Even though Yahoo is a valid search engine, if it is not your primary website, it can be irritating to have it appear repeatedly whenever you open your web browser. In fact, a browser hijacker virus may be one of the reasons for the search engine to keep changing to Yahoo and there is an easy fix, despite the fact that it seems scary. This article helps you to find the answer for the query, “Why does my search engine keep changing to yahoo?” and provides you detailed information about the reasons for the changing of the search engine into yahoo and solutions for resolving this issue.
Why does my search engine keep changing to yahoo?
The reasons for the query, “Why does my browser keep going to yahoo?” are mentioned below:
Browser hijacker virus
Browser hijacker virus is a dangerous piece of code that changes your browser’s settings without your knowledge. Using browser hijacking, the virus redirects you to often dangerous websites without your consent.
Additionally, a browser hijacker virus can also be used to introduce other types of malware into your computer. For example, it may covertly install spyware on your computer and allow the hacker to monitor the malware and to steal your financial and personal information. The Yahoo redirect virus is a specific type of malware that targets and redirects your search queries.
Therefore, it is likely a browser hijacker virus if you keep noticing changes to your browser’s settings, especially when combined with decreased performance and unexpected pop-up advertisements. This browser hijacker virus may be the reason for search engine keep changing to yahoo.
Extensions or Plugins
Your browser’s new extension may be the reason if you have noticed that all of your searches have been redirected to Yahoo after adding it recently. Few plugins or extensions may have the capacity to change your browser’s settings. You might have accidentally installed new plugins even if you don’t remember doing so. Check your list of add-ons and decide whether to remove or disable them. If you fail to identify an extension, delete it immediately because it may be risky.
Default Settings
Yahoo being your default search engine, it does not always indicate that hackers have hacked your device, especially if it was not an unexpected event. One potential reason is that you have not adjusted your settings.
The default search engine which comes with a browser download is often Yahoo or Google Search. Search engines must be manually managed if you prefer to utilize another website. If you even already own it, it is possible for your preferred search engine to change over time. Occasionally, software installations or updates may cause your settings to return to the original state.
Various Profiles
Your search engine’s keep switching may be due to the multiple users using the same browser. Yahoo may be one of the default options for another user profile. Switching between profiles can give the perception that your search engines are constantly changing, especially if one profile is set up to use Yahoo and another Google Search.
Many people have doubts on search engine changing and these are the few reasons for the various queries like “Why does yahoo keep opening in chrome/Why does my browser keep going to yahoo?” and many more.
How to fix the issue?
Here is the solution for the query, “Why does my search engine keep changing to Yahoo?”. Here are the few steps to resolve the issue:
Check Your Browser Settings
- Firstly, open your browser and click on the menu button which is present in the upper right corner or the three horizontal lines.
- Choose “Settings” or “Options” from the menu drop-down.
- Scroll down to the “Search” or “Default search engine” section.
- Check whether Yahoo is selected as the default search engine. If so, click on the “Reset” option to set it back to your preferred search engine or choose a different one.
Remove Unwanted Toolbars or Extensions
- Open your browser and click on the menu button which is present in the upper right corner or the three horizontal lines.
- Choose “Extensions” or “Add-ons” from the drop-down menu.
- After searching for any Yahoo-related toolbars or extensions. Click on the “Remove” or “Uninstall” option.
- Confirm that you want to remove the extension or toolbar.
Scan Your Computer for Malware
- Use your antivirus software to perform a thorough scan of your computer so as to detect and eradicate any malware or viruses that may be the source of the issue.
- Make sure you update your antivirus software on a regular basis.
Check for Browser Updates
- Open your browser and click on the menu button which can be seen in the upper right corner or the three horizontal lines.
- Choose “Help” or “About” from the menu drop down.
- Check whether your browser has any updates available. If there are any updates, then download and install them.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
- Open your browser and click the menu button in the upper right corner or the three horizontal lines.
- Choose “Clear browsing data” or “History” from the drop-down menu.
- After checking the “Cookies” and “Cache” boxes, press the “Clear” button.
- This will remove any cookies and temporary files that may be the source for causing the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many reasons why does my search engine keep changing to yahoo, and there are usually simple fixes. You should be able to fix the issue and make your preferred search engine as your first choice by following the previous instructions which are mentioned in this article. To avoid any issues in future, you should always make sure that your antivirus and browser are up to date.
It can also be useful to know how to delete your Yahoo account if Yahoo continues causing issues. You can make sure that any related settings or possible conflicts are fixed and prevent Yahoo from becoming your default search engine by deactivating your Yahoo account.
