Yahoo! Powered: what it is and how to remove it

Yahoo Powered is a browser hijacker bundled with free software that hijacks your search engine and homepage to Yahoo. You can remove it by uninstalling the extension, resetting your browser, and using anti-malware tools.

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.

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Yahoo! Powered: yahoo powered virus
Yahoo! Powered as our 2021 report showed it.

Yahoo! Powered: summary

DistributionMost users install browser hijackers unintentionally during the installation of freeware acquired from third-party websites. Alternatively, they might install the PUP intentionally or after seeing a misleading/fake advertisement
NameYahoo! Powered
TypeBrowser add-on, also categorized as a potentially unwanted program or a browser hijacker
Affected systemsWindows, macOS
Main issuesRedirects to Yahoo Search and other websites, continuous pop-up ads
Detection namesNo 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 7 more facts
DamageNot recorded in the old report
SymptomsA changed search engine
Evidence4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
Search pageus.search.yahoo.com
BrowsersChrome, Edge and Firefox
First seen28 February 2021
Facts checked5 October 2026

Is Yahoo! Powered dangerous? What it collects

From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since

Yahoo Powered - a potentially unwanted program that seeks to change your browsing habits

Yahoo Powered is a browser add-on that changes default search engine and a homepage to us.search.yahoo.com.

Usually, it spreads with the help of various free programs and might get inside the system unnoticed. Due to this feature and ability to alter browser's settings, this extension is known as a browser hijacker and sometimes even referred to as Yahoo search virus.

Since Yahoo Powered search hijack might occur behind users' backs, many are trying to investigate the app further. Unexpected redirects to Yahoo, in general, are most commonly related to potentially unwanted applications that also collect user information for marketing and targeted advertising purposes.

If you found this extension on your Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another web browser seemingly out of nowhere, we suggest you remove it by following the guide provided below.

One of the first tasks this program initiates on the affected computer is changing the browser's settings and setting the needed ones instead. Yahoo Powered virus typically alters search provider to Yahoo and sets the following address as the default homepage:

Besides, victims may notice changes in their new tab page and browser shortcuts. These changes can cause one of the main problems related to this questionable search tool - the inability to get rid of Yahoo Powered with the help of traditional methods.

Yahoo is a safe search tool. However, when it is exploited by a browser hijacker, some problems might occur, such as redirect issues. The PUP is capable of controlling a user's behavior online.

Thus, it can not only force you to use Yahoo search but trick you into visiting other third-party websites too. For instance, the top of the search results will always be filled with sponsored links, which prompts most of the users to click on Yahoo Powered ads.

Keep in mind that PUP developers often rely on these services to drive visitors' traffic to their domains. As a result, you might get infected with another PUP or even malware. If you do not want to become another victim of cybercrime, you should uninstall Yahoo Powered from your computer.

Another negative trait of Yahoo Powered is its information gathering practices. Most browser hijackers monetize on ad revenue, so collecting user information that would serve relevant ads is in developers' best interests. In most cases, a variety of non-personally-identifiable data is collected (although some PUPs also collect personal details as well), including, but not limited to:

Anti-malware tools that have the PUP detection feature can quickly identify and remove this shady browser add-on with all its components. However, if you are looking for a manual removal solution, you can find it at the end of the article.

Note: if you found a browser hijacker on your system, there is a chance that your machine is infected with more nefarious programs. Therefore, we highly recommend you perform scans with anti-malware and after every infection that you encounter.

  • IP address
  • Geolocation
  • Technical browser and device data
  • Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Websites visited
  • Links clicked and ads interacted with
  • Search terms, etc.
Yahoo! Powered: yahoo powered virus
Yahoo! Powered in our 2021 report.
Yahoo! Powered: yahoo powered add on
Yahoo! Powered in our 2021 report.

From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Yahoo! Powered

  • You can uninstall a browser extension by right-clicking on it.
  • In case you still see ads after getting rid of unwanted programs, you can try to reset the used browser and see if that helps.
  • Besides, we highly recommend to use a PC repair utility for best results

How Yahoo! Powered got into your browser

From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since

Yahoo!

Powered extension is advertised in software bundles. It means you can find this add-on offered to download when you install various free programs, such as video players or PDF converters. This distribution method is legit, but tricky because users have to monitor the installation process to find additional apps.

According to bedynet.ru researchers, the majority of computer users do not install software correctly. They rely on Quick/Standard settings that do not openly disclose about additional apps and usually install them without asking permission.

In order to avoid the system's hijack and similar PUPs, users have to get used to Advanced/Custom installation and monitor the process. If you see "optional downloads," reject their installation by removing ticks.

Yahoo! Powered: yahoo powered browser hijacker pup
Yahoo! Powered in our 2021 report.

Check your browser and PC

  • Address: us.search.yahoo.com

How to remove Yahoo! Powered

How to remove Yahoo! Powered 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.

  1. Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add

    In Chrome open chrome://extensions, in Edge edge://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 menu with Extensions and Manage extensions highlighted
    Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension

  2. Step 2: Put the search engine back and delete us.search.yahoo.com

    In Chrome open Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, make an engine you trust the default, and delete us.search.yahoo.com from the list.

    In Edge type search engine into 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 us.search.yahoo.com 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 Settings with the Search engine and On startup sections
    Chrome on Windows 11: check Search engine and On startup.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine

  3. Step 3: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install

    Yahoo! Powered rarely comes alone: it is usually installed by, or together with, a free program. In Windows 11 open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and sort by install date.

    Uninstall every entry from the day the trouble began that you did not install on purpose, for example a download manager, a converter or a browser you never chose.

