How to remove Retro Sunset browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Retro Sunset?
After examining the Retro Sunset browser extension, it became apparent that its purpose is to act as a browser hijacker to promote search.retrosunset.net, a fake search engine. Retro Sunset modifies the settings of a web browser to take control over it.
Most users unknowingly download and add applications like Retro Sunset to their browsers without realizing that such actions will result in browser hijacking.
Retro Sunset browser hijacker overview
Retro Sunset is advertised as an application that offers a personalized new tab page experience. However, once installed, Retro Sunset modifies the browser settings, including the default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings, redirecting users' searches to search.retrosunset.net, which subsequently redirects them to bing.com.
Retro Sunset and search.retrosunset.net may engage in data collection practices without users' consent. They might track users' search queries, browsing habits, and other online activities to gather valuable data. Also, users may be directed to sponsored or potentially harmful content, impacting their browsing experience and exposing them to potentially unsafe websites.
Since Retro Sunset can modify the settings of a web browser, users may find it challenging to revert to their preferred settings, effectively losing control over their browsing environment. Thus, It is important to be cautious when encountering browser extensions like Retro Sunset or websites like search.retrosunset.net.
| Name | Retro Sunset |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Retro Sunset |
| Supposed Functionality | Personalized new tab page |
| Promoted URL | search.retrosunset.net |
| Detection Names (search.retrosunset.net) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (search.retrosunset.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. |
Browser hijackers in general
To sum up, browser hijackers are applications that pose risks to users' online security and privacy. Disguised as useful tools, they trick unsuspecting users into installing or adding them. Once installed or added, they manipulate browser settings and monitor users' activities, potentially resulting in data breaches and other security threats.
More examples of apps that function as browser hijackers are InteriorDesignTab, CurrencyTrack, and Star Field.
How did Retro Sunset install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are frequently bundled with legitimate software or freeware that users download online. Users might overlook the bundled hijacker during the installation process, as it is often pre-selected for installation by default.
Some websites may prompt users to download and install certain browser extensions or add-ons, claiming they will enhance their browsing experience or provide useful features. However, these extensions turn out to be hijackers that modify browser settings.
Users may encounter fake pop-up messages or banners while browsing, suggesting that their browser or software needs an update. When users click on these fake updates, they end up installing/adding a browser hijacker instead.
In some cases, users might be tricked into adding a browser-hijacking extension by being misled about its purpose or functionality through false promises.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
To prevent an unintended installation of browser hijackers, users should adhere to these guidelines: download software exclusively from trusted sources, exercise caution when dealing with browser extensions, refrain from clicking on suspicious links or pop-ups, and regularly update both their browsers and security software.
Moreover, scrutinizing the permissions sought by browser extensions before installation can aid in recognizing possible threats. If your computer is already infected with Retro Sunset, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Search.retrosunset.net redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Retro Sunset browser hijacker:
Website promoting Retro Sunset browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Retro Sunset?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Retro Sunset application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Retro Sunset browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove search.retrosunset.net homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove search.retrosunset.net redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Retro Sunset 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 search.retrosunset.net website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Retro Sunset browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Retro Sunset browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Retro Sunset" 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 "Retro Sunset", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.search.retrosunset.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.retrosunset.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.retrosunset.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 "Retro Sunset", 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 "Retro Sunset", remove hxxp://search.retrosunset.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.retrosunset.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.retrosunset.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.retrosunset.net website?
By compelling users to visit search.retrosunset.net, the website's creators can potentially generate more ad revenue and collect user data for various purposes.
Is visiting search.retrosunset.net a threat to my privacy?
Websites associated with browser hijackers (like search.retrosunset.net) often engage in data collection practices without users' consent. Thus, visiting them can cause issues related to online privacy.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers can gain access to computers through various methods, including software bundles, files downloaded from shady websites, deceptive advertisements, and links found on dubious web pages, among other avenues.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Retro Sunset browser hijacker?
In certain situations, manual removal may not be enough, especially when dealing with multiple browser hijackers designed to reinstall each other. In order to ensure thorough elimination, it is necessary to remove all the browser hijackers simultaneously. Combo Cleaner can remove all browser-hijacking applications from your computer or browser.
Outstanding!
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