How to Remove Malware from Chrome Browser (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Posted by Sam A January 10, 2026
how to remove malware from chrome browser

Have you noticed Chrome behaving strangely—random pop-ups, unfamiliar extensions, search results redirecting to odd sites, or your homepage changing without permission? If yes, there’s a good chance your browser has been infected by malware or a “Chrome virus” (often adware, hijackers, or malicious extensions).

The good news: you can remove it safely. The better news: you can prevent it from returning.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove malware from Chrome browser using a practical, proven approach. It’s written for security-conscious users, IT teams, business leaders, and anyone responsible for protecting devices and data. Everything here is actionable, and you can follow it step-by-step without needing deep technical expertise.

What “Chrome Malware” Usually Looks Like

Before you begin cleanup, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with. Most infections that affect Chrome fall into these categories:

1) Malicious Extensions

Fake “PDF converter,” “coupon helper,” or “search tool” extensions can inject ads, steal data, or redirect traffic.

2) Browser Hijackers

These change your homepage, default search engine, and new tab page. You set it back—but it keeps returning.

3) Adware

You get constant pop-ups, banners, and ads even on trusted websites.

4) Redirect Malware

Google searches redirect to unknown sites. You click one result and land somewhere else.

5) Notification Spam

A site tricked you into clicking “Allow notifications,” and now your browser is constantly pushing scam alerts.

If any of these symptoms match what you’re seeing, proceed with the cleanup steps below.

Quick Checklist: Signs You Have a Chrome Virus

If your situation matches two or more of these, treat it as malware:

  • Chrome opens to a page you didn’t set

  • Search results redirect unexpectedly

  • New extensions appear that you didn’t install

  • Lots of pop-ups, ads, or fake virus warnings

  • Chrome runs slow even on a fast computer

  • You see “Managed by your organization” on a personal device

  • Your antivirus blocks sites you weren’t trying to visit

  • You’re asked to install “updates” from random websites

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Malware from Chrome Browser

Follow the steps in order. Do not skip ahead. Malware often uses multiple persistence tricks, and one missed step can allow it to return.

Step 1: Disconnect and Close Chrome Tabs

If you suspect active malware:

  1. Close all suspicious Chrome tabs

  2. Disconnect from Wi-Fi if you’re dealing with aggressive pop-ups or unknown downloads

  3. Do not enter passwords or payment info until cleanup is complete

This reduces the chance of credential theft while you’re fixing the issue.

Step 2: Check and Remove Suspicious Chrome Extensions

This is the most common source of Chrome infections.

How to remove Chrome virus extensions:

  1. Open Chrome

  2. Go to: chrome://extensions/

  3. Review everything installed

  4. Remove anything you don’t recognize or don’t need

Red flags to watch:

  • Extensions with generic names like “Search Manager,” “Safe Browse,” “Video Downloader”

  • No reviews or low ratings

  • Installed recently around the time problems started

  • “Read and change all your data on all websites” permission

Action: Click Remove for suspicious items.
If Chrome won’t let you remove an extension, note its name—we’ll handle it in later steps.

Step 3: Reset Chrome Settings (Safe Reset)

A reset removes hijacker settings without deleting your bookmarks and saved passwords.

How to reset Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome

  2. Go to: Settings

  3. Search for: Reset settings

  4. Click Restore settings to their original defaults

  5. Confirm reset

This disables extensions, resets startup pages, and clears temporary changes.

Step 4: Remove Unwanted Programs From Your Computer

Chrome malware is often installed through bundled software.

Windows:

  1. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features

  2. Sort programs by Installed On

  3. Look for anything suspicious installed around the time the issue began

  4. Uninstall it

Examples of suspicious entries:

  • Unknown “Search” tools

  • Freeware with unclear publishers

  • “Driver updater” tools you never requested

  • Toolbars or shopping assistants

Mac:

  1. Open Applications folder

  2. Look for unknown apps

  3. Drag them to Trash

  4. Empty Trash

If you’re in a business environment, check if the device recently received new tools or browser add-ons through unofficial installers.

Step 5: Run Chrome’s Built-In Safety Check

Chrome has a built-in way to check security, though it won’t catch everything.

  1. Go to Chrome Settings

  2. Navigate to Privacy and Security

  3. Click Safety Check

  4. Run it and apply suggested fixes

Also check:

  • Chrome is updated

  • Passwords aren’t compromised

  • Dangerous extensions are removed

Step 6: Clear Site Data and Cache (Remove Tracking and Bad Scripts)

Clearing cookies and cached files removes stored tracking scripts, malicious session tokens, and adware remnants.

  1. Open Chrome

  2. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security

  3. Click Clear browsing data

  4. Select:

    • Cookies and other site data

    • Cached images and files

  5. Choose “All time”

  6. Clear data

You may be signed out of some websites afterward, which is normal.

Step 7: Disable Spam Notifications (Very Common Issue)

Many people think notifications are malware, but they often come from shady websites you accidentally allowed.

Remove notification spam:

  1. In Chrome, go to Settings

  2. Click Privacy and Security → Site Settings

  3. Click Notifications

  4. Under “Allowed,” remove unknown sites

  5. Set to “Don’t allow sites to send notifications” if needed

If your browser shows constant fake alerts, this step often fixes it immediately.

