A few Windows users were redirected to the Hotcleaner.com website, which claims that the Privacy Test extension has been updated to the latest version. If you have no clue about this and are wondering whether hotcleaner.com is safe, keep reading.
Is Hotcleaner.com safe?
The ‘Privacy Test Updated successfully’ tab that pops up when you launch Chrome is a result of a virus named Hotcleaner. The webpage you see is considered a browser hijacker and gets installed through an extension. Since it’s a browser hijacker, it affects the performance and functionality of Chrome.
How to Remove Hotcleaner.com virus from Google Chrome?
Removing the hotcleaner.com virus from a Google Chrome browser is fairly easy; you just have to follow these steps.
1. Remove the Privacy Test Extension
Privacy Test extension is the actual culprit behind the Hotcleaner.com virus on your Google Chrome browser. You should find and remove it.
- Launch the Google Chrome browser.
- Type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter.
- In the top right corner of the screen, enable the toggle for Developer Mode.
- Search for the Extension named Privacy test (ID: pdabfienifkbhoihedcgeogidfmibmhp).
- Click on Remove.
- Click Remove again.
After making the changes, close the Google Chrome browser. This will remove the Privacy Test extension as well as the Hotcleaner.com startpage.
2. Run a full PC scan with Malwarebytes
The latest version of Malwarebytes has the potential to deal with browser hijackers as well. So, you should run a full PC scan with Malwarebytes.
Download & install Malwarebytes on your computer and then open it. On the main interface of Malwarebytes, click on the Scan button on the Scanner.
3. Remove suspicious programs from your PC
The hotcleaner.com Chrome virus can enter from the programs that you already have installed on your PC. You will have to review all programs you’ve recently installed, and if you find anything suspicious, simply uninstall it.
- Open the Control Panel on your PC.
- Click Programs and Features.
- Find the programs you’ve recently installed.
- Once you find the suspicious program, right-click on it and select Uninstall.
4. Reset Chrome to Default Settings
If nothing worked to remove the hotcleaner.com virus from your PC, it’s time to reset the Chrome browser to its default settings.
1. Open Chrome Settings and select Reset Settings.
2. Click Restore Settings to their original defaults.
3. On the Reset Settings confirmation prompt, click Reset settings.
This article explains whether hotcleaner.com is safe and how to get rid of it. If you need more help on this topic, let us know in the comments.
