How to Remove Hp-quicker

Browser hijackers are among the most common but frustrating types of online threats. They often don’t cause major harm to your system, but they can be extremely disruptive to your online experience. One such example is Hp-quicker, a browser hijacker that compromises your browsing experience by hijacking your browser settings. In this article, we’ll explain what Hp-quicker is, its symptoms, and why it is important to address this issue promptly.

Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	Hp-quicker
Type	Browser Hijacker
Associated Email	N/A
Detection Names	BrowserHijacker:Win32/HpQuicker, Adware:Win32/Hpquicker, PUP.Optional.HpQuicker
Symptoms of Infection	Pop-ups, redirects, changes to browser settings, slower performance
Damage	Privacy exposure, security risks, annoyance
Distribution Methods	Bundled software, deceptive pop-ups, malicious websites
Danger Level	Low (Privacy risk and annoyance)

What is Hp-quicker?

Hp-quicker is a rogue website or browser extension that can infiltrate your browser, typically through deceptive practices such as bundled downloads. Once installed, it requests notification and redirect permissions, which it then uses to promote scam pages and generate revenue via advertisements. While it doesn’t cause any direct damage to your system or data, it can affect your browsing habits and expose your personal data to third-party sites, making it a security risk.

Hp-quicker typically operates by redirecting your searches and altering browser settings without your consent. It can also collect your browsing data to serve targeted ads and increase revenue for malicious actors. While this threat might not cause immediate or significant harm, it is still essential to remove it as soon as possible to avoid potential privacy violations and annoyance.

Symptoms of Infection

There are several signs that you might have been infected by Hp-quicker:

• Frequent redirection to unfamiliar websites.
• Unexpected pop-up notifications or ads.
• Changes to your homepage or default search engine.
• Slower browser performance.
• Unauthorized permissions granted to websites (like notifications or redirects).

These symptoms can make browsing the internet a frustrating and unsafe experience, which is why it’s crucial to remove the hijacker as soon as you notice any of them.

Damage

Hp-quicker itself does not cause major damage like malware or ransomware, but its presence can expose you to several risks:

• Privacy Issues: The hijacker collects your browsing data, which could be sold or used by third parties for unwanted purposes.
• Security Risks: Although Hp-quicker itself is not a virus, it can redirect you to harmful websites that might attempt to infect your system with more dangerous threats.
• Annoyance: The constant pop-ups and redirects can make browsing the internet a frustrating experience.

Distribution Methods

Hp-quicker typically spreads through the following methods:

• Bundled Software: Hp-quicker may be included in the installation packages of other programs, especially free or pirated software.
• Deceptive Pop-Ups: You might be tricked into installing Hp-quicker by deceptive advertisements or pop-ups while browsing the web.
• Malicious Websites: Visiting unsafe or sketchy websites can expose you to browser hijackers like Hp-quicker.

By using these methods, Hp-quicker often gains access to your browser without your full knowledge, which is why it’s crucial to stay cautious when downloading software or clicking on suspicious links.

Detection Names

Hp-quicker can be detected by several antivirus or anti-malware tools under different names, depending on the detection algorithm. Some of the most common detection names include:

• BrowserHijacker:Win32/HpQuicker
• Adware:Win32/Hpquicker
• PUP.Optional.HpQuicker

Antivirus programs such as SpyHunter 5 are capable of detecting and removing this type of threat.

Danger Level

While Hp-quicker is a nuisance, it isn’t typically classified as a high-level security threat. Its main impact is on your privacy and online experience rather than on the system’s overall functionality. However, because it can lead to the exposure of your personal information, it is still important to address it quickly.

Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Look for recently installed or unknown software.
3. Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.

For Mac:

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
3. Drag them to the Trash.
4. Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.

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Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected

Google Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
3. Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
4. Change your search engine:
   Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.
3. After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
4. Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
2. Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
3. Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.

Safari (Mac Only):

1. Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
2. Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
3. Under General, set your homepage.
4. Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.

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Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File

On Windows:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
2. Go to:
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
4. Save changes and reboot.

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Identify and remove hijacker entries.
4. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.

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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

1. Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
2. Open SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now.
2. Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
3. 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.

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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

Hp-quicker is an irritating but largely non-destructive browser hijacker that can compromise your privacy by collecting your browsing data and redirecting you to scam websites. It spreads primarily through bundled downloads, deceptive pop-ups, and malicious websites. While it may not cause significant harm to your system, it poses a threat to your privacy and browsing experience. If you encounter this hijacker, it’s essential to remove it to prevent any further disruption.