To remove malware from Chrome, use its built-in cleanup tool, check extensions, and consider a full system scan with antivirus software.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Use Chrome's Built-in Cleanup Tool:
This is the first and easiest step to try.
a. Open Chrome.
b. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the browser window. This opens the Chrome menu.
c. Select "Settings".
d. Click on "Advanced" in the left sidebar (you may need to scroll down to find this).
e. Click on "Reset and clean up". This expands a new section.
f. Click on "Clean up computer".
g. Click "Find". Chrome will scan your computer for harmful software.
h. Remove any malicious programs that Chrome finds. Follow the on-screen instructions to delete them.
2. Check and Remove Suspicious Extensions:
Malware can sometimes install itself as a browser extension.
a. Open Chrome.
b. Type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter. This will take you directly to the extensions page.
c. Carefully review the list of installed extensions. Look for any extensions that you don't recognize or that seem suspicious.
d. Remove any unwanted extensions. To remove an extension, click the "Remove" button next to it.
3. Reset Chrome Settings:
Resetting Chrome settings can remove unwanted changes caused by malware.
a. Open Chrome.
b. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the browser window.
c. Select "Settings".
d. Click on "Advanced" in the left sidebar.
e. Click on "Reset and clean up".
f. Click on "Restore settings to their original defaults".
g. Click "Reset settings" to confirm. Be aware this will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.
4. Run a Full System Scan with Antivirus Software:
Even after cleaning Chrome, malware might still be present on your system. A full system scan with a reputable antivirus program is crucial.
a. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date.
b. Run a full system scan. Follow the instructions provided by your antivirus software.
c. Quarantine or remove any threats detected by the scan.
5. Consider a Malware Removal Tool:
If the above steps don't completely solve the problem, consider using a dedicated malware removal tool like Malwarebytes. Download and run a scan according to the tool's instructions.
By following these steps, you should be able to effectively get rid of malware on Chrome and protect your computer from future threats.
