Newtabtools.com Redirect
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is newtabtools.com?
newtabtools.com is another fake Internet search engine that, according to the developers, enhances the browsing experience by generating improved results and providing quick access to popular websites.
Note that newtabtools.com is promoted using browser-hijacking applications, whilst other fake search engines are promoted by browser hijackers or rogue download/installation set-ups. Furthermore, newtabtools.com records various user-system information relating to Internet browsing activity.
newtabtools.com is promoted using Recipe Hub, Ready Mail, Your TV Shows, and a number of other potentially unwanted browser-hijacking programs (PUPs). These browser hijackers stealthily infiltrate web browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) and assign newtabtools.com as the new tab URL, default search engine, and homepage settings.
These programs are also developed to reassign browser options when attempts are made to change them. In this way, browser hijackers prevent users from reverting these changes. Ultimately users are forced to visit newtabtools.com when they search via the URL bar or simply open a new browser tab. This significantly diminishes the web browsing experience.
Note that after entering a search query, users are redirected to search.yahoo.com and end up searching via Yahoo (a legitimate search engine). Information tracking is also an issue. Research shows that newtabtools.com and the aforementioned browser hijackers continually monitor web browsing activity and gather various data.
IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other collected data might contain personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
There is a high probability that these people will generate revenue by misusing the information, Therefore, the presence of browser hijackers and use of newtabtools.com can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to uninstall all browser-hijacking applications and never return to newtabtools.com
Name | newtabtools.com browser hijacker |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser(s) settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). User's are forced to visit hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
The Internet is full of fake search engines similar to newtabtools.com. The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) search.myappzcenter.com, browserbleach.com, feed.speedomizer.com, and foxsearch.me.
As with newtabtools.com, these sites also promise to enhance the browsing experience, however, claims to generate improved results and provide other 'useful features' (weather forecasts, shortcuts to popular websites, currency exchange rates, etc.) are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.
The only purpose of all fake search engines is to generate revenue for the developers. They typically cause unwanted redirects and gather sensitive information. Some even generate misleading results and intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, etc.) Research shows that these lead to dubious sites. Therefore, using fake search engines risks various computer infections.
How did newtabtools.com install on my computer?
Browser hijackers that promote newtabtools.com typically infiltrate systems without permission, since developers proliferate them using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs together with regular software/apps.
Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click ads. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The main reasons for computer infections are the careless behavior and lack of knowledge of many users. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, to prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software.
Criminals invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate, however, the ads redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites. Most intrusive ads are delivered by adware-type PUPs. If you encounter them, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.
Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" options, carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes, and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. You are also advised to avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since criminals monetize them using the "bundling" method. Download applications from official sources only, using direct download links.
Examples of newtabtools.com homepages promoted by various browser hijackers:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is newtabtools.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall newtabtools.com application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove newtabtools.com redirect from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove newtabtools.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove newtabtools.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove newtabtools.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
newtabtools.com browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently-installed suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted programs that cause browser redirects to the newtabtools.com website, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
newtabtools.com browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Internet Options", in the opened window, remove hxxp://newtabtools.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you launch Internet Explorer. You can also enter about: blank to open a blank page when you start Internet Explorer.
Change your default search engine:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". In the opened window, select "Search Providers", set "Google", "Bing", or any other preferred search engine as your default and then remove "newtabtools.com".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the newtabtools.com browser hijacker, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Recipe Hub", "Shop Now", "Travel Buddy", and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the browser-hijacking extension, look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.newtabtools.com) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present, click the three vertical dots icon and select “Remove”.
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list, look for "newtabtools.com", and when located, click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the newtabtools.com browser hijacker, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions" and remove all recently-installed browser plug-ins.
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window, remove hxxp://newtabtools.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "newtabtools.com"
Right-click on the found preferences and select "Reset" to restore default values.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with newtabtools.com browser hijacker removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the newtabtools.com browser hijacker, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on newtabtools.com browser hijacker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
▼ Show Discussion