Removal instructions for Power-Cleaner browser-hijacking extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Power-Cleaner?
Discovered by our research team while inspecting dubious download webpages, Power-Cleaner is a rogue browser extension. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it operates as a browser hijacker and promotes the power-cleaner.xyz illegitimate search engine.
Power-Cleaner browser hijacker overview
With Power-Cleaner installed onto our test machine, it caused redirects to power-cleaner.xyz - every time a new browser tab/window was opened and a search query was typed into the URL bar. Browser-hijacking software achieves this by modifying browser settings. Power-Cleaner also employs persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent browser recovery.
Fake search engines are usually incapable of providing search results, so they redirect to genuine ones. This applies to power-cleaner.xyz as well; we observed it redirecting to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, it might land elsewhere, as redirects can depend on certain factors like user geolocation.
Furthermore, Power-Cleaner has data tracking abilities. Browser hijackers can collect visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, finance/banking related information, and so forth. The gathered data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of browser-hijacking software like Power-Cleaner on devices - can lead to serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Power-Cleaner |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Power-Cleaner |
| Promoted URL | power-cleaner.xyz |
| Detection Names (power-cleaner.xyz) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (power-cleaner.xyz) | 192.64.119.197 |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the 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 browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Browser hijacker examples
Moon Darker, QuickCouponSearch, Key Board, and Monochrome Tab are just some examples of the browser hijackers we have analyzed. This software appears legitimate and offers "useful" features. However, these functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Power-Cleaner install on my computer?
We obtained Power-Cleaner from a dubious download webpage. Sites of this kind are seldom entered intentionally; most users access them via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware.
Browser hijackers are also spread using the bundling technique - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, once clicked on - some intrusive advertisements can download/install software (adware included) without user consent.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with caution, that includes - reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads look legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/harmful webpages (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.)
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Power-Cleaner, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Deceptive websites promoting Power-Cleaner browser hijacker:
Appearance of power-cleaner.xyz redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):
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:
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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 Power-Cleaner?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Power-Cleaner application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Power-Cleaner browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove power-cleaner.xyz homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove power-cleaner.xyz redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Power-Cleaner 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 (for example, "Power-Cleaner"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the power-cleaner.xyz website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Power-Cleaner browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
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 "Power-Cleaner" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Power-Cleaner", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.power-cleaner.xyz) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present click on 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 "power-cleaner.xyz", 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 power-cleaner.xyz redirect, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "Power-Cleaner", as well as all other 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 disable "Power-Cleaner", remove hxxp://power-cleaner.xyz 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: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with power-cleaner.xyz redirect 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 power-cleaner.xyz redirect, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit power-cleaner.xyz website?
Cyber criminals (i.e., fake search engine and browser hijacker developers) generate revenue through such redirects.
Is visiting power-cleaner.xyz a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Websites like power-cleaner.xyz typically gather information about their visitors.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily spread through misleading promotional webpages, unofficial and freeware download websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, software bundling, online scams, fake updates, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Power-Cleaner browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected browser-hijacking applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective when multiple browser hijackers are present. In some cases, when one browser hijacker is removed - the others simply re-install it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be inaccessible with browser-hijacking software installed. Therefore, browser hijackers must be eliminated thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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