xPee.com is a browser hijacker known for displaying intrusive pop-up ads and redirecting users to potentially unsafe websites. While it masquerades as a legitimate adult content platform, its aggressive tactics can jeopardize both your system’s performance and your privacy. This article outlines the threat, its behaviors, and how to remove it efficiently.
Threat Overview
xPee.com operates as a browser hijacker that modifies browser settings without permission, leading to unwanted redirects and constant ad bombardment. It commonly infiltrates devices via software bundles or by interacting with malicious online content.
Threat Summary
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) |
---|---|
Associated Domain | xPee.com |
Detection Names | Commonly flagged as adware or PUP by antivirus and anti-malware tools |
Symptoms | Pop-up ads, browser redirects, changed homepage and search engine |
Damage | Privacy risks, exposure to phishing/malicious websites |
Distribution Methods | Software bundling, compromised or deceptive websites |
Danger Level | Moderate |
Removal Tool | SpyHunter |
Detailed Evaluation
How Did I Get Infected?
Users often become infected with xPee.com through free software packages that include hidden adware components. Clicking on fake download buttons or visiting compromised websites can also trigger unwanted installations.
What Does It Do?
Once xPee.com hijacks your browser, it overrides key settings such as the default search engine, new tab behavior, and homepage. It continuously redirects you to its site or affiliate pages filled with ads, pop-ups, and other questionable content. Additionally, it may log user behavior for advertising purposes.
Should You Be Worried?
Absolutely. While xPee.com may seem like a nuisance rather than a danger, its presence opens the door to more serious risks. Redirects can lead to phishing pages or malware downloads. The longer it stays active, the greater the potential for data loss, identity theft, or deeper infections.
Manual Adware Removal (Windows & Mac)
Step 1: Identify Suspicious Applications
For Windows Users
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open the Task Manager. - Check the “Processes” tab for unfamiliar or suspicious programs consuming excessive CPU or memory.
- If you find any, note their names and close them.
- Open
Control Panel
>Programs
>Programs and Features
. - Locate the suspicious application, right-click it, and select “Uninstall.”
For Mac Users
- Open
Finder
and navigate toApplications
. - Look for any suspicious or unknown applications.
- Drag them to the
Trash
, then right-click on theTrash
and selectEmpty Trash
. - Open
System Preferences
>Users & Groups
>Login Items
and remove any unrecognized startup programs.
Step 2: Remove Adware-Related Browser Extensions
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome and go to
Menu
(three dots in the top-right corner) >Extensions
. - Locate suspicious extensions and click “Remove.”
- Reset Chrome: Go to
Settings
>Reset settings
> “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox and go to
Menu
(three lines in the top-right corner) >Add-ons and themes
. - Locate and remove suspicious extensions.
- Reset Firefox: Go to
Help
>More troubleshooting information
> “Refresh Firefox.”
Safari (Mac)
- Open Safari and go to
Preferences
>Extensions
. - Locate and remove any unknown extensions.
- Reset Safari: Go to
History
> “Clear History.”
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge and go to
Menu
(three dots in the top-right corner) >Extensions
. - Remove suspicious extensions.
- Reset Edge: Go to
Settings
>Reset settings
> “Restore settings to their default values.”
Step 3: Delete Adware-Related Files and Folders
For Windows Users
- Press
Win + R
, type%AppData%
, and press Enter. - Look for suspicious folders and delete them.
- Repeat for
%LocalAppData%
,%ProgramData%
, and%Temp%
.
For Mac Users
- Open Finder, press
Shift + Command + G
, and enter~/Library/Application Support/
. - Locate and delete suspicious folders.
- Repeat for
~/Library/LaunchAgents/
,~/Library/LaunchDaemons/
, and~/Library/Preferences/
.
Step 4: Flush DNS Cache (Recommended)
For Windows Users
- Open
Command Prompt
as Administrator. - Type
ipconfig /flushdns
and press Enter.
For Mac Users
- Open
Terminal
. - Type
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
and press Enter.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your device to complete the manual removal process.
Automatic Adware Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)
For a hassle-free and effective removal, use SpyHunter, a robust anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove adware efficiently.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter from the official website: Click here to download SpyHunter.
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
Follow the installation instructions based on your operating system:
For Windows Users:
- Open the downloaded
.exe
file. - Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
- Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.
For Mac Users:
- Open the downloaded
.dmg
file. - Drag and drop SpyHunter into the Applications folder.
- Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.
Step 3: Perform a System Scan
- Open SpyHunter.
- Click on
Start Scan
. - Wait for the scan to complete.
- Review the detected threats and click
Fix Threats
to remove adware.
Step 4: Restart Your Device
After SpyHunter removes the threats, restart your computer to finalize the process.
For the most secure and effective removal, we recommend downloading and using SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter Here.
Stay safe and keep your system clean!
Conclusion
xPee.com is more than just a frustrating browser nuisance—it’s a security risk. Its behavior erodes system integrity and user trust while opening channels to more malicious threats. Immediate removal is essential. Using a reputable anti-malware solution like SpyHunter can help you eliminate this browser hijacker completely and restore your browser to safe operation.