One of the most common types of browser hijackers are rogue sites like Machands.co.in that gain various permissions in your browser which let them change your default search engine, redirect your searches, and spam you with pop-ups even when the browser is closed.
While Machands.co.in or other similar rogue sites like Wadverants.co.in and DSR Search don’t directly harm your browser, files, or system, their presence is definitely unwanted and can expose you to various risks. As previously mentioned, this hijacker site can display notifications on your screen even when the browser isn’t open. These notifications are often made to look like malware warnings that urge you to download and install some fake security tool that’s likely malware itself. In other cases, the pop-ups and search redirects caused by Machands.co.in can land you on phishing pages where you could get scammed and have your money or important login credentials stolen.
OFFERAny way you look at it, Machands.co.in is not something that should be allowed to stay in your browser, which is why I’ve prepared a detailed guide that will help you remove it.
Machands.co.in Removal Steps
Depending on the specific situation, you might be able to get rid of Machands.co.in with relative ease. That’s the reason I suggest that you first try the following simpler removal solution and only move on to the advanced steps if it doesn’t work:
- Open your browser and head over to the settings menu. Look for the Extensions or Add-ons section.
- If you see anything suspicious—especially something labeled as Machands.co.in or extensions you don’t recall installing—get rid of them immediately.
- Once you’ve dealt with the extensions, take a moment to visit Privacy and Security > Site Settings. This is where your browser decides which sites can send notifications, open pop-ups, or redirect you.
- Check the Notifications and the Pop-ups and redirects sections and look for rogue sites linked to Machands.co.in. Spot anything unfamiliar or sketchy? Block it or outright remove it.
Now, restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot is enough to shake off minor hijacker remnants. But if Machands.co.in still has its claws in your browser, don’t worry—the heavy lifting is about to begin.
SUMMARY:
| Name | Machands.co.in |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Detection Tool | Some threats reinstall themselves if you don't delete their core files. We recommend downloading SpyHunter to remove harmful programs for you. This may save you hours and ensure you don't harm your system by deleting the wrong files. |
The advanced Machands.co.in removal guide I’ve prepared for you next takes about an hour to complete and some of the steps require you to do a bit of legwork, so it’s not ideal for totally inexperienced users.
In case you aren’t confident you can complete all the steps or you simply don’t have the time or pationece to do so, I recommend deleting the hijacker with that aid of a professional removal app called SpyHunter 5. You’ll find the tool linked on the current page in case you decide to give it a go.
How to Remove the Machands.co.in Browser Hijacker
In case the steps above failed to delete the hijacker, see if there’s a “Managed by your organization” message at the bottom of the browser’s menu.
If you see the message, it means that Machands.co.in has established deeper control over your browser with the aid of a rogue third-party policy. In such cases, removing said policy should be your first goal.
To investigate further, type the following URL into your browser’s address bar:
- Chrome:
chrome://policy - Edge:
edge://policy - Brave:
brave://policy
For other Chromium browsers, tweak the URL by substituting your browser’s name. When you’re on the policy page, keep your eyes peeled for anything odd, especially in the Value column—random strings of characters or settings that don’t make sense. Copy these suspicious entries into a text file. You’ll need them later.
Next, check the Extensions page again. In it, turn on Developer Mode and then look at the IDs of any extensions you think should be removed because they may be linked to Machands.co.in.
Copy the IDs of such extensions and save them next to the copied values from earlier.
Can’t access the Extensions page? That’s the hijacker blocking your way. No problem. Navigate to your browser’s installation folder instead. For Chrome, this is usually:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions
Extension paths for other browsers:
Delete the entire contents of the extensions folder. Yes, it’s a bit drastic, but sometimes drastic measures are necessary.
With the extensions folder cleared out, you’ll now be able to revisit the Extensions Manager.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Get Rid of Machands.co.in Browser Policies
Now we’re getting serious. To fully purge the Machands.co.in policies from your browser, you’ll need to tackle the System Registry. Don’t worry—it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Besides, you already have the data needed to find the exact entries that must be deleted, so here’s what you’re supposed to do now:
Open the Registry Editor by typing regedit into your Start menu and selecting “Run as Administrator.”
Once you’re in, use Ctrl + F to search for the rogue policy values and extension IDs you saved earlier. When you find a match, delete the associated key in the left-hand panel. Keep searching until every trace is gone.
Occasionally, you migth come across a key that refuses to budge due to permission issues. If that happens, right-click the parent key, select Permissions > Advanced > Change, and assign ownership to “Everyone.”
Click OK, check the two Replace options, and then click Apply and OK again.
Now you can delete the rogue key without resistance.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Other Ways to Delete of Machands.co.in Policies
Sometimes, the Registry cleanup might not be enough to delete the Machands.co.in policy from your browser, but that shouldn’t discourage you. There are other things you can try.
One option is the Group Policy Editor. Open it by pressing Win + R, typing gpedit.msc, and hitting Enter.
Navigate to Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates.
Check for any policies that look out of place. Most users never modify these settings, so anything unfamiliar is likely a culprit. Delete it.
If you’re a Chrome user, you’re in luck—there’s a handy tool specifically designed for this situation. The Chrome Policy Remover tool is totally free and can wipe out rogue policies with just a few clicks.
Download it, run it as an administrator, and let it work its magic. If your system warns you about the tool’s safety, ignore it and proceed—it’s a trusted solution.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Manual Group Policy Removal
Automatic Group Policy Removal
Remove Machands.co.in From Chrome, Edge, and Other Browsers
With the rogue policies gone, it’s finally time to restore your browser to its normal state.
Start by revisiting the Extensions or Add-ons page. Remove any lingering malicious extensions and repair legitimate ones that may have been affected. Most browsers offer a “Repair” button for this purpose.
- If you don’t see the Repair option, just try to use a damaged extension and the it will appear once the browser “realizes” the extension isn’t functional.
Next, clear your browsing data. Head to Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data, select “All Time,” and delete everything except your saved passwords. This removes traces of the hijacker’s activity.
Afterward, dive into your Site Settings. Check each category—notifications, pop-ups, permissions—and remove any suspicious entries.
Then inspect your Search Engine settings. Make sure a reputable provider like Google or Bing is set as your default, and delete any rogue engines that you may find under Manage Search Engines.
Also pay a visit to the Appearance and On Startup settings categories to see if there aren’t any rogue URLs like Machands.co.in or anything else suspicious, and delete them.
Video walkthrough for this step:
Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Staying Safe: Avoiding Future Hijacks
Congratulations—you’ve successfully booted Machands.co.in out of your browser. Now, let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again. When installing new software, always choose the Custom or Advanced setup option. This reveals any hidden extras trying to piggyback on your installation. It only takes a few seconds, but it can save you a world of trouble.
Keep your browser and operating system updated. Software updates often include security patches that block hijackers from exploiting vulnerabilities. And don’t underestimate the importance of a good antivirus program. Think of it as a loyal watchdog, always on the lookout for suspicious activity.
Closing Thoughts: A Digital Victory
You’ve done it. By following these steps, you’ve taken back control of your browser and fortified your defenses against future threats. From simple troubleshooting to deep Registry edits, you’ve tackled the hijacker on all fronts. It’s not just about fixing a problem—it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind.
As you move forward, remember these lessons. Be vigilant. Stay proactive. And don’t hesitate to use the tools and techniques you’ve learned here. With these strategies in hand, your browser is no longer a battleground—it’s a safe and secure gateway to the web. And let’s face it, doesn’t it feel great to outsmart those digital pests?
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