How to remove 3D Tree browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is 3D Tree?
While analyzing the 3D Tree application, we found that it is a browser extension designed to hijack a web browser. This app promotes a fake search engine (search.3dtree.net) by modifying the browser settings. Additionally, 3D Tree can read and change bookmarks and data on 3dtree.net. We discovered the 3D Tree browser hijacker on a deceptive web page.
3D Tree browser hijacker overview
3D Tree changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to search.3dtree.net. This search engine is fake because it does not generate its own results. It redirects to bing.com (shows Bing search results). Bing search engine is trustworthy. However, not all search engines redirect to legitimate pages.
Fake search engines can show results generated by untrustworthy search engines or display results containing links to potentially malicious pages. Using them can lead to phishing pages, websites offering to download shady software, various scams, etc. Thus, it is strongly recommended not to use fake search engines and have browser hijackers added to browsers.
| Name | 3D Tree |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | 3D Tree |
| Supposed Functionality | Animated new tab page |
| Promoted URL | search.3dtree.net |
| Detection Names | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (search.3dtree.net) | 3.225.140.174 |
| 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. |
More about browser hijackers
It is common for browser hijackers to be capable of reading browsing history and other data. Their developers can use obtained data for marketing purposes, sell it to third parties, or use other ways to monetize that data. Typically, users add browser hijackers unintentionally. Apps of this type tend to be distributed in questionable ways.
More examples of browser-hijacking apps are Bookmark Drag and Drop, Secure Search Pro, and TabsMode.
How did 3D Tree install on my computer?
3D Tree is promoted on a shady website offering to update the Chrome browser extension that may be outdated. It provides instructions on how to add an extension that supposedly provides a safer web search experience. A browser gets hijacked by 3D Tree after completing the steps provided on that deceptive page.
It is worth mentioning that browser hijackers can be included in installers for various programs as optional installations. This distribution method is called bundling. It works when users complete installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings or unticking checkboxes.
Advertisements can cause unwanted downloads and installation too. Ads used to distribute unwanted apps are designed to run certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download apps from official stores and websites. Other sources (e.g., P2P networks, shady pages, third-party downloaders) can be used to distribute unwanted and malicious software. Do not trust advertisements on questionable websites. Deselect unwanted apps before downloading and installing software bundled with those apps.
Do not agree to receive notifications from suspicious pages. If your computer is already infected with 3D Tree, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Search.3dtree.net redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by 3D Tree browser hijacker:
Deceptive website promoting 3D Tree browser hijacker:
Another page promoting 3D Tree extension:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is 3D Tree?
- STEP 1. Uninstall 3D Tree application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove 3D Tree browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.3dtree.net homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.3dtree.net redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
3D Tree 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, "3D Tree"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the search.3dtree.net website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
3D Tree 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 "3D Tree" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "3D Tree", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.3dtree.net) 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 "search.3dtree.net", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the search.3dtree.net 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 extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "3D Tree", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "3D Tree", remove hxxp://search.3dtree.net 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 "Accept the Risk and Continue".
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 search.3dtree.net 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 search.3dtree.net 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 visit search.3dtree.net website?
When more people use fake search engines like search.3dtree.net, their creators generate more revenue. Their revenue depends on the count of users/visitors.
Is visiting search.3dtree.net a threat to my privacy?
Fake search engines can be designed to gather information about their users. Thus, using them can cause issues related to online privacy.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Users often add browser hijackers via notifications from shady websites, dubious advertisements, deceptive websites, etc. Also, browser hijackers are distributed via software bundles - they are included in installers as additional offers.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove 3D Tree browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove 3D Tree or any other browser hijacker. If multiple browser hijackers are added to a browser, it may be difficult to remove them manually because they may be designed to reinstall one another. In such cases, all browser hijackers have to be removed at once. Combo Cleaner removes apps of this type automatically.
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