Remove an Unwanted Browser Toolbar
Unwanted toolbars clutter your browser, change your search engine, and can track what you do online. Here's how to remove them from Chrome, Edge, and Firefox in a few steps.
On this page
Unwanted browser toolbars are usually installed silently alongside free software. They change your homepage, hijack your search results, and can track your browsing. They're annoying but straightforward to remove.
Step 1: Remove Extensions from Your Browser
Google Chrome
- Click the three-dot menu (top right) > Extensions > Manage extensions.
- Review the list. Remove anything you don't recognise or didn't intentionally install by clicking Remove.
Microsoft Edge
- Click the three-dot menu > Extensions > Manage extensions.
- Toggle off or click Remove for any extension you didn't install.
Mozilla Firefox
- Click the menu (three horizontal lines) > Add-ons and themes > Extensions.
- Remove anything unfamiliar.
Step 2: Fix Your Homepage and Search Engine
Toolbars often change your homepage and default search engine. Put them back:
- Chrome: Three-dot menu > Settings > On startup (for homepage) and Search engine > Manage search engines.
- Edge: Three-dot menu > Settings > Start, home and new tabs and Privacy, search and services > Address bar and search.
- Firefox: Menu > Settings > Home and Search.
Step 3: Uninstall the Programme Behind the Toolbar
Extensions are often paired with a programme installed on Windows. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, sort by install date, and look for anything installed around the same time the toolbar appeared. Uninstall it.
Step 4: Scan for Remaining Malware
Run a quick scan with Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan to catch anything that wasn't removed manually.
Step 5: Reset the Browser if the Problem Persists
If the toolbar keeps coming back, you can reset your browser to its default settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Edge: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.
Note: a reset removes all extensions, cookies, and saved settings. Export your bookmarks first.
Still having trouble? Ask us and we can help identify what's installed.
Frequently asked questions
Why do toolbars install themselves without me agreeing?
They do ask — but the permission is usually buried in a long installer screen with small print. Many free software installers include a pre-ticked box that installs a toolbar or changes your browser settings unless you uncheck it. Always choose 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation when installing free software, and read each screen carefully before clicking Next.
The toolbar keeps coming back every time I open my browser. Why?
If a toolbar reappears after removal, the underlying programme is still installed and reinstalling it on launch. Go to Settings > Apps and uninstall the associated programme. If you can't find it, run a full Windows Security scan — some toolbar-related software behaves like adware and Windows Security can detect and remove it.
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