How To Get Rid Of Google Apps Device Policy
What is the google.com redirect?
Google.com, developed by the Google LLC multinational technology company, is the most popular search engine in the world. Users may encounter rogue redirects to this legitimate search engine - due to installed PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) classified as browser hijackers.
While redirects to google.com may seem innocuous (especially if it is a preferred search engine), browser hijackers are infamous for their data tracking abilities. It must be emphasized that the Google search engine has no relation to viruses or malware, yet software causing redirects to it - may be responsible for various issues.
How do browser hijackers promote google.com?
Browser hijackers operate by reassigning browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs - to the promoted search engine's address. Hence, every new browser tab/window opened and web search performed via the URL bar - redirect to said address (e.g., google.com).
This software typically promotes fake search engines, which (due to their inability to generate accurate search results) redirect to genuine ones like Google, Bing, Yahoo, or others.
It is noteworthy that this is more than a matter of search engine preference. The Google search engine is free and does not require third-party program interference to be used. In addition to causing redirects, browser hijackers can use persistence-ensuring techniques (e.g., "Managed by your organization", etc.), and they can track data.
Targeted information includes - URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, personally identifiable details, and so forth. This sensitive data can be monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). To summarize, browser hijackers can cause severe privacy issues, financial loss, and even lead to identity theft.
| Name | Google.com browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Supposed Functionality | Browser hijackers promise enhanced search results, faster searches, improved web browsing experience, etc. |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Browser hijacker examples
Search by QuickNewtab, Movie Quick Tab, TopSearchConverters, and SearchConvertersWeb are some examples of browser hijackers that have been observed causing redirects to google.com. This software appears legitimate and useful; it also offers "handy" features that are rarely functional.
In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs. Instead of delivering on any promises, unwanted apps can hijack browsers, force-open dubious/malicious sites, run intrusive ad campaigns (adware), and collect private data.
How did google.com promoting software install on my computer?
PUAs are proliferated using social engineering and other dubious distribution methods. These applications are spread using the "bundling" technique - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. While it might be possible to opt-out from these supplements, such options are usually hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" download/installation settings.
Some PUAs also have "official" download webpages. Additionally, once clicked on, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software and download only from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all supplements. It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing. Intrusive ads appear harmless; however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate it.
Example of a rogue installer used to distribute browser hijackers:
Appearance of a browser hijacker redirecting to google.com (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is google.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove google.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove google.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove google.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
google.com redirect removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features . In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall .
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel . In the opened window choose Programs and Features .
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel . Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program .
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder , in the opened screen select Applications . Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash .
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the google.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
google.com redirect removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.google.com) below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "google.com" when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the google.com browser hijacker, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings . Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove all recently installed browser plug-ins.
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window remove hxxp://google.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with google.com browser hijacker removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu , in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information .
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the google.com browser hijacker, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings .
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings .
Select Restore settings to their default values . In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on google.com browser hijacker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit google.com website?
Cyber criminals (e.g., fake search engine/ browser hijacker developers) generate revenue through such redirects.
Is visiting google.com a threat to my privacy?
Privacy issues when visiting google.com are not a primary concern. Browser hijackers that cause redirects to various search engines are known to collect users' data. Data-tracking behavior is also typical of fake search engines that are often part of the redirection chains caused by hijacker software. Furthermore, the gathered information can be particularly sensitive. Therefore, the threat does not originate from visiting google.com but rather from the software forcing users to do so.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are distributed via software bundling, misleading promotional webpages, unofficial and freeware download sites, deceptive browser notifications/ intrusive advertisements, online scams, fake updaters/installers, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove browser hijackers?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. However, it must be noted that manual removal might not be a perfect solution when multiple browser hijackers are present. In such cases, it is possible for browser hijackers to re-install one another if they are not all eliminated at the same time. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be inaccessible while this software is on the system. Therefore, it is crucial to remove browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
About the author:
Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.
I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.
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How To Get Rid Of Google Apps Device Policy
Source: https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/4251-remove-google-redirect-virus
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