Step 8: Check Chrome’s Startup Pages and Search Engine

Hijackers commonly replace search engines and startup pages.

Fix startup:

  1. Go to Chrome Settings

  2. Click On startup

  3. Remove unknown pages

  4. Set your preferred option (e.g., New Tab)

Fix search engine:

  1. Chrome Settings

  2. Click Search engine

  3. Choose Google or your trusted engine

  4. Go to Manage search engines

  5. Remove suspicious entries

Step 9: Check Your Proxy Settings (Advanced but Important)

Some malware sets a proxy to intercept browsing traffic.

Windows:

  1. Open Settings

  2. Search Proxy settings

  3. Turn off any unknown proxy

  4. Keep “Automatically detect settings” on

If you’re in an enterprise environment, confirm proxy settings with your IT policy before changing them.

Step 10: Scan the System with Trusted Anti-Malware

If you want to thoroughly remove malware from Chrome browser, you need a system scan.

What to do:

  • Use a reputable anti-malware tool (enterprise-grade preferred for organizations)

  • Scan the full system

  • Quarantine and remove detected threats

  • Reboot after cleanup

This step is essential because some Chrome problems originate from system-level malware—not the browser itself.

Step 11: Create a Fresh Chrome Profile (If Issues Persist)

If Chrome still behaves oddly after cleaning, the profile may be corrupted.

How to create a new Chrome profile:

  1. Click your profile icon (top-right)

  2. Add a new profile

  3. Sign in again only after scanning the system

  4. Do not sync extensions immediately

  5. Test Chrome performance before importing anything

This isolates the browser from old settings and hidden persistence.

How to Delete Virus from Chrome Completely (If It Keeps Coming Back)

If the “Chrome virus” returns after you remove it, you may be facing one of these:

  • A malicious extension re-syncs through Google Sync

  • A system-level installer re-adds the hijacker

  • “Managed by your organization” policy hijack

  • Hidden scheduled tasks or startup services

Fix: Disable Sync temporarily

  1. Go to Chrome Settings

  2. Turn off sync

  3. Remove suspicious extensions and reset Chrome again

  4. Scan the system

  5. Turn sync back on only after confirming clean status

This prevents reinfection through your synced data.

Prevention: How to Stop Chrome Malware in the Future

Once you clean Chrome, preventing re-infection matters just as much.

1) Install Extensions Only From Trusted Publishers

Even Chrome Web Store extensions can be risky. Verify:

  • Publisher name

  • Reviews

  • Permissions

  • Update history

2) Avoid “Free Download” Sites

Many infections start with fake download buttons. Use official sources.

3) Keep Chrome Updated

Chrome updates patch vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.

4) Block Untrusted Notifications

Most scam pop-ups start with “Allow Notifications.” Don’t allow unless you trust the site.

5) Use Endpoint Protection (For Businesses)

For IT managers and business owners:

  • Use enterprise endpoint protection

  • Enable web filtering

  • Monitor browser policy changes

  • Restrict extension installations centrally

Business Impact: Why Chrome Malware Matters for CEOs and IT Leaders

Chrome malware isn’t just annoying—it’s a real business risk.

It can lead to:

  • Credential theft and account takeovers

  • Unauthorized access to email and cloud platforms

  • Data leaks via session hijacking

  • Increased phishing exposure

  • Brand and reputation damage

For organizations, even one infected browser can become the entry point for a larger incident.

If you manage multiple devices or employees, consider regular browser audits and endpoint monitoring to reduce exposure.

1) How do I remove malware from Chrome browser fast?

Start by removing suspicious extensions, resetting Chrome settings, and disabling unwanted notifications. Then scan the system with a trusted anti-malware tool.

2) Why does Chrome keep redirecting to unknown websites?

This usually happens due to a browser hijacker, malicious extension, or a modified search engine setting. Reset Chrome and remove suspicious search engines.

3) Can Chrome itself have a virus?

Chrome is rarely “infected” directly, but it can be compromised through extensions, profile settings, adware, or system malware that alters the browser.

4) How do I get rid of browser virus Chrome without losing bookmarks?

Use Chrome’s reset feature. It removes malicious settings without deleting bookmarks or passwords. You can also create a new profile and import bookmarks.

5) What if malware returns after removing it?

Disable sync, re-check extensions, uninstall suspicious programs, and run a full system scan. Some threats persist through system-level settings or scheduled tasks.

Final Step: When You Should Get Professional Help

If you’ve done all steps and still see:

  • repeated redirects

  • unremovable extensions

  • “Managed by your organization” policies on a personal device

  • suspicious logins or credential alerts

  • repeated malware reinfection

…it’s time to treat it as a security incident, not just a browser problem.

A quick professional assessment can identify persistence mechanisms and protect your accounts and endpoints before damage spreads.

If you want expert guidance or a complete malware cleanup and security check, contact a security specialist here:
https://scanoncomputer.com/contact/

Sam A
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Sam is an experienced information security specialist who works with enterprises to mature and improve their enterprise security programs. Previously, he worked as a security news reporter.