Browser Hijackers

Question

It seems nearly every time I open Microsoft Edge Browser I have to reset it back to Edge, as it has been changed. I'm assuming this is by Browser Hijackers.

Sometimes I get this message from Edge: "Settings keep being changed by an unknown app" so I don't have to do anything, but quite often I don't, so have to reset it myself.

How can I stop this happening over and over again?

Answer 1

This usually means unwanted software or a malicious extension is changing Edge settings outside the browser.

Recommended steps:

1. Check for malware first Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender or another reputable antivirus product. Microsoft notes that extensions claiming to be managed by an organization can sometimes be malware.
2. Remove suspicious apps Unwanted software often arrives bundled with other downloads and can keep reapplying browser changes.
   • Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features
   • Sort by install date if needed
   • Uninstall recent or unknown apps that were not intentionally installed
3. Remove suspicious Edge extensions Open Edge and review installed extensions. Remove anything unrecognized, especially anything that appears to control search, startup pages, or says it is managed unexpectedly.
4. Clear Edge browsing data If Edge opens normally:
   • Select Settings and more > History > Open history page
   • Select Delete browsing data
   • Choose All time
   • Clear at least Browsing history and Cached images and files
5. Make sure Edge is updated
   • Go to Settings and more > Settings > About Microsoft Edge
   • Apply any available update
6. Repair Microsoft Edge This is a good next step if settings keep getting changed or Edge behaves inconsistently.
   • Close Edge
   • Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps
   • Select Microsoft Edge > Modify
   • Select Yes if prompted
   • Stay connected to the internet and select Repair Browser data and settings should not be affected by the repair.
7. If an extension says “managed by your organization” on a home PC Treat that as suspicious. Microsoft recommends scanning for malware and reporting the extension through:
   • Settings and more > Help and Feedback > Send feedback
8. Advanced cleanup if the problem still returns Warning: modifying the registry is risky. Back up the registry and important data first. Microsoft documents checking these policy locations for Edge entries that enforce extensions:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
   It also documents these commands to remove Edge policy entries:
   • reg delete HKCU\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge /f
   • reg delete HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge /f

If the setting changes continue after malware scanning, uninstalling suspicious apps, removing extensions, and repairing Edge, the most likely cause is still unwanted software persisting on the device and reapplying the changes.

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References:

• What to do if Microsoft Edge isn't working | Microsoft Support
• Microsoft Edge Extensions: Frequently Asked Questions | Microsoft Support
• Unwanted software
• My browser is hijacked by thaitingshospica.com how to remove? - Microsoft Q&A