Check Your Chrome Extensions
First, let's take a look at the extensions you have installed. Sometimes, you might not even realise an unwanted extension is there.
- Open Chrome and type
chrome://extensionsinto the address bar, then press Enter. - Carefully review the list of extensions. Look for anything unfamiliar or suspicious.
- If you find an extension you don't recognise, or one you know you didn't install, click the Remove button next to it.
- Confirm you want to remove the extension when prompted.
Tip
Keep an eye out for extensions that were installed 'by enterprise policy' — these can sometimes be legitimate, but also a sign of something unwanted.
Examine Chrome Settings for Unwanted Changes
Malicious extensions can sometimes change your browser's settings, like your homepage or default search engine. Let's check these for anything out of place.
- In Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Under 'You and Google', ensure your Google account is signed in correctly if you expect it to be. Consider signing out and back in if you suspect compromise to refresh permissions.
- Check the 'Search engine' section to make sure your preferred search engine is selected. Change it back if it's been altered.
- Under 'On startup', review what pages open. If there are suspicious or unfamiliar websites listed, remove them.
Important
Be cautious if you see settings that are 'managed by your organisation' as this often indicates something you did not set yourself.
Run a Chromebook Security Scan
Chromebooks have built-in security features, and while they don't host traditional antivirus, there are steps you can take to scan for threats within the Chrome OS environment.
- Chromebooks automatically check for and download security updates. Ensure your operating system is up to date by going to Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for updates.
- While Chromebooks don't have a traditional malware scanner like a Windows PC, some suspicious behaviours can be identified by the system. If you notice unusual pop-ups or slowdowns, a reboot can sometimes resolve temporary issues.
- If you're still concerned, consider a 'Browser Reset' which we'll cover next, as it can clear many persistent issues.
Good to know
Regularly updating your Chromebook's operating system is one of the best ways to protect yourself against new threats.
Reset Chrome Browser Settings
If the problem persists, resetting Chrome to its default settings can often resolve stubborn issues caused by mischievous extensions or altered configurations. This is not as severe as a full Chromebook reset but will address browser-specific problems.
- Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, and go to Settings.
- Scroll down to the bottom and click on Advanced.
- Under the 'Reset settings' section, click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
- A confirmation box will appear. Read it carefully to understand what will be reset, then click Reset settings.
Important
Remember, this will disable all extensions, clear temporary data, and reset your homepage, but your bookmarks, history, and passwords will remain untouched.
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JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers