It starts innocently enough—just a click on a video or link promising something entertaining. But once Xmegadrive.com gets a foothold in your browser, you’ll notice something’s off. Unwanted pop-ups. Suspicious redirects. Tabs you never opened. If your homepage or search engine suddenly leads to Xmegadrive.com or similar sketchy sites, you’re not just dealing with spam—you’re dealing with a browser hijacker that could expose your device to more dangerous threats.
Here’s how to identify it, remove it completely, and prevent future infections.
Xmegadrive.com – Threat Summary
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker / Adware Redirect |
|---|---|
| Associated Domain | Xmegadrive.com |
| Detection Names | PUP.Optional.XMegaDrive, Adware.XMega, BrowserModifier:XMega |
| Symptoms | Pop-ups, browser redirects, fake video players, push notification spam |
| Damage & Distribution | Push notifications, deceptive ads, fake video buttons, bundled software |
| Danger Level | ★★★★☆ (High) |
| SpyHunter Removal Tool | Download SpyHunter |
What Xmegadrive.com Changes in Your Browser
Once your system is infected, Xmegadrive.com forces your browser to open new tabs, reroutes your searches, or displays full-page popups. It might override your default search engine or homepage settings—usually without your consent.
Common symptoms include:
- Redirects to adult, scam, or betting websites
- Overlays on fake “Play” buttons that launch downloads
- Tricky prompts to allow browser notifications
- Increased ads on every site you visit
- Unwanted toolbars or browser extensions silently installed
How Xmegadrive.com Hijacked Your Homepage
This type of hijacker often sneaks in through:
- Bundled software installers – Free tools and apps often hide these hijackers in the “Recommended” or “Quick Install” options.
- Fake video or software update alerts – Clicking “Allow” to watch a video or update Flash Player may actually give permission to change browser settings.
- Malicious browser extensions – Installed extensions may have rights to alter homepage and new tab settings.
- Push notification abuse – Sites like Xmegadrive.com often ask you to allow notifications, which they then abuse to push spam.
The moment a user gives it permission—even unknowingly—the hijacker locks in and starts redirecting or spamming the system.
Will Xmegadrive.com Steal My Data?
While Xmegadrive.com doesn’t operate like classic spyware or ransomware, it can expose you to greater risks:
- Phishing attempts – Fake login pages or prompts can steal credentials.
- Tracking – Browsing behavior, IP address, and geolocation may be collected and sold.
- Malware gateways – Redirects can lead to malware downloads, especially trojans and adware.
Even if Xmegadrive.com itself isn’t directly harvesting your data, the shady networks it’s part of almost certainly are.
Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal
Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software
For Windows:
- Press
Windows + R, typeappwiz.cpl, and press Enter. - Look for recently installed or unknown software.
- Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
- Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.
For Mac:
- Open Finder > Applications.
- Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
- Drag them to the Trash.
- Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.
Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected
Google Chrome:
- Go to chrome://settings/reset.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
- Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
- Change your search engine:
Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
- After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
- Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.
Microsoft Edge:
- Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
- Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
- Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.
Safari (Mac Only):
- Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
- Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
- Under General, set your homepage.
- Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.
Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File
On Windows:
- Open Notepad as Administrator.
- Go to:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts - Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
- Save changes and reboot.
On Mac:
- Open Terminal.
- Run:
sudo nano /etc/hosts - Identify and remove hijacker entries.
- Press
Control + Oto save andControl + Xto exit.
Option 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter
If you want a faster and safer solution — especially if the hijacker reinstalls after manual removal — use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Visit the official download page: Download SpyHunter
Need help with the installation? Follow this page: SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install and Launch the Program
- Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
- Open SpyHunter after installation.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click Start Scan Now.
- Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
- Once the scan completes, click Fix Threats to eliminate them.
Step 4: Reboot and Recheck Your Browser
After cleaning, restart your device. Open your browser and check if your homepage and search settings are restored. If not, perform a quick browser reset using the manual steps above.
How to Prevent Future Infections
- Avoid downloading freeware from third-party sites.
- Use custom/advanced installation and deselect optional offers.
- Keep your browser and OS updated.
- Regularly scan your system with SpyHunter for proactive defense.
- Don’t click strange pop-ups or redirect links from unknown sources.
Conclusion: Remove Xmegadrive.com Completely
Xmegadrive.com isn’t just annoying—it’s part of a growing ecosystem of malicious redirect domains that erode your privacy, hijack your browser, and expose your system to more serious threats.
To fully eliminate it:
- Remove all suspicious browser extensions
- Reset your browser settings
- Run a full malware scan with SpyHunter or your preferred antivirus
- Revoke notification permissions from your browser settings
- Avoid sketchy download sites or adult streaming links
