How to remove Press-Tab browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Press-Tab?
Our analysis of the Press-Tab browser extension showed that it promotes press-tab.com by modifying the browser settings, a tactic known as browser hijacking. It is crucial to note that users often unintentionally add extensions like Press-Tab to their browsers. Pretty often, browser hijackers are promoted using deceptive methods.
Press-Tab browser hijacker overview
Press-Tab is programmed to alter the browser's settings, including the search engine, homepage, and new tab page, directing users to press-tab.com. As a result, whenever users input search queries in the URL bar or homepage search bar, they are automatically directed to press-tab.com. Subsequently, upon initiating a search, press-tab.com redirects users to bing.com.
Press-tab.com is a fake search engine that does not deliver search results. Instead, users are shown results from bing.com, a reputable search engine. However, despite the reliability of Bing's results, press-tab.com cannot be considered trustworthy.
Fake search engines like press-tab.com should be avoided due to their deceptive practices and potential security risks. They often manipulate search results, leading users to unreliable or even malicious websites. This can expose users to phishing scams, malware downloads, or other cyber threats.
Additionally, fake search engines may collect and misuse user data, compromising privacy and security. Therefore, it is crucial to steer clear of such deceptive platforms to safeguard both personal information and system integrity. Always opt for reputable search engines to ensure a safe and reliable browsing experience.
| Name | Press-Tab |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Press-Tab |
| Supposed Functionality | Enhanced browsing experience |
| Promoted URL | press-tab.com |
| Detection Names (press-tab.com) | Bfore.Ai PreCrime (Malicious), Criminal IP (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (press-tab.com) | 104.21.30.63 |
| 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. |
Conclusion
It is crucial to remain vigilant when facing browser hijackings such as Press-Tab and deceptive search engines like press-tab.com. Users can safeguard themselves against potential security risks and uphold a safer online browsing experience by steering clear of these misleading platforms and choosing reputable search engines.
Some examples of other apps that hijack browsers are Sport Post, UNIX Search, and Find It Quick Search.
How did Press-Tab install on my computer?
Users may inadvertently install additional software, including browser hijackers, when downloading freeware or shareware from untrusted sources, often overlooking pre-selected checkboxes or settings that consent to such installations. Additionally, deceptive advertisements or pop-ups can mislead users into clicking on them, resulting in automatic downloads of browser hijackers.
Furthermore, browser hijackers may masquerade as legitimate browser extensions or plugins, complicating the task of distinguishing between genuine and unwanted software for users. Quite often, users obtain browser hijackers from unofficial pages, third-party app stores, P2P networks, and similar sources.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Exercise caution when downloading software or browsing online. Stick to reputable sources like official app stores or trusted websites for downloading programs and files. Before installing any software, carefully review the installation prompts and opt out of any additional offers (unwanted apps).
Furthermore, keep your operating system, web browser, and security software updated, and regularly scan your device for malware and unwanted programs. Lastly, be cautious of clicking suspicious links or pop-up ads, and avoid visiting untrusted websites that may contain harmful content. Following these steps can help safeguard your system against potential security risks.
If your computer is already infected with Press-Tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Press-tab.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Press-Tab browser hijacker:
Website promoting Press-Tab browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Press-Tab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Press-Tab application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Press-Tab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove press-tab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove press-tab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Press-Tab 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 press-tab.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Press-Tab 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 "Press-Tab" 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 "Press-Tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.press-tab.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 "press-tab.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 press-tab.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 "Press-Tab", 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 "Press-Tab", remove hxxp://press-tab.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 press-tab.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 press-tab.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 visit press-tab.com website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit the press-tab.com website is to generate traffic. This can serve various objectives for the creators of the website, including increasing ad revenue and boosting website visibility or popularity.
Is visiting press-tab.com a threat to my privacy?
If press-tab.com collects personal information without your consent or utilizes tracking technologies to monitor your online activity, it could compromise your privacy.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my browser?
A browser hijacker may have compromised your browser through content obtained from unreliable sources such as unofficial app stores, peer-to-peer networks, third-party downloaders, or suspicious websites. Additionally, malicious links or advertisements, as well as bundled software packages, are common vectors for these infiltrations.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Press-Tab browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner can identify and eliminate browser-hijacking applications. Automatic removal of unwanted apps is advised, as manual removal may not always succeed, particularly when dealing with multiple browser hijackers. In instances where multiple hijackers are detected, they may be programmed to reinstall each other, making simultaneous removal essential.
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