YeaDesktop: what it is and how to remove it
YeaDesktop is a browser hijacker which is capable of changing the homepage, default search engine and new tab page settings without user's approval. Typically, this intrusive program infiltrates the system silently as it has been actively relying on bundling while trying to spread around.
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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YeaDesktop: summary
| Distribution | Software bundles |
|---|---|
| Name | YeaDesktop |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Category | Potentially unwanted programs |
| Symptoms | Changes homepage, new tab settings, delivers intrusive ads |
| Variants | 1.0.0.1 YeaDesktop verification code virus; Yeadesktopbr.com virus |
| 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 | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Search page | popular123.com |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 25 September 2018 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Is YeaDesktop dangerous? What it collects
From our report of Sep 2018 · not reviewed since
YeaDesktop is a potentially unwanted program that affects users' browsing by redirecting them to rogue websites
YeaDesktop is a browser hijacker which is capable of changing the homepage, default search engine and new tab page settings without user's approval.
Typically, this intrusive program infiltrates the system silently as it has been actively relying on bundling while trying to spread around. Unfortunately, programs like this can also install additional extensions or toolbars on the web browser, and alter the bookmarks' list. This background activity significantly decreases the speed of your device.
All search queries added to YeaDesktop are additionally rerouted to Popular123.com or a similar website that delivers questionable online search results. On top of that, beware that the virus monitors your search entries and other browsing-related data. The main danger is that the collected information can be shared with third-party advertisers.
In comparison with other search engines, the YeaDesktop search engine stands out: it is crammed with advertisements and links to popular social networks, gaming, and movie streaming websites. What is more, supposedly "funny" quotes might catch your attention. They seem to be translated from Chinese.
Thus, it is possible to assume that the hijacker might serve as a haven for exploit kits or another sort of malware. In fact, VirusTotal reports show that some anti-malware programs detect it as a malicious site. It is strongly recommended to remove YeaDesktop.com virus rather than use it as the search engine because it provides useless results. will assist you in completing the procedure and further cleaning the device.
The developers of this potentially unwanted program clearly aim for a high number of visitors. Game advertisements, links to Facebook, LinkedIn, Wallmart, etc, quickly catch one's attention. The homepage also includes links to a variety of gaming sites. Such universal features might create an impression that the search engine is useful and reliable.
However, it does not take long to notice the other – dark – side of the YeaDesktop. The creators seem to evade any responsibility as you cannot identify what company created such website, there is no option of contacting them either. Furthermore, when Yea Desktop ads may direct you to other websites, there is a risk that you may find yourself in an insecure and infected domain.
Likewise, such redirect tendency might result in more troublesome outcomes. Secondly, since there is no document which defines what tools this domain uses for collecting users' intention, you can assume it to spy on your browsing habits and generate revenue for the publisher and sponsor.
Such questionable domains as this one tend to compile non-personal information which includes browsing history, search queries, and PC technical details, but personal information as well. Such data is often used for "monitoring and delivering high-quality services." Proceed with YeaDesktop.com removal as soon as possible and remove all additional pieces left by this hijacker. To eliminate virus damage, use .
From our report of Sep 2018 · not reviewed since
Main versions of the browser hijacker
Yeadesktopbr.com virus is a copy of the suspicious browser hijacker, which is aimed at Russian computer users.
This hijacker reroutes all users' searches to popular123.com site which displays numerous advertisements in its search results. Using this search engine can lead to possibly dangerous websites and installation of malicious programs.
There is a possibility that this browser hijacker compromises browsers' shortcuts. If you happen to find these changes, fix them before virus removal and then follow the traditional routine to fix your computer - uninstall all questionable applications and browser extensions associated with the shady search engine.
1.0.0.1 YeaDesktop verification code virus. This particular version of a browser hijacker is difficult to remove, according to numerous victims. People claim that they could not remove the Yea Desktop virus because of a Verification Code error. It turns out that this suspicious message appears when trying to uninstall 1.0.0.1 version via Control Panel.
The uninstall process cannot be started until the victim enters a verification code displayed in Chinese characters. However, according to researchers , users can get rid of 1.0.0.1 YeaDesktop Verification Code virus by deleting the hijacker's folder from the system and cleaning the device with an antivirus program.
From our report of Sep 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on YeaDesktop
- Use anti-malware like for Yea Desktop removal and general system cleaning
How YeaDesktop got into your browser
From our report of Sep 2018 · not reviewed since
Browser hijackers often get promoted using several different techniques.
It mostly travels as an additional component alongside freeware or shareware, although you can also install it after clicking on a suspicious online advertisement or hyperlink that initiates a direct download.
If you tend to download new applications and rush through the installation process, there are high chances that your search engine will be replaced. If you did not change your browser settings deliberately, you might get confused figuring it out how could it happen.
