non-default search engine
It seems that my default search engine has been hijacked from Google to Yahoo (Windows 10). Yet Firefox shows my default engine to be Google. How can I restore the status quo?
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That kind of hijack usually is done with an extension, and if you have an infection similar to ones reported earlier this year, it might take a little extra work to extract it. Let's start here:
You can view, disable, and often remove unwanted or unknown extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a (Mac: Command+Shift+a)
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
- type or paste about:addons in the address bar and press Enter/Return
In the left column of the Add-ons page, click Extensions. On the right side, find the "Manage Your Extensions" heading.
If there is at least one extension before the next heading -- "Recommended Extensions" -- please continue:
Then cast a critical eye over the list below that heading. Any extensions Firefox installs for built-in features are hidden from this page, so everything listed here is your choice (and your responsibility) to manage. Anything suspicious or that you just do not remember installing or why? If in doubt, disable (or remove). For your privacy and security, don't let mystery programs linger here.
If the page is blocked or blank, then:
Restart Firefox in its Safe Mode to regain access to the Add-ons page without interference. Either:
- "3-bar" menu button > "?" Help button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
- (menu bar) Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
and OK the restart. A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).
Then hopefully you can get to the Add-ons page and straighten things up there.
Any improvement after exiting and restarting Firefox?
And finally, since that might have been part of a bundle, our support article lists free (or free trial) cleaning tools to catch other potential badware: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.
Can you regain control of your searches?