Running tools like or can improve the security state significantly.
However, you can remove WebNavigatorBrowser using anti-malware or system security software, but the damage and alterations remain there. Tools like could help with system alterations, registry entry changes, and damage that is done to functions f the PC.
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
Changes to web browser settings start with the pUP infection
You cannot be sure how and who installed the potentially unwanted program that managed to access your web browser because it happens behind your back and can be silent.
In most cases, your device is infected way before the symptoms because PUP gets dropped when you install the freeware on the machine or fall for the promotional advertisement.
Scammy advertisements and deceptive sites can trigger the automatic drop of the PUP, so you only need to click on insecure pop-up or redirect to cause such infiltration. You can control such processes if you pay close attention to content that you visit or get unwantedly exposed to.
Choosing Advanced or Custom installation options can also be a great way to avoid these infections. Especially when users tend to go for torrent sites, pirating services, or other free domains for their programs, such step can be crucial.
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
You need to focus on the proper WebNavigatorBrowser termination
There are many ways that lead to WebNavigator Browser virus infection, so you cannot be sure how long this program is running on the computer or mobile device.
This fact can determine how persistent the PUP is and how difficult it can be to delete it.
However, based on similar intruders in this category, WebNavigatorBrowser removal should give the best results when the anti-malware tools are in use too. If you run the proper system scan, the AV detection based tool can find all the intruders and traces of the hijacker automatically.
When you remove WebNavigatorBrowser, you should also remember to check web browsers for anything suspicious and terminate programs that raise any questions. Also, system repair is important and needed, when the PUP can access and alter places like Windows Registry. For that, rely on PC repair apps.
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on WebNavigatorBrowser
- You should remove WebNavigatorBrowser with the help of anti-malware tools or security programs that can check for various parts of the PUP and remove the intruder properly
- The system gets affected by the intruder, so you should clear the damage by repairing the altered data or anything that gets damaged.
- should help with these issues
How to remove WebNavigatorBrowser
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
In Chrome open
chrome://extensions, in Edgeedge://extensions, and in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially search, new tab, coupon, PDF, weather or video downloader add-ons. Check every browser and every profile, because each keeps its own list.
If an extension has no Remove button or comes back, a browser policy holds it (see "Managed by your organization" in the procedure below). The pages are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Put the search engine back
In Chrome open Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, make an engine you trust the default, and delete entries you did not add.
In Edge type
search engineinto the search box at the top of Settings and open Manage search engines; in Firefox use Settings > Search. Then check the homepage and the new tab page in the same settings, because hijackers change all three.If the wrong engine is back after a restart, an extension, a program or a policy still sets it, so finish the other steps and check again. The settings are the same on 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 WebNavigatorBrowser
WebNavigatorBrowser 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 WebNavigatorBrowser, 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 4: Reset the browser
A reset removes what the steps above could miss:
- changed start pages
- site permissions
- hidden settings
In Chrome open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults; in Edge Settings > Reset settings; in Firefox Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.
Tip: Bookmarks and saved passwords stay, while extensions are turned off and the search engine and start page return to the defaults.
Reset every browser on the PC, including Edge, which Windows 11 and Windows 10 always have.
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
A scan finds the parts of WebNavigatorBrowser 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
Clear the system from anything WebNavigatorBrowser - related
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
Make sure to check for suspicious or questionable applications, add-ons, browser extensions. You can easily reset Chrome to default to eliminate anything similar WebNavigatorBrowser
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
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)
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
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
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.
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 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 for the data restoration process.
Questions about WebNavigatorBrowser
What is WebNavigatorBrowser?
WebNavigatorBrowser is a program that creates issues with web browser functions and performance through unwanted browser changes. Developed by Better Cloud Solutions (the same company behind WebExplorer), it is a Chromium-based browser that supposedly improves browsing experience by offering improved search results and exclusive material access.
In reality, it hijacks browser functions and performance by triggering changes to critical settings like homepage, new tab, and search engine. The program redirects users to promotional sites and fills screens with commercial content pop-ups. Users encounter many intrusive pop-ups and forced redirects once WebNavigatorBrowser activates, making it functionally equivalent to other browser hijackers in its deceptive practices and behavior.
What are the symptoms of WebNavigatorBrowser infection?
If infected with WebNavigatorBrowser, you experience unexpected changes to your web browser's homepage, new tab URL, and default search engine redirecting searches through shady domains. Promotional and directly advertising pages appear constantly on screen and get added to search results.
You encounter redirects to commercial pages containing sponsored content whenever searching. The PUP focuses intensively on redirects and pop-up advertisements, making it nearly impossible to access wanted material online without encountering ads or redirects.
