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Chromium virus is a deceptive Internet browsing software that pretends to be a legitimate web browser. Such programs are developed using open-source Chromium project and then supplemented with annoying adware-like features. Typically, such fake web browsers add no useful functionality to user, but worsen the browsing experience by displaying third-party ads or causing redirects. In general, such browsers are categorized as adware and are assigned to potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) list.
To be clear, Chromium itself is not a virus: it is an open-source web browser (its developer is Google) which contains the majority of Chrome browser’s functions. Open-source means that anyone can take and customize its program code, therefore producing both safe and malicious browser versions and distributing them worldwide. Unfortunately, this is the reason why so many Windows and Mac users search for Chromium virus removal guides today.
Do not get confused – Chromium browser is legitimate and safe to use, but its spin-offs might not be. Sadly, there are many versions on the market today that can be installed unknowingly. In most cases, it happens when installing freeware from the Internet.
The reason why so many people start calling Chromium a virus, is that the creators of adware and browser hijackers quickly exploit open-source software to easily create fake browser versions that cause redirects or pop-up ads.
To be precise, they take open source codes and add specific functionality to them, making these browsers display third-party ads from various ad networks, or cause unexpected redirects to partner websites to generate revenue.
Unfortunately, such behavior is not acceptable and in the worst scenario can lead to malicious or phishing websites. In the best scenario, such activity can annoy the user, slow down the computer and interfere with daily browsing activities.
To determine whether you’re dealing with Chromium virus, consider checking this list of symptoms of possible infection:
One additional check you can make is go to chrome://settings/help and check what kind of browser you’re using. If you discover that you’re using some suspicious browser which took over your default browser without your permission, you must remove Chromium virus immediately.
Fake Chromium browsers can spread in software bundles, but you might also install them unknowingly. For example, you can get one after downloading not exactly legal files, or along with freeware such as file converters or download managers.
As a rule, some of the freeware installers tend to suggest extra items along with Default installation configuration. In such case, deselecting extra suggestions is essential step before hitting that “Install” button.
In general, we recommend staying aware of these techniques and never rush when installing new programs. However, you can also install them unknowingly and find that Chromium won’t uninstall that easily. If so, it could be that you installed a malevolent version of it which uses slightly advanced techniques to stay on your system, doesn’t have or hide its uninstaller, and etc. Typically, people start looking for help on forums like Reddit for help to get rid of it.
The easiest way to delete such browsers that take the privileges of the default browser is to remove them automatically, however, with some time and patience you can do it manually as well.
Chromium removal can be challenging if you are dealing with a malicious version of it. However, the majority of these modified browsers can be uninstalled like regular programs. Please use the guide given below to ensure quick and easy deletion of the program.
Make sure you search for all programs and extensions associated with the unwanted program to completely remove Chromium virus from Mac or Windows today. If you are dealing with the legitimate version of this Internet-browsing software by Google, you will get rid of it in a couple of clicks.
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Chromium virus Removal Tutorial
To remove the unwanted program from your computer, use these instructions below to uninstall associated programs or apps from your Windows or Mac computer. Then scroll down for instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually.
Windows 10/8.1/8 users
Click on the Windows logo to open Windows menu. In search, type control panel and select the matching result. Then go to Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users
First, open Windows menu by clicking on the icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Then go to Control Panel and find section called Programs. Click on the Uninstall a program option under it.
Windows XP users
In Windows XP, click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Uninstall unwanted programs
Once in Programs and Features, look through the list of installed programs. You can click on Installed on tab to sort the programs by their installation date.
Right-click on suspicious programs you can't remember installing and choose Uninstall. Follow instructions provided by the Uninstall Wizard, click Next and finally Finish to uninstall the unwanted program from your PC.
Remove Chromium virus from Mac
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Remove Chromium virus from Google Chrome
Remove suspicious Chrome extensions
Change Start Page settings
Change default search settings
Remove push notifications from Chrome
If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps:
Reset Google Chrome browser
Remove Chromium virus from Mozilla Firefox
Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox
Change Firefox Homepage
Alter preferences in Firefox
Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox
Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla's settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps:
Reset Mozilla Firefox
Remove Chromium virus from Microsoft Edge
Remove suspicious extensions:
Change MS Edge Start Page and default search engine:
Turn off push notifications in Edge
If you keep receiving pop-up ads or other promotional content while browsing on Microsoft Edge, your browser might be corrupted by a potentially unwanted program (PUP). You have to clean it — follow these easy instructions:
Clear browsing data
Remove Chromium virus from Safari
Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions
Change Safari Homepage and default search engine
Remove push notifications on Safari
Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide:
Reset Safari
Remove Chromium virus from Internet Explorer
TIP: If you are still using IE, we strongly advise using Microsoft Edge or a different browser because Microsoft is no longer providing technical or security support for IE browser.
Remove suspicious extensions from IE
Change default search provider and remove suspicious ones
Change IE Home Page
Block pop-up notifications on Internet Explorer
Suspicious websites can gain access to your Internet Explorer browser through push notifications. If you enable them even by accident, you will start receiving numerous annoying ads and other advertising content while browsing. The easiest way to remove push-notification viruses is by performing the following steps:
Reset Internet Explorer
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Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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