I just realized I've been hacked and my browsers (Microsoft Edge and Chrome) now say they're managed by an organization. My antivirus was expired, but I've renewed it and it found and removed some stuff. The problem is, I can't remove the extension called Hyper Quantel that seems to be holding my browsers hostage. I had to switch to Firefox just to post this since both Edge and Chrome keep directing me to a sketchy payment screen. Does anyone have advice on how to get rid of this extension and regain control of my browsers?
3 Answers
I'd suggest backing up only your essential files and then doing a fresh install of Windows. It’s the best way to ensure you’ve gotten rid of all the malware. Just removing that browser extension won't be enough—you need to wipe the system. Also, be careful about the apps you reinstall after the fact!
Reinstalling Windows is really the safest bet if you've been hacked. No software can guarantee removing all malware—it's almost better to do a clean install than to try and clean it. Plus, it’s usually faster to just start fresh than to spend hours trying to fix things. Just make sure all your important files are backed up before you wipe everything!
Definitely agree! You can clean a computer for hours, but reinstalling Windows is quicker and clean. Just remember to back up your files before wiping everything!
If the browsers are still acting up, check to see if you're logged into a work or school account in Edge or Chrome. Log out from there and create a new profile if possible. Sometimes that alone can fix the issue without needing more drastic steps!
When you reinstall, is it better to use cloud storage or an external hard drive for your backup?