Definition of Zwangie.com: why you should get rid of it
Zwangie.com is a lightweight computer program that falls under the category of browser hijackers [1]. The app which initiates changes to the homepage and new tab address is only on of the several similar applications that you might encounter on your computer. This hijacker family consists of similarly designed websites offering online search services.
We have already discussed a couple of similar apps, including ZwankySearch.com and Zwangi.com. Alternatively, having in mind that all these sites operate more or less the same, you may just stick to this article and learn about the typical characteristics, distribution, and PUP removal.
You may skip through the virus description and head straight to the hijacker elimination by running a system scan with a reputable antivirus utility such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. Also, you need to remember that cookies and web data need to be removed from web browsers – you can use FortectIntego to do it quickly.
| Name | Zwangie.com |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Distribution | Third-party websites, deceptive ads, software bundles |
| Symptoms | Changed web browser settings; unknown extension installed on the browser; sponsored and promotional links in search results, etc. |
| Uninstall | Follow the instructions below to eliminate the PUP manually and then scan your PC with antivirus |
| Browser fix | In some cases, the hijack will not go away until you get rid of unwanted extensions from your web browsers and delete web data |
Workings of the browser hijacker
Like most browser hijackers, Zwangie will first do when it infiltrates the system is changing the web browser’s settings. In particular, it will replace your homepage and default search engine, forcing you to visit the search provider’s homepage whenever you launch your browser, open a new window or tab.
We should warn you that the provided search engine is not Google, and you should not take the search service it provides for granted. The hijacker’s search results can be misleading, and finding relevant information through them may be difficult. You will likely come across some commercial offer or deal related to your search subject rather than genuinely useful information.
On top of it all, browser hijackers are associated with increased redirect issue, so it may be that you will more commonly end up on random websites against you will. We think these are serious enough reasons to remove the hijacker from your PC.
Distribution of the hijacker
Just like its counterparts, this browser hijacker mainly infiltrates computers using the software bundling method [2]. The permission to set an undesirable website as default search engine will be hidden inside the software setup. Users often agree with the installation unknowingly, but you don’t necessarily have to be the same. Instead, you should:
- Download your software from official sources or reputable software sharing websites
- Read through the documents added to your downloaded program to make sure not additional components come along
- Install software via Advanced or Custom installation settings which you will have to select in the installation wizard
Methods of Zwangie.com removal
A browser hijacker is not something your computer can’t be cured of. But there are several things you should know in order to remove Zwangie.com from the infected device safely.
First, if you are planning on tackling the virus automatically, you should not do it with pirated or outdated antivirus software. This may mess up your PC even more. Always update your antivirus to the latest version before scanning your device, and the elimination should go smooth.
Secondly, you can perform app removal manually, although we highly recommend following our instructions that include proper guidance. Of course, if you have previously installed and uninstalled apps from your system, this step should not be difficult for you. Remember to either reset or clean your browsers accordingly also.
Uninstall from Windows
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.
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.
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.
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
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.
Remove from Google Chrome
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.
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.
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