How to remove TopOptimizer hijacker virus
Delete TopOptimizer browser hijacker from system
TopOptimizer is a browser hijacker application that is designed to promote a fake search engine by modifying web browsers’ settings. Additionally, the application has dangerous data tracking potential that it uses in spying users’ web browsing habits.
Browser hijackers primarily target web browsers with large user bases. After the successful installation, this software reassigns browsers’ homepage, new tab pages and search engine options – to fake search engine. These changes seriously affect the web browsing experience.
For example, with TopOptimizer installed each opened tab and enter search query on URL bar – redirects to the promoted URL address. Fake web searchers are not capable of generating search results and thus they redirect to or cause chain of redirects that end up to Google, Bing or Yahoo or other genuine ones.
This applies for promoted URL by this browser hijacker application as well. The victim of this hijacker virus reported they see search results on search.yahoo.com irrespective of what type of web browsers they are using.
Browser hijackers can undo any changes made to the browsers’ settings. Alternatively, they can restrict or deny access to the browsers’ settings. Thus, restoring the hijacked browed is impossible without removing the software which affected it.
What’s more, like most browser hijackers, TopOptimizer can track users’ browsing session. This way, it can collect the data include IP addresses, Search queries, Viewed pages, URLs visited, ISPs, Geo-locations, Type of OS and browser used and etc.
The collected data could be shared with and/or sold to third parties/ potent crooks. Thus, the presence of the data tracking app can cause severe privacy issues, identity theft, monetary loss and etc. To protect the device integrity and personal safety, remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/ plug-ins from system.
How did TopOptimizer enter my system?
Some PUAs have official promotional pages from where they can get downloaded. Intrusive ads can proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, these ads can execute certain malicious scripts to cause stealthy download/ installation.
PUAs are also distributed via the download/ installation setups of other programs as well. This deceptive marketing method of packing one app with unwanted and malicious addition is termed as software bundling. Rushed the download/ installation processes increase the risk of their inadvertent installation.
How to avoid PUAs installation?
All downloads should have to be done from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy channels such as p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders/installers –often offer dubious and/or bundled content.
It advised to read all terms, study possible option, use Custom/Advanced settings and opt out all additionally attached apps and decline all offers. Intrusive ads appear on any shady pages should not be clicked as well – they are designed to open various unreliable pages unwanted downloads by running malicious scripts.
Special Offer (For Windows)
TopOptimizer can be creepy computer infection that may regain its presence again and again as it keeps its files hidden on computers. To accomplish a hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest you take a try with a powerful Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Do make sure to read SpyHunter’s EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy. Spyhunter free scanner downloaded just scans and detect present threats from computers and can remove them as well once, however it requires you to wiat for next 48 hours. If you intend to remove detected therats instantly, then you will have to buy its licenses version that will activate the software fully.
Special Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and TopOptimizer has affected it, then you can download free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
Antimalware Details And User Guide
Click Here For Windows Click Here For Mac
Important Note: This malware asks you to enable the web browser notifications. So, before you go the manual removal process, execute these steps.
Google Chrome (PC)
- Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the Menu button
- Select “Settings”. Scroll the mouse downward to choose “Advanced” option
- Go to “Privacy and Security” section by scrolling downward and then select “Content settings” and then “Notification” option
- Find each suspicious URLs and click on three dots on the right side and choose “Block” or “Remove” option
Google Chrome (Android)
- Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the menu button and then click on “Settings”
- Scroll down further to click on “site settings” and then press on “notifications” option
- In the newly opened window, choose each suspicious URLs one by one
- In the permission section, select “notification” and “Off” the toggle button
Mozilla Firefox
- On the right corner of the screen, you will notice three dots which is the “Menu” button
- Select “Options” and choose “Privacy and Security” in the toolbar present in the left side of the screen
- Slowly scroll down and go to “Permission” section then choose “Settings” option next to “Notifications”
- In the newly opened window, select all the suspicious URLs. Click on the drop-down menu and select “Block”
Internet Explorer
- In the Internet Explorer window, select the Gear button present on the right corner
- Choose “Internet Options”
- Select “Privacy” tab and then “Settings” under the “Pop-up Blocker” section
- Select all the suspicious URLs one by one and click on the “Remove” option
Microsoft Edge
- Open the Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots on the right corner of the screen to open the menu
- Scroll down and select “Settings”
- Scroll down further to choose “view advanced settings”
- In the “Website Permission” option, click on “Manage” option
- Click on switch under every suspicious URL
Safari (Mac):
- On the upper right side corner, click on “Safari” and then select “Preferences”
- Go to “website” tab and then choose “Notification” section on the left pane
- Search for the suspicious URLs and choose “Deny” option for each one of them
Manual Steps to Remove TopOptimizer:
Remove the related items of TopOptimizer using Control-Panel
Windows 7 Users
Click “Start” (the windows logo at the bottom left corner of the desktop screen), select “Control Panel”. Locate the “Programs” and then followed by clicking on “Uninstall Program”
Windows XP Users
Click “Start” and then choose “Settings” and then click “Control Panel”. Search and click on “Add or Remove Program’ option
Windows 10 and 8 Users:
Go to the lower left corner of the screen and right-click. In the “Quick Access” menu, choose “Control Panel”. In the newly opened window, choose “Program and Features”
Mac OSX Users
Click on “Finder” option. Choose “Application” in the newly opened screen. In the “Application” folder, drag the app to “Trash”. Right click on the Trash icon and then click on “Empty Trash”.
