Microsoft Edge Infected? Complete Guide to Removing Viruses & Adware

Microsoft Edge adopts robust security measures to keep malware at bay. But like any browser, it is still vulnerable to crafty infections from browser hijackers, redirect malware, spyware and more.

If your Edge starts misbehaving with constant pop-ups, frequent crashing, or unwanted changes, it likely has a malicious infection. The good news is you can fully disinfect Edge and restore its performance.

This comprehensive guide covers the common Edge malware threats, how to identify compromised browsers, and proven steps to eliminate infections. With the right approach, you can clean up Edge and take back control of your browsing experience.

Types of Malware That Infect Edge

While Microsoft Edge has robust built-in security, some crafty malware still sneaks through its defenses. Being aware of the most common threats helps you recognize and eliminate infections. Here are the top varieties to watch for:

Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers covertly modify Edge’s settings and insert unwanted changes without permission. They often switch the default search engine so that Edge uses something unreliable or ad-heavy like Yahoo Search. Hijackers also change the default homepage and new tab page.

For example, the SmartBar hijacker replaces search with Ask.com and loads shady new tabs riddled with ads. Hijackers may also change omnibox results so searches redirect to ad pages regardless of what you type. Stranger toolbars like ShopperPro often accompany hijackers.

Redirect Malware

This nasty malware causes Edge to silently redirect you to phishing, scam and malicious pages when clicking legitimate links. The original URL in the address bar does not change, making it seem you ended up at the correct destination.

Redirectors pose serious threats because they canalize traffic to dangerous sites where drive-by-downloads and zero-day exploits await. Banking trojans like Qbot often leverage redirectors to steal credentials.

Adware

As the name suggests, adware bombards users with excessive pop-up, banner, text and video ads when browsing in Edge. Ads may seem harmless at first but quickly escalate to intrusive and inappropriate content. Adware can dramatically slow browsing speeds as well.

Some adware auto-clicks and interacts with ads to fraudulently inflate affiliate commissions. Adware often sneaks onto systems bundled with “free” software like video converters and download managers that users install without reading carefully.

Cryptojacking Scripts

This emerging threat uses Edge to hijack your device’s resources to mine cryptocurrency without permission. The scripts run complex calculations on your CPU and GPU to verify blockchain transactions, minting digital coins for the attackers. This strains your hardware and causes Edge to lag.

In severe cases, the strain can actually degrade components like GPUs over time leading to premature failure. Laptops in particular overheat and slow down significantly once infected with cryptojacking scripts.

Information Stealing Malware

As the name suggests, this malware secretly logs your activity and snoops data entered into Edge like passwords and credit cards. Using tools like hidden keyloggers, it records everything you type into forms. The data gets sent back to attackers for identity theft or sold on the dark web.

Information stealing malware poses a huge privacy violation and identity theft risk. There are also varieties that switch on your webcam to record you without consent. Monitoring antivirus to disable it is common as well.

Now that you know the most common Edge malware threats, staying vigilant for infection warnings becomes much easier. But ideal defense is preventing malware in the first place with secure computing habits.

How to Tell if Microsoft Edge Has Malware

Microsoft Edge malware infections start off subtle but quickly escalate and seriously hurt browser performance. Being able to recognize the symptoms of a compromised browser early is key so you can take swift action.

Watch out for these common signs indicating your Microsoft Edge has picked up malware:

Frequent Crashes and Freezes

As malware strains system resources, Edge will begin crashing or freezing frequently, especially when opening multiple tabs or pages simultaneously. Web pages also take forever to load or fail to load completely. Videos buffer endlessly even on fast connections.

Redirection to Suspicious Sites

When clicking legitimate site links or typing URLs directly into the address bar, Edge will instead redirect you to odd pages and domains against your will. For example, microsoft.com redirects to an error page instead of the real Microsoft site.

Barrage of Pop-up Ads

If you suddenly start seeing tons of intrusive pop-up ads appear on every site, that likely indicates adware has infected Edge. The relentless pop-ups are difficult to close faster than they spawn. They promote questionable products, services, and suspicious downloads.

New Unknown Extensions

Pull up the Extensions page in Edge and look for any recently added extensions or toolbars you don’t remember installing yourself. Malware often secretly installs unwanted extensions to inject more ads, steal data, and redirect traffic.

Settings Changes

If Edge’s default search engine, homepage, or new tab page have been changed without your knowledge, that points to browser hijacker malware modifying settings.

Overheating and Loud Fan Noise

Excessive heat and loud fan spin ups are signs cryptojacking malware may be running mining scripts in the background, overworking your hardware’s resources via the browser.

Edge Opens Itself at Startup

If Edge suddenly launches itself immediately when you power on or login to your computer without you clicking it, that’s a clear indicator of malware infection. Malware ensures its malicious scripts run automatically.

Noticing any of these symptoms means your Edge browser has likely been compromised by malware. But prompt action can fully remove the infections before they create serious issues. Stay vigilant for any shady browser behavior!

