Removing the EpiStart (EpiBrowser) unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is EpiStart (EpiBrowser)?
EpiStart, also known as EpiBrowser, is a rogue browser. This application is based on the Chromium open-source project. EpiStart (EpiBrowser) is considered rogue because it produces redirects to a fake search engine (epibrowser.com; potentially others) that cannot generate search results and leads to a genuine Internet search site.
Due to this behavior and the questionable methods used to promote this browser, it is also classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
EpiStart (EpiBrowser) overview
EpiStart (EpiBrowser) generates redirects to a fraudulent search engine. This behavior is standard for browser hijackers; however, these apps/extensions modify browser settings, while EpiStart (EpiBrowser) is a browser itself.
At the time of research, EpiStart (EpiBrowser) promoted the epibrowser.com fake search engine. Like most sites of this kind, it cannot provide search results – so it redirects to the Yahoo search engine (search.yahoo.com). Epibrowser.com might lead users elsewhere, as factors like geolocation may influence redirects. Keep in mind that EpiStart (EpiBrowser) could endorse other illegitimate search engines.
Rogue browsers and PUAs typically have harmful capabilities. It is not unlikely that EpiStart (EpiBrowser) possesses other functionalities as well.
This browser could spy on users' browsing activity and collect browsing histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The gathered information may then be shared with or sold to third-parties.
Potentially unwanted apps often operate as adware. Advertising-supported software generates revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. This typically entails displaying advertisements on visited websites (or other interfaces). Adware-delivered ads can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some are capable of performing sneaky downloads/installations (upon being clicked).
In summary, the presence of software like EpiStart (EpiBrowser) on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | EpiStart (EpiBrowser) potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) |
| Detection Names (installer) | Sophos (Epi Browser (PUA)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (app) | Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.EpiBrowser), Sophos (Epi Browser (PUA)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Related Domains | epibrowser.com |
| Detection Names (epibrowser.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (epibrowser.com) | 65.8.243.80 |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. Rogue redirects. Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling). |
| Damage | Privacy issues, unwanted redirects, intrusive ads, potential monetary losses, diminished browsing quality, slow computer performance. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Rogue Chromium-based browser examples
OneStart, Chromstera, CryptoTab Browser, and Chromium Shield are merely some of our articles on dubious browsers based on Chromium.
Usually, rogue browsers and other kinds of unwanted apps look ordinary and harmless. The software may also offer a broad range of "useful" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Note that even if a piece of software functions exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
EpiStart (EpiBrowser) has an "official" promotional webpage. PUAs are also endorsed through deceptive webpages. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open sites).
PUAs can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by being inattentive when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread unwanted software as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
EpiStart (EpiBrowser) application's official promotional website:
EpiStart (EpiBrowser) application promoted fake search engine (epibrowser.com):
Appearance of EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirecting to epibrowser.com and landing on the Yahoo search engine (GIF):
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 EpiStart (EpiBrowser)?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
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 "EpiStart (EpiBrowser)" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
At time of research, EpiStart (EpiBrowser) was not installed together with other unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the Internet, continue with the removal guide below.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the epistart (epibrowser) potentially unwanted application, 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 plugins 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with epistart (epibrowser) potentially unwanted application 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, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
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 upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the epistart (epibrowser) potentially unwanted application, 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:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of an unwanted application?
Unwanted applications aim to generate revenue at users' expense. This goal may be achieved by tricking them into purchasing fake activation keys, endorsing content (via redirects, ads, etc.), promoting in-app purchases, collecting/selling sensitive data, and so forth.
Is EpiStart (EpiBrowser) unwanted application legal?
In most cases, unwanted applications are deemed to be legal because their End User License Agreements (EULAs) inform users of the programs' behavior.
Is having EpiStart (EpiBrowser) installed on my computer dangerous?
Yes, EpiStart (EpiBrowser) is considered a privacy threat. It generates redirects to a fake search engine – a type of website known to collect (and possibly sell) information about visitors.
However, this application might possess other harmful capabilities like displaying malicious ads or gathering sensitive user information (e.g., Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc.). Hence, this software might also pose threats like system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) unwanted application?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove installed unwanted/malicious apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after an application has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.
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