Is your Chromebook acting strange lately with unexpected pop-ups or browser tabs opening on their own? These are common signs that your Chrome browser may have been infected by malware. Malware, including browser hijackers, can alter browser settings, install unwanted extensions, and compromise your online safety.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to remove malware from Google Chrome and protect your device using practical steps and top-rated antivirus tools like TotalAV and Surfshark One.

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🚨 Symptoms of Malware on Chrome

Before jumping to solutions, here are a few warning signs to watch out for:

• Pop-up ads and redirects
• Tabs opening automatically
• Unknown extensions added
• Homepage or default search engine changed
• Sluggish browser performance

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🛠 Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Malware from Chrome

🔁 Step 1: Reset Chrome to Default Settings

Malware often changes Chrome’s default settings. Here’s how to reset everything:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three-dot menu (top-right corner).
3. Navigate to Settings.
4. Scroll down and click “Reset settings” → “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
5. Confirm by clicking “Reset settings”.

This step will reset Chrome’s startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable extensions and clear temporary data, but won’t delete your bookmarks or saved passwords.

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🛡 Step 2: Run a Full Malware Scan with TotalAV

Resetting Chrome helps, but to ensure complete removal of malware, run a full system scan with antivirus software. We recommend TotalAV for its excellent performance and beginner-friendly interface.

Here’s how to scan your system using TotalAV:

1. Install and open TotalAV.
2. Go to the Dashboard.
3. Click on “Scan” → select “System Scan”.
4. TotalAV will begin scanning your entire device, including browser data, extensions, and files.
5. Once the scan completes, TotalAV will show the results and list any detected threats.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to either quarantine or remove the malware.

✅ TotalAV also includes:

• Real-time protection
• Ransomware protection
• WebShield extension to block malicious websites
• Ad blocker
• Safe Browsing VPN

👉 Visit TotalAV’s official website for exclusive discounts.

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🚫 Step 3: Disable Pop-ups and Intrusive Ads in Chrome

After cleanup, prevent further malware by disabling pop-ups and blocking intrusive ads:

1. Go to Chrome Settings → Privacy and security.
2. Click on Site Settings.
3. Scroll to “Pop-ups and redirects” → select “Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects”.
4. Return to Site Settings → click Additional content settings → Ads.
5. Choose “Ads are blocked on sites known to show intrusive or misleading ads.”

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🧩 Step 4: Remove Suspicious Extensions

Some malware adds unwanted extensions to Chrome:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu → Extensions → Manage Extensions.
3. Look through all installed extensions.
4. Remove any extensions you didn’t install or don’t recognize by clicking “Remove”.

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🔒 Best Antivirus Software for Future Protection

⭐ TotalAV

• Real-time malware protection
• Ransomware shield
• Built-in VPN and WebShield
• Budget-friendly and highly rated

👉 Check TotalAV plans and offers here

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🌐 Surfshark One

Surfshark One is another great all-in-one security solution that includes antivirus and one of the best VPNs available.

Features include:

• Strong antivirus (blocked 100% of zero-day and known threats in AV-Test)
• Unlimited VPN usage with strong encryption
• RAM-only servers and strict no-logs policy
• Ad blocker, real-time protection, and data leak alerts
• Private search engine and masked email generator

It can be used on up to 5 devices simultaneously.

👉 Visit Surfshark One here for best deals

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💡 Tips to Prevent Chrome Malware in the Future

• Avoid downloading files from unknown websites.
• Use strong antivirus protection like TotalAV or Surfshark.
• Disable pop-ups and redirects in Chrome.
• Regularly review installed Chrome extensions.
• Keep Chrome and antivirus software updated.
• Use VPNs to encrypt your network and avoid malicious sites.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Will resetting Chrome delete my saved data?
No, it won’t delete your bookmarks or passwords. It will only reset settings and disable extensions.

Q2. Is TotalAV free?
TotalAV offers a free version with basic features, but full malware protection and real-time scanning require a paid plan.

Q3. Can I use Surfshark One on multiple devices?
Yes, the antivirus works on up to 5 devices, and the VPN has unlimited device support.

Q4. Why should I remove unknown extensions?
Unknown or suspicious extensions may be installed by malware to track your activity or serve intrusive ads.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we trust and have tested ourselves.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Malware can compromise your browsing experience and your personal data. By following the above steps—resetting Chrome, running a full antivirus scan, blocking pop-ups, and removing unwanted extensions—you can clean up your device and stay protected going forward.

Using security tools like TotalAV or Surfshark One adds an essential layer of defense to your online activity. Be proactive—prevention is always better than a cure!

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Tags:
malware removal, chrome browser, Chromebook virus, totalav, surfshark, chrome reset, antivirus, remove pop-ups, browser hijacker, ad blocker, secure browsing, VPN

Hashtags:
#MalwareRemoval #GoogleChrome #ChromebookSecurity #TotalAV #Surfshark #AntivirusSoftware #ChromeTips #BrowserSecurity #PopUpBlocker #VPNProtection

Sneha Rao

Sneha is a hardware reviewer and technology journalist. She has reviewed laptops and desktops for over 6 years, focusing on performance, design, and user experience. Previously working with a consumer tech magazine, she now brings her expertise to in-depth product reviews and comparisons.

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