How to Remove Smartwebexplorer From Your Browser

If your searches are occasionally getting rerouted to Yahoo for no apparent reason and you are noticing other strange browser behavior, you are probably dealing with a hijacker called Smartwebexplorer. This sneaky software component slips in unnoticed, through file bundles, and then randomly redirects searches through the smart-search-engine.com or similar domains before dumping you onto Yahoo.

But unlike other common hijackers, like Barbor.co.in or Glousism.co.in, this one doesn’t flood your screen with ads or slow down your browser. That’s what makes it difficult to spot at first. Users running full system scans with various AVs have come up empty. A likely reason for this is that the hijacker might actually be tied to legit extensions such as PaperPanda or VideoDownloadHelper, that don’t normally trigger security warnings. And since the hijacker doesn’t trigger every time, it’s ridiculously hard to pin down.

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So, what can you do? Some have had success resetting their browser settings, while others dug into Task Manager and Autoruns for anything unusual. But the fact that it keeps resurfacing suggests it’s more than just a rogue extension, which is why you may need to perform a deeper search to get rid of it for good. The good news is that the guide I’ve prepared for you next will help you do exactly that.

Smartwebexplorer Removal Tutorial

Getting rid of Smartwebexplorer from your browser might not take a deep dive into complicated fixes. The first step? Try some quick and simple solutions before jumping into more advanced troubleshooting. Trust me, if these don’t work, we’ve got more serious steps lined up. But starting here gives you the best shot at fixing things fast.

Quick Steps to Remove Smartwebexplorer

15 mins

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Start by accessing your browser’s settings menu. If you’re using Chrome, locate the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner. Firefox users should look for three horizontal lines instead. Click this menu, then navigate to the Extensions or Add-ons section, where all installed browser extensions are listed.
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Go through the list of installed extensions carefully, paying attention to anything you don’t remember installing. If an extension seems unfamiliar, looks suspicious, or has vague information, remove it immediately. If you’re unsure whether an extension is safe, search its name online, as harmful ones are often flagged on security forums and blogs.
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Next, navigate to your browser’s Privacy and Security settings and locate the Site Permissions section. Some websites request permissions to send notifications, access your camera, track your location, or modify browser behavior. These settings can be used to manipulate your browsing experience without your consent.
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Cybercriminals exploit these permissions to bombard your screen with persistent pop-ups, redirects, and notifications. If you notice any website that seems untrustworthy, revoke its access immediately. Denying unnecessary permissions is a key step in preventing malicious scripts from controlling your browser.

Once you’ve completed these steps, restart your browser to apply the changes. If Smartwebexplorer persists, it means a deeper issue is at play, and more advanced fixes are needed.

SUMMARY:

Name	Smartwebexplorer
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. Download SpyHunter (Free Remover)* OFFER *Read more details in the first ad on this page, EULA, Privacy Policy, and full terms for Free Remover.

Alright, heads up – this guide is a bit long, and you’ll need some basic troubleshooting skills to get through it. But don’t stress. If tackling this step-by-step sounds overwhelming, you always have an easy way out: SpyHunter 5. It’s a quick, safe way to kick Smartwebexplorer to the curb without breaking a sweat.

How to Remove the Smartwebexplorer Virus

If the quick fixes didn’t work, that means Smartwebexplorer has pulled a classic move – locking in a rogue third-party policy inside your browser. Here’s your first big red flag: if you see “Managed by your organization” in settings, bad news. That’s their way of trapping you, making sure you can’t undo their shady changes.

managed by your organization — The “Managed by your organization” message indicates the presence of a third-party policy in the browser.

1. Identify the Smartwebexplorer Policies

15 mins

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To check for hidden policies controlling your browser, type the following in the address bar and press Enter:
– Chrome Users: chrome://policy
– Edge Users: edge://policy
This will take you to a dedicated page that displays all active policies currently governing browser behavior.
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Review the list carefully, paying close attention to the Value column. If you find entries consisting of long, random strings of letters or numbers, or if any listed policies seem unfamiliar, write them down. These entries are often used to enforce browser settings without user consent.
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Now, revisit the Extensions page, but this time, enable Developer Mode by toggling the switch located in the top-right corner of the page. This will reveal extra details about each extension, including their unique extension ID. Write down the IDs of any suspicious extensions, as these identifiers will help in pinpointing the hijacker.
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If you find yourself unable to access the Extensions page at all, there’s an alternative method. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location on your system:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions
This directory contains all installed Chrome extensions, whether visible in the browser or not.
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Delete everything inside this folder to wipe out all extensions in Chrome at once. This will force the browser to reset its installed extensions, eliminating any unwanted or malicious ones that may be responsible for the issue.
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For users on Edge or other Chromium-based browsers, the extension data is stored in similar directories. You may need to look for a corresponding User Data folder within your browser’s AppData location.
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Once you’ve completed these steps, return to the Extensions page, enable Developer Mode and now you’ll finally be able to note down the IDs of the entries that seem suspicious.

