How to remove the Ai Quick Links browser hijacker

What kind of software is Ai Quick Links?

Our research team discovered the Ai Quick Links browser extension. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is a browser hijacker. This extension makes modifications to browser settings in order to generate redirects. It is likely that Ai Quick Links also collects sensitive browsing data.

Ai Quick Links browser hijacker overview

Browser-hijacking software assigns the addresses of endorsed websites as browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs. Modified browsers then generate redirects to said webpages whenever a new browser tab/window is opened or a search query is typed into the URL bar.

In most cases, software within this classification promotes fake search engines, which redirect to legitimate Internet search websites since they cannot provide search results. However, Ai Quick Links causes redirects leading straight to the Bing search engine (bing.com). Note that they could land elsewhere since factors like user geolocation might impact redirects.

Browser hijackers commonly use persistence-ensuring techniques, such as restricting access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes – to prevent browser recovery.

What is more, Ai Quick Links might have data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, browser-hijacking software like Ai Quick Links may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ai Quick Links
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	Ai Quick Links
Promoted URL	bing.com
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).
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Browser hijacker examples

We have investigated thousands of browser hijackers; Smart Seeker, YOUSearch, and Search4word are merely a couple of examples.

This software typically appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these features are usually fake and nonfunctional. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did Ai Quick Links install on my computer?

We acquired Ai Quick Links from its "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such pages, browser hijackers are endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

Additionally, browser hijackers can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate browser hijackers as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution. Hence, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Ai Quick Links, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Appearance of Ai Quick Links redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):

Permissions asked by Ai Quick Links browser hijacker:

Website promoting Ai Quick Links browser hijacker:

Update February 2, 2024 - Ai Quick Links browser hijacker has been recently spotted being distributed via PrivateLoader malware.

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 Ai Quick Links?
• STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove Ai Quick Links browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove bing.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove rogue redirects from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Ai Quick Links 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, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Ai Quick Links 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Ai Quick Links" 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 "Ai Quick Links", look for the promoted URL (hxxp://www.bing.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 "bing.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 ai quick links 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 "Ai Quick Links", 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 "Ai Quick Links", remove hxxp://bing.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 ai quick links 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 ai quick links 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 ai quick links 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 to visit bing.com website?

Redirects are generated because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) profit through them. In cases where the redirects land on sites that are genuine, the promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers are mainly spread via deceptive promotional webpages, bundled installers, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Ai Quick Links browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected browser-hijacking apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective, particularly when multiple browser hijackers are present. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be inaccessible due to the presence of browser-hijacking software. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

▼ Show Discussion