ChromeOS · Recovery Guide

How to Remove a Malicious Chrome Extension and Reset Chrome on Chromebook

If your Chromebook is acting strangely, or you suspect you have a malicious Chrome extension, here are some steps to help you remove it and get your browser back to normal.

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.

1. Open Chrome and type chrome://extensions into the address bar, then press Enter.
2. Carefully review the list of extensions. Look for anything unfamiliar or suspicious.
3. If you find an extension you don't recognise, or one you know you didn't install, click the Remove button next to it.
4. Confirm you want to remove the extension when prompted.

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.

1. In Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Settings.
2. 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.
3. Check the 'Search engine' section to make sure your preferred search engine is selected. Change it back if it's been altered.
4. Under 'On startup', review what pages open. If there are suspicious or unfamiliar websites listed, remove them.

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.

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.

1. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, and go to Settings.
2. Scroll down to the bottom and click on Advanced.
3. Under the 'Reset settings' section, click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
4. A confirmation box will appear. Read it carefully to understand what will be reset, then click Reset settings.