Video walkthrough for this step:

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Get Rid of Smartwebexplorer Policies

Now, this part gets a little technical, but don’t worry – I’ll walk you through it. Your goal? Wipe out any browser policies that Smartwebexplorer might have slipped into your Windows Registry to keep control over your system. If this sounds like too much, no shame in letting SpyHunter 5 do the heavy lifting instead.

2. How to Delete Smartwebexplorer Policies Through the Registry

15 mins

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Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter. This opens the Registry Editor, a powerful tool where system configurations are stored. Be cautious when making changes here, as improper edits can affect system stability.
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Use the Find feature (Edit > Find) to search for the policy values or extension IDs you recorded earlier. If you locate any entries matching those values, delete them. Continue searching until all references to the hijacker’s policies or extensions are removed.
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Some registry keys may refuse to be deleted due to permission restrictions. If that happens, override the permissions by doing the following:
– Right-click the registry entry and select Permissions.
– Click Advanced, then select Change.
– Enter Everyone in the field, then click Check Names, followed by OK.
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Once permissions are updated, check both Replace… options, then click Apply and OK. This will grant full control over the registry key, allowing you to delete it without restrictions. After making these changes, close Registry Editor and restart your computer to finalize the process.

Return to your browser settings to verify if the “Managed by your organization” message is gone. If it’s still there, proceed to the next set of instructions.

Video walkthrough for this step:

Alternative Tools to Delete Smartwebexplorer Policies

Before moving forward, do a quick check: is the “Managed by your organization” message still there? If Smartwebexplorer is gone, awesome – move on. But if it’s still lurking around, you’ll need to double down with extra policy removal methods. Stay sharp – this is where hijackers try to hold onto control.

3. Other Ways to Get Rid of Smartwebexplorer Policies

15 mins

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Open the Start Menu, type Edit Group Policy, and launch the Group Policy Editor. This tool allows you to manage Windows policies, including those that might have been hijacked.
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Navigate to Administrative Templates, right-click the folder, and choose Add/Remove. Delete every listed entry inside this section to eliminate unwanted browser policies.
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If you’re a Chrome user, you can also utilize the Chrome Policy Remover Tool, a free utility designed to erase rogue browser policies.
To use it:
– Download the tool from a verified source.
– Run it with Administrator privileges.
– Allow it to scan and automatically remove all Chrome-related policies.
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If Windows warns you about running an unrecognized app, don’t worry – the tool is safe. Click More Info > Run Anyway to bypass the warning and proceed with the cleanup.

Video walkthrough for this step:

Manual Group Policy Removal

Automatic Group Policy Removal

Uninstall Smartwebexplorer From Chrome, Edge, and Other Browsers

At this point, Smartwebexplorer’s policies should be history. That means you’re finally back in charge of your own browser settings. But don’t just assume everything’s fine – double-check your configurations. Any sneaky changes? Undo them now. This is your chance to lock out the hijacker for good and keep your browser clean and secure.

4. How to Remove Smartwebexplorer From Your Browser

15 mins

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Return to the Extensions page and thoroughly inspect all remaining add-ons. If anything looks suspicious or unnecessary, remove it.
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Go to Clear Browsing Data, set the time range to All Time, and delete all cached files, cookies, and browsing history. However, keep saved passwords if necessary.
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Under Site Settings, review all permission categories. Make sure no unauthorized websites still have access to your camera, location, or notifications.
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Visit Manage Search Engines and delete any unknown or suspicious search providers. Set your preferred default search engine.
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Check your Startup Settings and Appearance settings for any unusual homepages or startup URLs. Remove anything unfamiliar.

At this stage, your browser should be completely restored.

Video walkthrough for this step:

Chrome

Microsoft Edge

Mozilla Firefox

Preventing Smartwebexplorer from Returning

Be cautious with extensions – only install from trusted sources.
Check settings frequently – early detection helps prevent browser hijacks.
Use security software – an antivirus can block threats before they cause damage.
Avoid suspicious downloads – if a website pushes unwanted software, be skeptical.

Now that Smartwebexplorer is removed, your browser is safe again. Stay vigilant while browsing!

Complete SmartWebExplorer Virus Removal video