    Keep drivers and entries from Microsoft, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or your PC's maker unless you are sure.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix

  4. 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 Settings page with the Reset settings section open
    Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine

  5. Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan

    A scan finds the parts of Yahoo! Powered 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 Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    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

To uninstall this app from Windows, follow these guidelines attentively:

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
Remove from Google Chrome

Remove Yahoo! Powered from Google Chrome and reset the browser as shown below:

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
Remove from Microsoft Edge

Follow the steps below to get rid of all components that might be related to the browser hijacker:

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)

To get rid of the virus from Firefox, uninstall unwanted extensions and reset the browser.

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
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
Delete from macOS

To uninstall Yahoo Powered from Mac, use steps given below:

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.
Reset Internet Explorer

To fix Internet Explorer, reset the browser:

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Protect your privacy - employ a VPN

There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.

However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.

Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.

No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool

If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.

In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.

If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.

From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since

Uninstall Yahoo Powered from Chrome, Firefox, and other web browsers

If you access your browser's settings, you should find an unwanted extension installed.

To remove Yahoo Powered, you should right-click on it and select uninstall. While there, you should check for other unwanted programs that might have been installed behind your back as well. The final step in this procedure is resetting web browsers to their primary state, although this is optional if elimination process was successful.

However, Yahoo Powered removal might not be as simple. The potentially unwanted program might change your registry or install related components that protect itself from elimination. Thus, uninstalling add-on might not be enough. After restarting PC, it might appear on the browser again.

Therefore, if you want to remove Yahoo Powered manually, you should follow the guidelines presented below. It will show all the secret places where the hijacker-related components might hide.

Questions about Yahoo! Powered

What is Yahoo Powered?

Yahoo Powered is a browser hijacker extension that modifies web browser settings without user consent, changing the default homepage and search engine to Yahoo's search service. Categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP), it typically arrives bundled with free software downloaded from third-party sites.

Once installed, it can affect Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and other browsers. According to 2021 reports, users often discover the extension installed mysteriously and struggle to remove it because it modifies browser settings and registry files to prevent uninstallation.

Is Yahoo search itself dangerous?

No, Yahoo's official search engine is a legitimate, safe service provided by a major technology company. However, when the Yahoo Powered extension exploits Yahoo's brand, problems emerge. The hijacker fills search results with sponsored links and advertisements designed to generate revenue for developers, not provide genuine search results.

Additionally, the extension may redirect users to third-party websites, some of which could be compromised or malicious, exposing your device to other threats like additional PUPs or malware through deceptive sponsored content.

How did Yahoo Powered get on my computer?

Yahoo Powered arrives primarily through software bundling, a distribution method where the extension is included in free software installers (video players, PDF converters, download managers) offered during installation. Many users unknowingly install it by clicking through installation screens without reading terms and selecting default settings.

To avoid this, enable Advanced or Custom installation options, carefully review what's being installed, and uncheck boxes for optional downloads. Security researchers found that most computer users rely on Quick settings that hide additional apps, making them vulnerable to bundled PUPs.

What information does Yahoo Powered collect?

Yahoo Powered gathers non-personally-identifiable technical data including your browser type, device specifications, links clicked, and ads interacted with. This data monetizes the extension by enabling targeted advertising campaigns.

While primarily focused on tracking behavior for ad relevance, some PUPs collect personally identifiable information (names, emails, passwords), risking identity theft or financial fraud. The extension's privacy practices serve developers' advertising interests rather than user security, making it a privacy concern regardless of whether it collects personal details.

Can I just uninstall it like a normal program?

Uninstalling Yahoo Powered is complicated because the hijacker modifies system files and registry entries to persist on your computer. Simply removing the browser extension from your extensions list is insufficient; the program often reinstalls itself after restarting your computer.

Manual removal requires identifying and deleting related registry keys, system files, and configuration changes—a complex process detailed in professional removal guides. For most users, anti-malware tools like those mentioned in removal guides are more effective at completely eliminating all traces of the hijacker and restoring browser settings.

How do I remove Yahoo Powered from my browser?

First, remove the extension by right-clicking it in your browser's extension menu and selecting uninstall. Next, reset your browser to factory settings to undo homepage and search engine changes. However, this often fails if the hijacker has modified protected registry files.

For complete removal, follow manual removal guides specific to your browser that identify hidden system files and registry entries. Alternatively, run a full system scan with reputable anti-malware software, which automatically removes hijacker components from all locations, then reset your browser afterward to ensure complete restoration.

Why should I remove it if Yahoo search works?

Yahoo Powered degrades your browsing experience through intrusive advertisements, unexpected redirects, and performance slowdowns from background processes. The extension prioritizes developer revenue over your interests, filling searches with misleading sponsored links that can lead to malicious websites.

Additionally, data collection for targeted advertising compromises privacy. Leaving it installed allows the hijacker to redirect you to potentially dangerous sites and exposes your device to secondary infections from bundles or malvertising. Removing it restores your control over browser settings and search quality.

What steps prevent Yahoo Powered from coming back?

Practice safe downloading by obtaining software only from official sources, not third-party download portals. During installation, always select Advanced or Custom settings instead of clicking through defaults. Carefully read terms of service and uncheck boxes for optional apps and toolbars.

Monitor the installation process for suspicious items. Additionally, install and maintain updated anti-malware software to detect and block bundled PUPs before installation. Regularly scan your system for unwanted programs and review installed browser extensions monthly to catch hijackers early.

Will Fortect remove Yahoo! Powered?

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 Yahoo! Powered, 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

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