Why is Yahoo my search engine? How to fix your browser when it keeps changing to Yahoo

• If your search engine keeps changing to Yahoo, it may be due to the browser hijacker virus.
• Hackers use the Yahoo search redirect virus to earn revenue generated by clicks on Yahoo.
• To get rid of the Yahoo virus, reset your browser settings for Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Though Yahoo is a legitimate search engine, if it isn't your preferred site, it can be frustrating to have it continuously pop up every time you open your internet browser. 

In fact, if your search engine keeps changing to Yahoo, it may be due to a browser hijacker virus. And even though it sounds scary, there's actually a simple fix. Here's how to get rid of it.  

What is a browser hijacker virus?

A browser hijacker virus is a malicious piece of code that modifies your browser's settings behind your back. By hijacking your browser, the virus redirects you – without your permission – to websites that are often malicious in nature.

On top of that, a browser hijacker virus is also used as a means to infect your computer with other types of malware. For example, it might install spyware on your computer behind the scenes, allowing the hacker who is monitoring the malware to steal your personal and financial information.

If your default search engine keeps changing suddenly to Yahoo, your computer may have malware

This problem can likely be attributed to malware — specifically, the Yahoo search redirect virus. This virus works by rapidly redirecting your browser to an intermediary site (or sometimes to multiple sites) and then depositing you onto the Yahoo site. 

Any revenue then generated via clicks made on Yahoo will direct some revenue back to those intermediary sites. The hackers responsible for the virus also use it to collect your data and track your internet activity.

So it's not Yahoo's fault, but it is an issue you need to clear up. You don't want to be forced to use Yahoo by malware that can track you and potentially harm your computer.

There are many ways your system can contract the redirect malware, but the solution is the same for most browsers: reset your browser's settings.

How to reset Safari browser settings

How to reset Safari browser settings

1. Click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen. 

2. In the menu, click Preferences.

3. Select the Advanced tab – the option that looks like two gears. 

4. Make sure the Show Develop menu in the menu bar box is checked.

5. Click Develop in the menu bar, and then select Empty Caches.

6. Click History in the menu bar, and then select Clear History.

7. In the pop-up, click the dropdown next to Clear and select a time period – between the last hour, today, today and yesterday, and all history. Then, click Clear History.

8. Go back to Safari's Preferences. 

9. Select the Privacy tab – the option that looks like a hand. 

10. Click Manage Website Data. 

11. In the pop-up, click Remove All.

Now restart Safari and you should be all set.

How to reset Chrome browser settings

1. Open Chrome on your computer. 

2. Click the more icon – the three vertical dots – in the top right corner of the browser window. 

3. Click Settings in the menu.

4. In the left side menu, click Reset and clean up.

5.  In the right panel, click Restore settings to their original defaults.

6. Click Reset settings in the pop-up to confirm.

How to reset Firefox browser settings

1. Open Firefox on your computer. 

2. Click the hamburger menu – the three horizontal lines that look like a burger – in the top right corner of the browser window.

3. In the menu, click Help and then More troubleshooting information.

4. Click the Refresh Firefox button.

5. In the popup window, click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Your browser should now be clear of any malicious add-ons.