Commercial content creators and third-party sponsors generate money from your clicks, creating persistent ad exposure. Performance slowdowns may occur as the hijacker consumes system resources. Browser functionality becomes compromised as the hijacker interferes with normal operation and setting changes.
How does WebNavigatorBrowser spread?
WebNavigatorBrowser primarily installs during freeware installations as an additional application included in bundled software packages. Users downloading free programs from third-party sites often unknowingly approve WebNavigatorBrowser installation through pre-ticked checkboxes and hidden installation options. The hijacker can also spread through malicious advertisements, deceptive websites, and exploit kits.
Once WebNavigatorBrowser is installed, other programs can easily drop adware or additional hijackers on the machine. The attack chain often begins with initial freeware installation, then subsequent programs exploit the compromised system to install more threats. If your computer is already affected by malware, additional hijackers like WebNavigatorBrowser can infiltrate without your knowledge.
Is WebNavigatorBrowser similar to other hijackers?
Yes, WebNavigatorBrowser is identical to WebExplorer in functionality and is created by the same company, Better Cloud Solutions. Both programs create issues by triggering browser changes and hijacking normal functions. WebNavigatorBrowser belongs to the same category as other browser hijackers that redirect users to sponsored content, display pop-ups, and modify critical browser settings.
Like other PUPs, it focuses on generating revenue through redirects and advertising rather than providing genuine utility. The main difference between similar hijackers is their specific target browsers and domains they redirect to, but their behavior patterns remain consistent. Understanding that WebNavigatorBrowser operates like other hijackers can help you understand removal requirements and prevention strategies.
What damage can WebNavigatorBrowser cause?
WebNavigatorBrowser causes direct damage by triggering changes to browser settings that remain until manually or automatically reversed. The hijacker can modify critical Windows Registry entries and system startup functions, potentially affecting computer performance and stability.
Persistent redirects to commercial pages expose you to malware-laden websites, phishing sites, and scams promoting suspicious products. Third-party advertisements may encourage installation of additional unwanted programs or malware.
The constant bombardment of ads degrades browsing performance and creates security risks. Once removed, WebNavigatorBrowser may leave residual system damage including altered registry entries and corrupted files. System repair tools become necessary to fully restore computer functionality after removal.
How do I remove WebNavigatorBrowser?
Remove WebNavigatorBrowser using anti-malware tools that scan your entire system for PUP components and remove them completely. Run the antimalware program in Safe Mode if possible, preventing the hijacker from running and interfering with removal.
The software will identify and quarantine hijacker files, registry entries, and browser components. After automatic removal, manually verify that browser settings have been fully restored to normal. Check your homepage, search engine, and new tab settings in all affected browsers.
Remove any suspicious browser extensions that installed alongside WebNavigatorBrowser. Clear browsing history and cached files to eliminate tracking components. If damage to system files occurred during hijacking, use system repair tools like Windows Repair to restore normal functions.
Can WebNavigatorBrowser reinstall itself?
If only the browser hijacker was removed without addressing the underlying adware that delivered it, WebNavigatorBrowser can reinstall itself. The adware responsible for initial installation may persist on your system, allowing automatic reinstallation.
Additionally, if you revisit malicious websites or click on fake advertisements, you could accidentally reinstall the hijacker. To prevent reinstallation, ensure you run a comprehensive antimalware scan that identifies and removes all related potentially unwanted programs.
Check Windows Registry and startup programs for suspicious entries that might trigger reinstallation. Monitor your computer for any signs of WebNavigatorBrowser returning, including unexpected homepage changes or browser redirects. If reinstallation occurs, repeat the removal process and investigate your web browsing habits for unintended exposure to malicious content.
How do I prevent WebNavigatorBrowser infection?
When installing free software, always select Custom or Advanced installation options to see all bundled components. Uncheck any boxes related to WebNavigatorBrowser, browser hijackers, extensions, toolbars, and similar unwanted additions. Read privacy policies and terms of service before installing programs.
Download software directly from official developer websites rather than third-party download sites like cnet.com or softonic.com. Research programs on trusted tech forums before installation to understand their reputation. Avoid clicking suspicious advertisements or visiting unfamiliar websites that may distribute hijackers.
Keep antivirus software updated with real-time protection enabled. Maintain healthy skepticism about browser utilities promising faster browsing or improved search, as these claims often mask hijacker intent. Be particularly cautious after malware infections, as compromised systems attract multiple threats.
Will Fortect remove WebNavigatorBrowser?
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 WebNavigatorBrowser, 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
- Wikipedia: Ad-tracking (read October 5, 2026)
- Searchsecurity: Browser hijacker (read October 5, 2026)
- Dieviren: Dieviren (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 5, 2026)