Top 6 Ways to Fix Google Chrome Search Engine Changing to Yahoo

There are several reasons behind the behavior. Someone may have changed the default browser to Chrome. The main factor behind search engine change is browser hijacking code or extensions.

Browser hijackers are a constant threat to millions of users around the world. Some browsers are more prone to it, others less, and some, a minority, are fundamentally unaffected. It also depends on the user. If you are used to installing random apps from the web, some PUAs (potentially unwanted apps) can take over the apps on the device and change settings.

This article will explain how to avoid and resolve the change from Google Chrome search engine to Yahoo. Let’s start with a simple troubleshooting tip.

1. Change the default search engine

If you’re not using Chrome’s multi-profile feature, chances are someone has changed the default search engine to Google Chrome. This could be someone you share your computer with. So you need to restore it to Google by following the steps below.

Step 1: Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.

2nd step: Go to Settings> Search engine.

Step 3: Select the search engine used in the address bar and set it to Google.

Step 4: Scroll down and select the Manage Search Engine menu. Fiend Yahoo on the list and remove it from Chrome browser.

2. Disable Chrome Extensions

Extensions play a vital role in the Chrome ecosystem. By using extensions, one can add more functionality to the interface and basic functionality of Chrome. However, some may not be actively maintained, may be out of date, or may develop incompatibilities with newer versions of Chrome. Some malicious extensions may prefer the Yahoo search engine over Google.

If dozens of Chrome extensions are installed, it can be difficult to determine which of them is causing the problem.

For this reason, the easiest solution is to disable all extensions and then enable only the ones you need one at a time.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome, tap on the three-dot menu at the top.

2nd step: Go to More Tools> Extensions.

Step 3: This will open the Extension menu. Hit the Remove button and remove the Chrome extensions.

3. Reset Google Chrome

This will reset your start page, new tab, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and erase temporary data such as cookies and cache. Your favorites, history and saved passwords will not be erased. Follow the steps below to reset Google Chrome browser.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome and tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.

2nd step: Scroll down to the Settings tab, then click on the Advanced button.

Step 3: Scroll down to the Restore settings to their original defaults option below. Then click the Restore Default Settings option.

Step 4: Press the Reset Settings button to confirm.

4. Use Chrome Malware Scanner

As I mentioned earlier, the issue may be related to Yahoo Search redirect virus or malware. This virus or malware works by redirecting your browser to multiple sites and then landing on the Yahoo site. Hackers generate revenue through clicks and even collect personal data and track your internet activity.

Google Chrome offers a built-in anti-malware scanner that will scan your computer and detect any issues.

Step 1: Open Chrome and go to settings.

2nd step: Scroll down and click on Advanced to open all settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to the Reset and clean section and click on Clean up computer.

This will open a window where you can start the Chrome malware scan. Simply select the Search button to start the scan. We also recommend that you install and run Malwarebytes to identify and remove any malware.

5. Scan the PC using Windows Defender

If you are still having issues after scanning for malware from Google Chrome, try using Windows Defender on Windows 10 scan. As you may know, Windows Defender is Microsoft’s built-in solution to remove software malicious devices.

Open Windows Defender (now Microsoft Defender) and use the Quick Scan option to identify harmful items on the device. You can also opt for full PC scan, but it may take a long time depending on the storage of the device.

Do not worry. You can minimize the app and continue doing your work as usual.

6. Ditch Google Chrome

If you are still faced with Yahoo search engine guidelines on the Google Chrome browser, it’s time to ditch it in favor of an alternative.

Microsoft Edge is one of the best Chrome alternatives out there. It is based on Chromium, available on all platforms and supports all Google Chrome extensions.

Another solid rival to Google Chrome is Firefox. Mozilla has improved Firefox’s offering by leaps and bounds lately. Definitely worth a look.

You can also opt for privacy browsers like Safari and Brave on the desktop.

Start browsing again

Using the tips above, you can easily fix Google Chrome using Yahoo search engine instead of Google. Follow the steps above and let us know which trick worked for you in the comments section below.