StartPage Hijacker on Internet Explorer? Run This Spyware Removal Tool Now

Fast Fix: Using the StartPage Removal Tool to Eliminate StartPage from IE

If StartPage has taken over Internet Explorer (IE) — changing your homepage, search engine, or showing unwanted redirects — you can remove it quickly and safely with a focused removal tool and a few manual clean-up steps. This guide walks you through a fast, step‑by‑step process to detect, remove, and restore IE to normal.

Before you start

• Back up any important bookmarks or saved credentials from IE.
• Close all other browsers and unnecessary programs.
• Work with administrator rights on the PC.

Step 1 — Download and run the StartPage removal tool

1. Obtain a reputable StartPage removal tool (one designed for browser hijackers).
2. Run the tool as an administrator.
3. Allow it to scan system files, browser settings, startup entries, and the registry for StartPage components.
4. Review the scan results and confirm removal of all StartPage entries, related search providers, and suspicious startup items.

Step 2 — Reset Internet Explorer settings

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the gear icon (or Tools) → Internet options.
3. Under the Advanced tab, click Reset. Optionally check Delete personal settings to remove modified home pages and search providers.
4. Confirm and restart IE.

Step 3 — Remove leftover search providers and extensions

1. In IE, go to the gear icon → Manage add‑ons → Search Providers.
2. Remove any StartPage or unknown providers and set your preferred search engine as default.
3. Under Toolbars and Extensions, disable or remove unfamiliar add‑ons.

Step 4 — Clean browser shortcuts and startup

1. Right‑click any IE shortcut (desktop, taskbar, Start menu) → Properties.
2. In the Shortcut tab, ensure the Target field ends with “iexplore.exe” and has no extra URL or parameters appended. Remove anything after iexplore.exe.
3. Check Windows startup (Task Manager → Startup) and disable suspicious entries.

Step 5 — Scan for remaining malware

1. Run a full system scan with an up‑to‑date antivirus program.
2. Use a second opinion anti‑malware scanner (e.g., Malwarebytes) to catch PUPs and leftovers.
3. Quarantine/remove any detections and reboot.

Step 6 — Verify and restore settings

1. Open IE and confirm homepage, default search, and new tab behavior are