Removing Malware from Microsoft Edge

Follow these steps to fully clean malware out of Edge:

Step 1: Reset Edge to Default Settings

Click the “…” menu > Settings > Reset settings. This removes any unwanted changes made by malware.

Step 2: Run Antivirus Scans

Scan your system with antivirus software and malware scanners like Malwarebytes to eliminate infections. Reboot after.

Step 3: Reinstall Edge

Right click the Edge icon > Uninstall > Reinstall fresh copy. This wipes any lingering malware missed by resets and scans.

Step 4: Clear Browsing Data

Open Edge settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data. Check all options and click Clear to wipe temporary files.

Step 5: Delete Suspicious Extensions

Click … menu > Extensions. Remove any unknown or unnecessary extensions.

Step 6: Update Windows

Open Windows Update and install the latest patches, which include Edge security fixes.

Step 7: Change Passwords

Reset any passwords used in Edge in case they were compromised by malware keyloggers.

With this rigorous cleansing, you can completely purge malware from Microsoft Edge. But don’t stop there! Keep reading for tips to better protect Edge moving forward.

Better Secure Microsoft Edge Against Malware

Removing existing infections is important. But preventing future malware is ideal. Here are ways to secure Edge after cleaning it:

  • Only install browser extensions from the official Microsoft Edge Add-ons store. Avoid third-party sites teeming with malware-laced extensions.
  • Always keep Edge and Windows updated so you get the latest security fixes right away. Enable auto-updates if possible.
  • Use Windows Defender Antivirus and keep it active to catch any malware that slips through Edge.
  • Run occasional Malwarebytes scans to detect and remove any nasty malware that may bypass antivirus.
  • Avoid suspicious downloads that may contain malware installers bundled in. Read carefully before installing anything.
  • Never click random links in emails or messages. Visit sites directly by typing their verified URL.

With secure computing habits, you lower the chances of malware ever infecting your Edge browser again. But if it happens, this guide has you covered to remove infections and restore peak performance fast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleansing Malware From Microsoft Edge

Removing pesky malware from Microsoft Edge brings up many questions for users. As an expert in malware removal, here I provide answers to some frequently asked questions about properly cleaning infected Edge browsers.

What is the best way to check if Edge has malware?

The easiest way is to open Edge’s extensions page and task manager to look for any unknown processes or recently added extensions. Also scan with trusted antivirus software and Malwarebytes to detect more sophisticated threats.

Where does Edge store browsing data that could be affected by malware?

Edge stores browsing data like history, cookies, and cached files in the LocalState folder under User\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge on Windows 10 and 11 PCs. Malware could access sensitive information stored here.

Should I be concerned about malware logging my passwords in Edge?

Absolutely. If Edge was infected, immediately change any passwords that were entered in the browser during that time. Turn on two-factor authentication as well on sensitive accounts to secure them. Assume credentials were compromised.

Does Microsoft Defender Antivirus automatically remove malware from Edge?

Defender is decent at catching common threats, but sophisticated malware can evade it. Running extra scans with Malwarebytes or HitmanPro after will detect more stealthy infections Defender misses. Don’t rely on Defender alone.

What’s the best way to isolate Edge from other browsers and data?

Use Edge’s built-in Collections feature to segregate web content and browsing sessions away from other browsers as a security measure. Collections keep data walled off from the rest of the system.

What should I do if malware keeps reinfecting Edge?

Try fully reinstalling Edge instead of just resetting it. Check that antivirus is active and scan the full system for malware that may be re-compromising Edge. Severe infections require total removal.

How can I better prevent future malware infections in Edge?

Stay vigilant – avoid suspicious downloads, don’t install random extensions, keep Windows and Edge updated, run periodic Malwarebytes scans in addition to antivirus, and enable security options like SmartScreen filtering.

Let me know if you have any other Edge malware removal questions!

The Bottom Line: Cleansing Malware From Microsoft Edge

While Edge employs robust security measures, it is still vulnerable to sneaky malware like redirect viruses, information stealers, and annoying adware.

Left unaddressed, malware seriously degrades browser performance, slows computers to a crawl, and can steal sensitive personal data. Removing infections quickly is mission-critical.

The great news is that with the right approach, you can completely clean malware out of Edge and restore the fast, secure browsing experience you expect. Reset browser settings, delete shady extensions, run comprehensive scans, update Windows, and reinstall Edge for a fresh start.

Coupled with enhanced security practices moving forward, you can keep Edge running at maximum speed for years while keeping malware at bay. Don’t settle for a sluggish browser. Use this guide to clean infections and take back control of your web experience!

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Browser hijackers and redirect malware pose the biggest threats to Edge. Watch for performance issues and unwanted redirects.
  • Resetting Edge and deleting suspicious extensions clears a lot of malware. But full scans are still needed to purge infections fully.
  • Reinstalling Edge guarantees a clean slate after resets and scans. Backup your data before reinstalling!
  • Update Windows frequently and use tools like Malwarebytes to spot any residual malware other scanners miss.

With a clean and secure Edge browser, you can comfortably surf the web knowing performance won’t suffer and your data will remain safe.