In the uninstall programs window, search for the PUAs. Choose all the unwanted and suspicious entries and click on “Uninstall” or “Remove”.
After you uninstall all the potentially unwanted program causing TopOptimizer issues, scan your computer with an anti-malware tool for any remaining PUPs and PUAs or possible malware infection. To scan the PC, use the recommended the anti-malware tool.
Special Offer (For Windows)
TopOptimizer can be creepy computer infection that may regain its presence again and again as it keeps its files hidden on computers. To accomplish a hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest you take a try with a powerful Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Do make sure to read SpyHunter’s EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy. Spyhunter free scanner downloaded just scans and detect present threats from computers and can remove them as well once, however it requires you to wiat for next 48 hours. If you intend to remove detected therats instantly, then you will have to buy its licenses version that will activate the software fully.
Special Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and TopOptimizer has affected it, then you can download free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
How to Remove Adware (TopOptimizer) from Internet Browsers
Delete malicious add-ons and extensions from IE
Click on the gear icon at the top right corner of Internet Explorer. Select “Manage Add-ons”. Search for any recently installed plug-ins or add-ons and click on “Remove”.
Additional Option
If you still face issues related to TopOptimizer removal, you can reset the Internet Explorer to its default setting.
Windows XP users: Press on “Start” and click “Run”. In the newly opened window, type “inetcpl.cpl” and click on the “Advanced” tab and then press on “Reset”.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 Users: Press the Windows logo, type inetcpl.cpl in the start search box and press enter. In the newly opened window, click on the “Advanced Tab” followed by “Reset” button.
For Windows 8 Users: Open IE and click on the “gear” icon. Choose “Internet Options”
Select the “Advanced” tab in the newly opened window
Press on “Reset” option
You have to press on the “Reset” button again to confirm that you really want to reset the IE
Remove Doubtful and Harmful Extension from Google Chrome
Go to menu of Google Chrome by pressing on three vertical dots and select on “More tools” and then “Extensions”. You can search for all the recently installed add-ons and remove all of them.
Optional Method
If the problems related to TopOptimizer still persists or you face any issue in removing, then it is advised that your reset the Google Chrome browse settings. Go to three dotted points at the top right corner and choose “Settings”. Scroll down bottom and click on “Advanced”.
At the bottom, notice the “Reset” option and click on it.
In the next opened window, confirm that you want to reset the Google Chrome settings by click on the “Reset” button.
Remove TopOptimizer plugins (including all other doubtful plug-ins) from Firefox Mozilla
Open the Firefox menu and select “Add-ons”. Click “Extensions”. Select all the recently installed browser plug-ins.
Optional Method
If you face problems in TopOptimizer removal then you have the option to rese the settings of Mozilla Firefox.
Open the browser (Mozilla Firefox) and click on the “menu” and then click on “Help”.
Choose “Troubleshooting Information”
In the newly opened pop-up window, click “Refresh Firefox” button
The next step is to confirm that really want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to its default by clicking on “Refresh Firefox” button.
Remove Malicious Extension from Safari
Open the Safari and go to its “Menu” and select “Preferences”.
Click on the “Extension” and select all the recently installed “Extensions” and then click on “Uninstall”.
Optional Method
Open the “Safari” and go menu. In the drop-down menu, choose “Clear History and Website Data”.
In the newly opened window, select “All History” and then press on “Clear History” option.
Delete TopOptimizer (malicious add-ons) from Microsoft Edge
Open Microsoft Edge and go to three horizontal dot icons at the top right corner of the browser. Select all the recently installed extensions and right click on the mouse to “uninstall”
Optional Method
Open the browser (Microsoft Edge) and select “Settings”
Next steps is to click on “Choose what to clear” button
Click on “show more” and then select everything and then press on “Clear” button.
Conclusion
In most cases, the PUPs and adware gets inside the marked PC through unsafe freeware downloads. It is advised that you should only choose developers website only while downloading any kind of free applications. Choose custom or advanced installation process so that you can trace the additional PUPs listed for installation along with the main program.
Special Offer (For Windows)
TopOptimizer can be creepy computer infection that may regain its presence again and again as it keeps its files hidden on computers. To accomplish a hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest you take a try with a powerful Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Do make sure to read SpyHunter’s EULA, Threat Assessment Criteria, and Privacy Policy. Spyhunter free scanner downloaded just scans and detect present threats from computers and can remove them as well once, however it requires you to wiat for next 48 hours. If you intend to remove detected therats instantly, then you will have to buy its licenses version that will activate the software fully.
Special Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and TopOptimizer has affected it, then you can download free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
