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Fix Windows that has redirect that will not stop

We'll remove extensions, reset the browser, check the hosts file, and run Malwarebytes—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
20–45 min
What you'll need
  • Administrator account (for hosts file)
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

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Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Remove extensions, reset the browser, check the hosts file, and run Malwarebytes.

  • Remove unknown extensions. Reset browser. Check hosts file. Run Malwarebytes.
  • Good: Redirects stop. You are done.
  • Bad: Boot Safe Mode and scan.

Remove extensions

Goal: Remove extensions that cause redirects.

  • Chrome or Edge: Settings, Extensions. Remove unknown extensions. Reset browser.
  • Good: Redirects stop.
  • Bad: Check hosts file.

Check hosts file

Goal: Remove redirect entries from the hosts file.

  • Notepad as Administrator. Open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. Remove any line except localhost. Save.
  • Good: Hosts clean. Run Malwarebytes.
  • Bad: Remove suspicious lines and save.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Redirects persist after these steps.
  • You are unsure about editing the hosts file.
  • You suspect malware you cannot remove.

Verification

  • Typing a URL goes to the correct site.
  • Search results do not redirect to ads.
  • Hosts file has only localhost entries.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Remove extensions Remove unknown browser extensions.
  2. Reset browser Reset browser settings.
  3. Check hosts file Remove suspicious hosts entries.
  4. Malwarebytes Run Malwarebytes full scan.
  5. Call a pro Redirects persist.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Which sites redirect
  • Extensions installed
  • Hosts file contents
  • Steps already tried

Did you remove unknown extensions?

Extensions often cause redirects.

Remove unknown extensions. Reset browser. Good: Redirects stop—you are done. Bad: Check hosts file, run Malwarebytes.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Remove extensions

Settings, Extensions. Remove unknown. Reset browser settings.

Done

Does hosts file have suspicious entries?

Hosts file can redirect sites.

Open hosts in Notepad as Admin. Remove any line except localhost. Good: Clean—run Malwarebytes. Bad: Remove entries, save.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Clean hosts file

Remove suspicious lines. Save. Run Malwarebytes.

Done

Run Malwarebytes

Full scan. Remove threats. Restart. Test redirects.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would redirects not stop?
Malicious extensions, browser hijacker, or hosts file modification. Remove extensions, reset browser, check hosts file, run Malwarebytes.
What is the hosts file?
A file that maps domain names to IP addresses. Malware can add entries to redirect you. Normal hosts has only localhost.
When should I call a technician?
When redirects persist after removing extensions and running Malwarebytes, or you are unsure about editing the hosts file.

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