EpiStart, also known as EpiBrowser, has been identified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and browser hijacker. Although it presents itself as a standalone browser based on the Chromium open-source project, it diverges from legitimate browsers by redirecting users to a search engine that cannot produce original results and instead funnels traffic through affiliate or advertising networks.
The domain epibrowser.com, which the software promotes, behaves as a facade search engine. It first intercepts queries and then sends them on to established search providers such as Yahoo, often via intermediate redirects. The net effect is altered browser behaviour, where the user’s default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings may be overridden without clear consent.
EpiStart’s classification as a hijacker stems from its ability to modify browser settings covertly and persistently. Users often discover it due to unwanted redirects, unexpected changes in search results, or new browser shortcuts that launch the software. It may install under the guise of a helpful application or as part of a bundled installer, but once active, it restricts user choice by enforcing its redirection chain.
Although it does not replicate like a virus, it undermines browsing autonomy and has been flagged for tracking user search queries, logging IP addresses, and collecting technical details about visited websites. These behaviours contribute to its reputation as an intrusive tool masquerading as a legitimate browser.
While EpiStart (EpiBrowser) may not, strictly speaking, qualify as a virus, the software remains a privacy and performance risk. The redirect chain means that users no longer control their search engine or homepage settings. Instead, their traffic is processed through unknown intermediaries. This can lead to slower browsing performance as each search or tab opening may involve extra redirection steps. The software’s tracking of search terms and visited sites enables the collection of user profiles that may be sold or shared with third-party advertisers, often without clear permission.
Moreover, redirecting through third-party networks increases exposure to untrustworthy websites. While epibrowser.com itself may redirect to established providers, the intermediate engines or affiliate links it uses may send users to pages promoting other unwanted software or even scams. Users report that uninstalling the browser alone does not always restore normal behaviour because the hijacker may have altered shortcuts or installed hidden components that reinstate the redirect. The persistent nature of the change undermines user trust and forces users into a degraded browser experience.
In summary, EpiStart (EpiBrowser) is best described as a browser hijacker operating under the guise of a Chromium-based browser. Its value to the user is minimal, and its costs, lost browser control, redirected searches, unexpected traffic routing, and potential data collection, are significant. Users who discover their browser behaving unusually, redirecting searches, opening unfamiliar pages for no apparent reason, or showing a new browser labelled EpiStart, should regard the software as unwanted and external to their intended browsing environment.
How EpiStart (EpiBrowser) installs
The deployment of EpiStart (EpiBrowser) typically follows familiar patterns used by unwanted software. It may be offered directly on a promotional website, but more often it is bundled with other free programs or marketed through deceptive advertising. Users download a desired utility, accept default installation options, and inadvertently permit the hijacker to install as part of the setup process. The lack of clear disclosure and the use of “easy” or “recommended” installation modes increase the risk of unintentional installation.
In addition to bundling, the software may spread via misleading update notifications, pop-up warnings, or redirect advertisements that prompt users to download what appears to be a browser upgrade or system optimisation tool. Once installed, configuration files, startup items, or browser shortcuts may be altered so that the user is redirected to epibrowser.com or another affiliate engine each time they search or open a new tab. In some cases, the behaviour differs based on the user’s location: the software may redirect to different search providers depending on geolocation data. The result is a browser environment hijacked by persistent redirection and advertising traffic rather than genuine user-driven search.
Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect
Because EpiStart (EpiBrowser) is classified as a potentially unwanted program, it is detected as a possible threat by anti-virus programs. However, it is possible to remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect manually.
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Quick Menu
Step 1. Uninstall Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect and related programs.
Remove Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect from Windows 8
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel choose Programs and Features and select to Uninstall a software.
Uninstall Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect from Windows 7
Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features → Uninstall a program.
Delete Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect from Windows XP
Click Start → Settings → Control Panel. Locate and click → Add or Remove Programs.
Remove Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect from Mac OS X
Click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications. Select applications folder and look for Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect or any other suspicious software. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash, then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
Step 2. Delete Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect from your browsers
Terminate the unwanted extensions from Internet Explorer
- Tap the Gear icon and go to Manage Add-ons.
- Pick Toolbars and Extensions and eliminate all suspicious entries (other than Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Oracle or Adobe)
- Leave the window.
Change Internet Explorer homepage if it was changed by virus:
- Tap the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of your browser and click Internet Options.
- In General Tab remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Press Apply to save changes.
Reset your browser
- Click the Gear icon and move to Internet Options.
- Open the Advanced tab and press Reset.
- Choose Delete personal settings and pick Reset one more time.
- Tap Close and leave your browser.
- If you were unable to reset your browsers, employ a reputable anti-malware and scan your entire computer with it.
Erase Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect from Google Chrome
- Access menu (top right corner of the window) and pick Settings.
- Choose Extensions.
- Eliminate the suspicious extensions from the list by clicking the Trash bin next to them.
- If you are unsure which extensions to remove, you can disable them temporarily.
Reset Google Chrome homepage and default search engine if it was hijacker by virus
- Press on menu icon and click Settings.
- Look for the “Open a specific page” or “Set Pages” under “On start up” option and click on Set pages.
- In another window remove malicious search sites and enter the one that you want to use as your homepage.
- Under the Search section choose Manage Search engines. When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search websites. You should leave only Google or your preferred search name.
Reset your browser
- If the browser still does not work the way you prefer, you can reset its settings.
- Open menu and navigate to Settings.
- Press Reset button at the end of the page.
- Tap Reset button one more time in the confirmation box.
- If you cannot reset the settings, purchase a legitimate anti-malware and scan your PC.
Remove Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect from Mozilla Firefox
- In the top right corner of the screen, press menu and choose Add-ons (or tap Ctrl+Shift+A simultaneously).
- Move to Extensions and Add-ons list and uninstall all suspicious and unknown entries.
Change Mozilla Firefox homepage if it was changed by virus:
- Tap on the menu (top right corner), choose Options.
- On General tab delete malicious URL and enter preferable website or click Restore to default.
- Press OK to save these changes.
Reset your browser
- Open the menu and tap Help button.
- Select Troubleshooting Information.
- Press Refresh Firefox.
- In the confirmation box, click Refresh Firefox once more.
- If you are unable to reset Mozilla Firefox, scan your entire computer with a trustworthy anti-malware.
Uninstall Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect from Safari (Mac OS X)
- Access the menu.
- Pick Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions Tab.
- Tap the Uninstall button next to the undesirable Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) redirect and get rid of all the other unknown entries as well. If you are unsure whether the extension is reliable or not, simply uncheck the Enable box in order to disable it temporarily.
- Restart Safari.
Reset your browser
- Tap the menu icon and choose Reset Safari.
- Pick the options which you want to reset (often all of them are preselected) and press Reset.
- If you cannot reset the browser, scan your whole PC with an authentic malware removal software.
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2-remove-virus.com is not sponsored, owned, affiliated, or linked to malware developers or distributors that are referenced in this article. The article does not promote or endorse any type of malware. We aim at providing useful information that will help computer users to detect and eliminate the unwanted malicious programs from their computers. This can be done manually by following the instructions presented in the article or automatically by implementing the suggested anti-malware tools.
The article is only meant to be used for educational purposes. If you follow the instructions given in the article, you agree to be contracted by the disclaimer. We do not guarantee that the artcile will present you with a solution that removes the malign threats completely. Malware changes constantly, which is why, in some cases, it may be difficult to clean the computer fully by using only the manual removal instructions.