For about a month, my Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers have been affected by NextGeeker, which appears to be changing or hijacking my searches. I haven't found a clear removal guide, so I've kept the PC disconnected and powered off while trying to work out what to do.
Is it reasonably safe to use Steam or buy games while this is happening, or should I treat it as an urgent security problem? Chrome won't let me manage extensions or turn off sync, and I can't download Malwarebytes or another browser normally. I installed Grindinsoft but don't know whether it's trustworthy or capable of removing the hijacker.
Could I download the Malwarebytes installer on another computer and transfer it with a USB drive? If malware removal tools don't work, would resetting or clean-installing Windows be a better option than paying a repair shop? I'm using Windows 11 and would appreciate advice on the safest process, including how to protect my personal files first.
2 Answers
A browser hijacker is often less destructive than ransomware, but you can’t safely assume it is harmless or that it is the only unwanted software present. Since the PC has been affected for a while and normal browser tools are blocked, I’d prioritize cleaning it rather than continuing to use it for gaming, purchases, or account access. Disconnect it from the internet while preparing your backup and avoid copying executable files or browser profiles to the backup. If scanning fails or the behavior returns, a clean Windows installation is the dependable next step.
I wouldn’t trust Grindinsoft if you don’t recognize it as an established security product, and I’d avoid using the affected PC for purchases or logging into important accounts until it’s cleaned. Download a reputable scanner such as Malwarebytes from a different, known-clean computer, copy the installer to a USB drive, and run it on the affected machine. A scan may solve the hijacker, but browser extensions, proxy settings, scheduled tasks, or other unwanted software may still need to be removed afterward.
If you want the most reliable solution, back up only personal documents, photos, and other necessary files—not programs or suspicious downloads—and reset Windows or perform a clean installation. Windows 11’s recovery tools can usually reset the system while keeping personal files, but a full clean install is more thorough. If the reset is blocked, create Windows installation media on another computer and boot from that USB. A repair shop can do this, but it may cost more than reinstalling Windows yourself.
Thanks, I’ll get a USB drive and back up only the files I need before trying the Windows reset. If the reset works, I’ll install a reputable security tool afterward and change important passwords from a clean device.