Sadly, users install such engine themselves. They make a crucial mistake by choosing "Default" settings and then hitting the "Install" button. Next time you download new applications, opt for "Custom/Advanced" mode and de-select suspicious attachments.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
popular123.com
How to remove YeaDesktop
How to remove YeaDesktop 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
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 and delete popular123.com
In Chrome open Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, make an engine you trust the default, and delete
popular123.comfrom the list.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 popular123.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 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
YeaDesktop 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
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 YeaDesktop 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
Uninstall YeaDesktop from your Windows OS by following these steps:
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
To delete the hijacker from Google Chrome, follow this guide:
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
Get rid of YeaDesktop.com and its elements by following these steps:
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)
Firefox can be easily compromised by this hijacker. We suggest you remove all shady add-ons from the browser to put an end to these annoying browser redirects and other activities implemented by the hijacker:
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.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online.
One of the basic means to add a layer of security - choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful VPN - it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable.
Family photos, work documents, school projects - these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur:
- power cuts
- Blue Screen of Death errors
- hardware failures
- crypto-malware attack
- even accidental deletion
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
From our report of Sep 2018 · not reviewed since
Employ reputable tools to remove Yea Desktop
Users claim that it is extremely hard to remove YeaDesktop because of additional programs and general persistence.
They often report about other versions that prevent them from uninstalling the main hijacker from their computers. However, if you follow the instructions provided below, it shouldn't become a troublesome task.
In order to remove any virus successfully, you can either choose manual guidelines or opt for the automatic option using anti-malware tools. Cybersecurity software might be a more convenient option, as this program also comes in handy dealing with more exquisite threats as well. Automatic YeaDesktop removal method might be more efficient since this search engine might have also installed add-ons and toolbars in your browser.
Questions about YeaDesktop
How do I change my search engine back from popular123.com?
Open the browser's search engine settings, choose the search engine you want and set it as default, then remove popular123.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 popular123.com back.
Did popular123.com come with a program I installed?
Most likely, yes. Search hijackers such as popular123.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.
What is popular123.com?
It is the search page used by the browser hijacker YeaDesktop. It has no search index of its own: it forwards your queries to another search engine and adds ads and tracking along the way.
People rarely choose it on purpose; it becomes the default search engine, home page or new tab after an extension, program or policy changes the browser settings. The page itself is not malware, but it should not be in your browser if you did not set it. The steps above remove the source and restore your settings.
Is popular123.com dangerous?
It is not designed to infect the PC, but it is not neutral either. It logs searches, adds sponsored results that are hard to tell apart from real ones, and its ad partners are not checked as strictly as those of major search engines.
Some hijacker pages have shown ads for fake updates, tech support scams and unwanted software. The main harm is to privacy. Remove YeaDesktop, and if you entered personal data on sites reached through its results, check those sites carefully.
Do I have to fix every browser?
Yes, every one where the search engine or start page changed. In the cases we checked, YeaDesktop affected Chrome, Edge and Firefox.
Each browser stores its own search settings and extensions, so fixing one does not fix the others, and Windows-level changes such as shortcuts can affect each browser differently. Work through them one at a time:
- remove the extension
- check the policies
- restore the search engine
- start page
If you sync a browser, stay signed in so the fix spreads to your other computers.
Did popular123.com record my searches?
Almost certainly. Logging is the point of a hijacker search page: each query, with your IP address, browser details and the result you clicked, is valuable to advertisers.
The operators of popular123.com can store and share that data under their own privacy policy, which you never agreed to knowingly. There is no way to delete it from their side. What you can do is stop the flow:
- remove YeaDesktop
- clear cookies and site data for popular123.com
- treat sensitive searches made in the meantime as known to a third party
What do I lose if I reset Chrome or Edge?
Less than you might think. A reset turns off all extensions, which you can turn back on one by one, restores the default search engine, home page, new tab and pinned tabs, and clears cookies, so you are signed out of most sites.
Bookmarks, history, saved passwords and autofill data stay. Firefox's equivalent, Refresh Firefox, keeps the same essentials but removes add-ons completely. Before you reset, make sure you know your main passwords or have them saved, since you will need to sign in again.
Can I just block popular123.com?
You can, but it treats the symptom. Blocking the domain in a firewall or the hosts file makes searches fail instead of redirecting, while the extension or program that set it keeps running and collecting data.
Hijacker operators also switch to new domains in updates, so a block may stop working within weeks. Remove the source instead, then set your own search engine. If you want extra protection afterwards, turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security, which stops many hijacker installers before they run.
Why does my search page look slightly different?
Because it is not your search engine's own page. YeaDesktop sends searches to popular123.com, which may copy the colours and layout of a known search engine while adding its own ads and tracking. Small differences give it away:
- an unfamiliar address
- more ads than usual
- a different logo
- a search box with a brand name you do not recognise
Remove the hijacker and set your search engine again from the browser's settings to get the real page back. Then delete the hijacker's entry from the saved search engines list.
Will Fortect remove YeaDesktop?
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 YeaDesktop, 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: Background process (read October 6, 2026)
- Whatis: Third-party (read October 6, 2026)
- Howtogeek: PUP Explained (read October 6, 2026)
- Lesvirus: LesVirus (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)