Wondering how to remove Yahoo Search from Chrome? Some Chrome users prefer Google, which is the default search engine on the web browser. It is undoubtedly the most popular search engine. But sometimes, the Chrome browser’s default search engine changes from google.com to search.yahoo.com without the user’s permission. If you experience this same issue and want to remove Yahoo search from your Chrome browser, this article will guide you on how to proceed.
Why is my Chrome showing Yahoo Search?
The default search engine on Chrome is Google, but you may be redirected to other search engines like Yahoo, and usually, this happens when a browser hijacker infects the Chrome browser.
A browser hijacker is a malicious program that infiltrates browser settings through various means without the user’s permission to promote fake search engines and other affiliated web pages. Other factors that cause the issue include problematic web extensions and tampered browser settings.
How to remove Yahoo Search from Chrome
To help you remove Yahoo search from Chrome on your computer, below are the several methods you should use:
- Remove Yahoo From Settings
- Disable the problematic web extension
- Adjust Chrome Startup Settings
- Delete Chrome Caches
- Delete PC Temporary Files
- Run AdwCleaner
- Reset Browser Settings.
1] Remove Yahoo from Chrome Settings
The first solution we recommend is to change Google to the default search engine on Chrome, then remove Yahoo and other undesirable search engines completely from Chrome. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Open Chrome and click the three dots at the top right corner of the window, then navigate to Settings.
- From the list of options on the left side of the window, click on Search engine.
In front of the “Search engine used in the address bar” option, ensure that Google is selected. - Click on Manage search engines and site search
- Under the Search engines section, remove Yahoo and other undesirable search engines you have there.
2] Disable the problematic web extension
If the Yahoo search engine is still present on Chrome even after you have removed it, then it is likely that a problematic web extension is the cause. Troubleshoot the extensions enabled on Chrome, then remove the problematic ones. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Navigate to the three dots at the top right corner > Extensions > Manage Extensions on Chrome
- Troubleshoot the extensions by disabling them one by one to discover the problematic ones.
- When you identify the extension, click on Remove to delete it completely on Chrome.
3] Adjust Chrome startup settings
Although this may not seem like a perfect solution, it will stop showing Yahoo! when you launch Chrome. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Navigate to Chrome’s Settings > On startup.
- Change the option to Open a specific page or set of pages.
- Click on Add a new page, then type Google url in the Site URL text box.
- Click on Add to save the changes.
4] Delete Chrome cache
Chrome cached data might have misconfigured the browser, thereby redirecting it to Yahoo search. Clear Chrome caches to fix it. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Open Chrome, then press Ctrl + H on your keyboard.
- Click on Clear browsing data on the left panel.
- Check the boxes for Cached images and files, then Cookies and other site data.
- Select All time in the Time range options.
- Click on Clear data
5] Delete PC temporary files
If the problem persists, delete the temporary files on your computer to remove caches that may be responsible for the search engine hijack on Chrome. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
- Type %temp% in the text field and click OK.
- Select all the folders and delete them to clear all temporary files on the computer.
6] Run AdwCleaner
Run AdwCleaner. It is a popular and efficient stand-alone freeware for Windows computers that helps remove Adware, Potentially Unwanted Programs, Toolbars, Browser Hijackers, Crapware, Junkware & other forms of malware.
7] Reset browser settings
If the malicious element has compromised your browser settings, you may need to reset Chrome settings. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Navigate to the three dots at the top right corner > Settings on Chrome.
- Click on Reset settings from the options listed on the left side of the window.
- Click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Click on Reset Settings.
In conclusion, endeavor to carry out these fixes until the Yahoo search has completely been removed from the Chrome browser on your computer. Good luck.
Read: 12 Search Engine alternatives to Google
Why does my search engine keep changing to Yahoo?
Browser hijacker is malware that may have infected your Chrome browser to promote Yahoo search as the browser’s default search engine. You need to run a security checkup and implement other fixes already discussed in this article.
How do I stop Yahoo from hijacking my browser?
Protect your computer from malware attacks, run antivirus scans from time to time, and clear the caches and cookies associated with the Chrome browser. You may also delete Windows temporary files to remove malicious elements that could be responsible for the attack.
