Remove unknown extensions, uninstall recently installed programs you don't recognise, reset the browser, block notifications from unknown sites, then run a Microsoft Defender full scan. If settings say 'Managed by your organisation' on a personal PC, remove the hijacker's policies.

Why this happens

Hijackers make money from search redirects and ads. Some install browser policies so their search engine can't be changed through settings. That's why a reset alone sometimes doesn't stick.

What you'll see

  • Searches go through an unknown search engine.
  • Homepage or new tab changed.
  • 'Managed by your organisation' appears on a home PC.

What causes it

  • Bundled freeware installers.
  • Malicious or sold extensions.
  • Notification spam permission.

How to fix it

  1. Remove extensionschrome://extensions / edge://extensions / about:addons.
  2. Uninstall programsSettings → Apps; sort by install date.
  3. Reset the browserchrome://settings/reset; Edge: Settings → Reset settings.
  4. Block notificationsSite settings → Notifications → remove unknown sites.
  5. ScanMicrosoft Defender full scan and offline scan.
  6. PoliciesOpen chrome://policy; if unknown policies exist on a personal PC, scan again and remove the related software.
How to confirm the fix: Search and homepage stay as you set them after restarting.

Stop it happening again

Choose 'Custom install' and untick extras when installing free software.