How to remove Qwik Bee browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Qwik Bee?
While analyzing the Qwik Bee browser extension, our team learned that it operates as a browser hijacker. The purpose of this app is to promote qwikbee.com - a fake search engine. Qwik Bee hijacks a web browser by manipulating the web browser's settings. Users often download and install/add browser hijackers unknowingly.
Qwik Bee browser hijacker overview
Once added, Qwik Bee modifies the browser's settings, such as the homepage and search engine, to redirect users to qwikbee.com. Qwikbee.com is a fake search engine that shows Bing's results (it redirects users to bing.com). Bing is a legitimate search engine.
It is strongly recommended not to trust shady or fake search engines. They may display fraudulent or malicious content and collect users' search queries and personal information. The data collected by a fake search engine can be misused in a number of ways that compromise users' security and privacy.
It is important to note that browser hijackers can prevent users from changing the default search engine or homepage. They can force users to use a fake search engine by making it difficult or impossible to switch back to a legitimate search engine.
When the user attempts to change the affected settings back to their original settings, the hijacker can revert the changes or prevent the user from making the changes. In such cases, users have to remove a browser hijacker to be able to remove a fake search engine.
| Name | Qwik Bee |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Qwik Bee |
| Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience |
| Promoted URL | qwikbee.com |
| Detection Names (qwikbee.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (qwikbee.com) | 52.36.210.126 |
| 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 hijackers in general
Browser hijackers are apps take control of a user's web browser and force it to perform actions that are not desired or intended by the user. This can include changing the browser's settings, redirecting the user to fake search engines, displaying unwanted pop-up advertisements, and collecting various information.
Examples of different browser hijackers are Hockey Start, Capital Buff, and World Clock Tab.
How did Qwik Bee install on my computer?
Browser hijackers frequently come bundled with other software that users download from the Internet. For instance, users might download a free game or program without realizing that a browser hijacker is also included in the installation process. Additionally, users can get redirected to malicious websites that automatically install browser hijackers onto their computers.
Occasionally, a pop-up message may show up on the user's screen that asserts their computer has been infected with a virus and suggests installing software to resolve the problem. If the user consents to the installation, a browser hijacker might be installed along with the software.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download software from trusted sources and verify that you are downloading from the official website of the software developer. When installing software, read through the installation screens carefully, and uncheck any boxes that offer to install additional software.
Do not trust ads on questionable websites or agree to receive notifications from websites of this kind. If your computer is already infected with Qwik Bee, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Qwikbee.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Another appearance of qwikbee.com:
Permissions asked by Qwik Bee browser hijacker:
Website promoting Qwik Bee browser hijacker:
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 Qwik Bee?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Qwik Bee application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Qwik Bee browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove qwikbee.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove qwikbee.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Qwik Bee 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 applications (which cause browser redirects to the qwikbee.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Qwik Bee 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 "Qwik Bee" 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 "Qwik Bee", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.qwikbee.com) 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 "qwikbee.com", 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 qwikbee.com 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 "Qwik Bee", 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 "Qwik Bee", remove hxxp://qwikbee.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 "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 qwikbee.com 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 qwikbee.com 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on qwikbee.com redirect or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit qwikbee.com website?
The revenue earned by the creators of qwikbee.com is directly proportional to the number of visitors to their website.
Is visiting qwikbee.com a threat to my privacy?
Fake search engines could be to collect users' search data, display misleading search results, or redirect users to malicious websites
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers typically infiltrate web browsers through deceptive tactics such as bundling with free software downloads or disguising themselves as legitimate browser extensions.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Qwik Bee browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner scans your computer and removes existing browser-hijacking applications. Manually removing them is not always effective because multiple hijackers can be present, and they may reinstall each other. Also, some settings cannot be changed while a hijacker is active, so all of them must be eliminated simultaneously.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion