How to remove the Purging Properly browser-hijacking extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is Purging Properly?
While navigating suspicious websites, our researchers discovered the Purging Properly browser extension. It is endorsed as a tool for automatically clearing the "clutter" on Google Chrome browsers.
However, after our analysis, we learned that Purging Properly is a browser hijacker. It makes changes to browser settings in order to promote the purgingproperly.com fake search engine.
Purging Properly browser hijacker overview
Browser-hijacking software modifies browser settings, typically by resetting the homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URL – to the addresses of endorsed sites. Purging Properly promotes purgingproperly.com in this manner. Hence, Web searches performed via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows opened – result in a redirection chain beginning with the purgingproperly.com page.
At the time of research, this webpage redirected to search.ads.xyz and then to the Google search engine (google.com). Redirecting to legitimate Internet search websites is standard for fake search engines since they usually cannot provide search results.
It is pertinent to mention that purgingproperly.com could lead elsewhere, as redirects may be impacted by factors like user geolocation.
Browser hijackers commonly rely on persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as access prevention to removal-related settings or resetting of user-made changes – to prevent browser recovery.
Furthermore, software within this classification typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of Purging Properly. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Purging Properly on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Purging Properly |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Purging Properly |
| Supposed Functionality | Automatic removal of browser data |
| Promoted URL | purgingproperly.com |
| Detection Names (purgingproperly.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (purgingproperly.com) | 172.67.133.67 |
| 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. |
Browser hijacker examples
Save Turtle Tab, Car Club Wallpapers, Pyropage, and Searchfz are merely some examples of browser hijackers we have examined recently.
Browser-hijacking software typically appears harmless and offers "handy" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not a guarantee of its legitimacy or safety.
How did Purging Properly install on my computer?
We acquired Purging Properly from its "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such pages, browser hijackers are endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations. These adverts proliferate browser-hijacking software as well.
What is more, browser hijackers can be bundled with regular 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 sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is important to research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. We strongly recommend treating installations with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous 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 Purging Properly, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of purgingproperly.com redirecting (via search.ads.xyz) to the Google search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by Purging Properly browser hijacker:
Website promoting Purging Properly 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is Purging Properly?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Purging Properly browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove purgingproperly.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove purgingproperly.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Purging Properly 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.
Purging Properly 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 "Purging Properly" 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 "Purging Properly", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.purgingproperly.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 "purgingproperly.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 purgingproperly.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 "Purging Properly", 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 "Purging Properly", remove hxxp://purgingproperly.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 purgingproperly.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 purgingproperly.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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit purgingproperly.com website?
Redirects to sites like purgingproperly.com are generated because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) profit through them.
Is visiting purgingproperly.com a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Websites classed as fake search engines (e.g., purgingproperly.com, etc.) usually gather information about their visitors. The collected data may then be sold to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser-hijacking software is primarily distributed via bundled installers, deceptive promotional pages, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, online scams, intrusive ads, and spam browser notifications.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Purging Properly browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Additionally, removal-related settings might be inaccessible with this software installed. Hence, it is essential to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
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