Have you ever opened the Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 11 only to be bombarded with advertisements, banners, and other irrelevant information? Microsoft Edge isn’t supposed to work like that. There’s a good chance your computer’s Edge browser has been hijacked. Before you start looking for alternatives, you should fix the hijacked Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 by following the steps below.
While Microsoft Edge may appear to be secure, a script or code may have been installed in the background by visiting a random or suspicious-looking page. On Windows 11, here’s how to fix the hijacked Microsoft Edge.
Remove Site Permission for Unwanted Pages
It is standard practice for websites to request permission to send notifications. When using Gmail or WhatsApp on the web, this can be useful.
You may, however, end up agreeing to pop-ups from all websites. Some websites will deceive you into agreeing to receive a barrage of pop-ups and advertisements. This permission must be removed from the Edge Settings menu. Take the steps outlined below.
- Open the Settings menu in Microsoft Edge.
- From the side menu, choose Cookies and site permissions.
- Select Notifications from the Site permissions menu.
- Select Remove from the three-dot menu beside the website name.
Repeat the process for each website, then turn off notifications.
Related: When Microsoft Store Not Opening in Windows 11, Here are 8 Fixes
Reset Microsoft Edge Start Page
After hijacking your browser, hijackers display affiliate links and advertisement banners. It also makes browsing more difficult. The steps below should assist you in troubleshooting the problem and regaining control of Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.
- Launch the Microsoft Edge web browser.
- Go to Settings by clicking the three-dot menu.
- From the left sidebar, choose Start, Home, and New Tabs.
- Select Open a new tab and type the web address into the address bar.
Remove Edge Extensions
While browser extensions can improve your Edge browsing experience, they can also cause some nightmares. Some of the extensions you’re using on your iPhone may be outdated or incompatible with the latest Edge build.
Ads and other malware could be injected into your Edge browsing experience by a browser extension. It’s not always easy to pinpoint a single extension. All Microsoft Edge extensions must be removed or disabled from the browser. Here’s how to do it.
- Click the three-dot menu in the upper right corner of Microsoft Edge to open it.
- Chose Extensions.
- You can either disable browser extensions or remove them by tapping Remove.
You can also keep your extensions from a password manager and other well-known developers while you’re at it.
Related: How to Select Multiple Files on Windows 10 File Explorer
Quickly Close Tabs
Some websites may inject pop-ups and advertisements if you try to download unlicensed software or media files from the internet. To quickly close the current tab in Microsoft Edge, press the Ctrl + W shortcut.
Try to download apps from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 if at all possible. It has undergone a major makeover and now houses some of the most well-known app developers.
Clear Microsoft Edge Cache and History
The remaining trackers can be removed by clearing the cache, cookies, and history in Microsoft Edge. This is how you do it.
- Go to Settings in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.
- Select Privacy, Search, and Services from the drop-down menus.
- Choose what to clear from the Clear browsing data menu.
- Select All Time and, at the bottom, click Clear Now.
Completely close Microsoft Edge and reopen the browser.
Related: When Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working, Here are 6 Solutions
Use Windows Security
Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 may have been hijacked by malicious files on your computer. You should use Windows Security to get rid of them.
Search for Windows Security by pressing the Windows key. Run a Quick scan on your computer by going to Virus & Threat Protection.
Use Malwarebytes
If Windows Security fails to detect malware, Malwarebytes can be used to scan the computer. You can look into Malwarebytes Personal and install it on your computer.
Malware, viruses, and other threats are removed from your device in seconds, and future infections are prevented in real time. Visit the link below to learn more about the software.
Use Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
The steps outlined above should assist you in regaining control of Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 and troubleshooting the issue. After that, avoid visiting dubious websites and clicking on suspicious links.
Related: When File Explorer Not Working on Windows 11, Fixing It in 7 Easy Steps
