How to Remove iStartSurf from Your Computer

iStartSurf is unwanted software, often classified as a browser hijacker, which modifies browser settings, redirects users to specific sites, and displays ads. Once on your computer, iStartSurf typically changes your homepage, search engine, and adds various ad extensions. To regain control of your browser and computer, follow these removal steps for iStartSurf.

Step 1: Uninstall from Control Panel

  1. Go to the Control Panel (on Windows).
  2. Select Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program (depending on your OS version).
  3. Find iStartSurf in the list of programs or any other suspicious apps that may have installed without your knowledge.
  4. Select the program and click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Remove Extensions from Browsers

Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and go to the menu, then select Settings.
  2. Navigate to Extensions and delete any suspicious or unknown extensions you did not install.
  3. Go to Settings > Search engine to set your preferred search engine as the default.
  4. Scroll down to the On startup section and select either Open a specific page or Open a new tab to remove iStartSurf as the homepage.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open Firefox and go to the menu, then choose Add-ons > Extensions.
  2. Delete any unwanted extensions.
  3. Go to Settings > Home and change the homepage and search engine to your preferred ones.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Go to Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete any suspicious or unwanted extensions.
  3. Change the homepage and search engine back to standard options.

Step 3: Clean Your System with Antivirus Software

Download and install reliable antivirus software (such as Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner, or Avast). Run a full scan to detect and remove any residual files or threats that might remain after manually removing iStartSurf.

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings

If the problem persists, consider resetting your browser’s settings:

  • In Chrome: Go to Settings > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.
  • In Firefox: Open Help > Troubleshooting Information and select Refresh Firefox.
  • In Edge: Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.