How To Remove PUP Or Malware Search Engines In Google Chrome Browser [2026 Guide]

I am going to teach you how to remove potentially unwanted programs or PUPs and malware search engines from Google Chrome. It is not uncommon to encounter unwanted search engines that mysteriously appear in your browser without your knowledge. These can be more than just a nuisance.

They could collect data without your consent, slow down your browser, or even install more malicious software. Follow these simple steps to resolve this issue and clean up Chrome completely. Regular maintenance keeps your browser secure and fast.

Remove PUP Or Malware Search Engines In Google Chrome Browser [2026 Guide]

Remove suspicious search engines

Begin by opening Chrome and going to Settings from the three dots at the top right.
Select Search engine, then Manage search engines and site search.
Review the list and if you see any entry you did not add or with an unusual name, open the three dots next to it and select Delete.

This action removes it from your available search providers.
If you want to set up your preferred provider again, you can add a custom search engine and make it your default.
Keep only providers you recognize and trust.

Remove untrusted extensions

While still in Settings, open Extensions or Manage extensions.
This page lists everything installed in your browser.
Critically evaluate each extension and remove anything you do not recognize or remember installing.

It is better to be safe by keeping only the extensions you truly trust and use regularly.
If you are battling intrusive ads, see how to remove ads in Chrome to tighten your setup further.
Fewer extensions reduce risk and improve performance.

Fix startup pages

Go back to Settings and open On startup.
This section controls which pages open when you start Chrome.
If you notice any unfamiliar or unwanted pages, remove them from the list.

These entries could be redirecting your browser to unwanted sites.
Keeping this tidy is crucial for a clean start every time.
Only allow pages you explicitly want to open.

Reset Chrome to defaults

Sometimes removing search engines and extensions is not enough because of lingering settings.
To return Chrome to a known good state, reset it to defaults.
Open Settings, scroll down, and select Advanced.

Find the Reset and clean up section.
Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
A confirmation pop up will appear, then select Reset settings to begin.

Resetting will disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies.
You will need to log in again to websites after this step.
This is a small price to pay for a secure and responsive browser.

If search results still feel restricted after cleanup, you can also review SafeSearch preferences and learn how to turn them off in this guide on removing SafeSearch in Chrome.
This ensures Chrome uses your chosen providers and shows full results.
Combine a reset with correct search preferences for best results.

Final thoughts

By following these steps, you should be able to remove unwanted PUPs and malware search engines from Google Chrome. Keep your extensions lean, your startup clean, and reset when in doubt. Regularly maintaining your settings helps keep your online experience secure and efficient.