probe-portal.com is a fake search engine promoted by a browser hijacker. Browser hijackers are minor infections that change browser settings without user approval. Once installed, the hijacker forces the browser to load probe-portal.com whenever a new tab opens or a search is initiated. The site presents itself as a functional search page, but it does not generate its own search results. Instead, it forwards queries to Google. This redirection pattern is typical of browser hijackers that rely on rerouted traffic to create revenue through advertising networks and partner links. Although probe-portal.com resembles a standard search tool, its purpose is to serve as a gateway for traffic manipulation rather than offer any direct value.
The browser hijacker responsible for these redirects operates in the background and repeatedly overrides user preferences. It will change the homepage, the default search engine and the new tab page to probe-portal.com. These changes are designed to remain in place even when users attempt to restore their original settings. The hijacker may also install a browser extension to maintain control of redirects. This extension often appears legitimate at first glance, but its purpose is to ensure that probe-portal.com remains active across sessions. Users typically discover the issue only after noticing forced redirects, interrupted browsing and settings that revert automatically.
Privacy concerns also arise from the data collection practices associated with this type of hijacker. The software may record browsing activity, search terms, clicked links and patterns of interaction. In some cases, it may also collect basic device information. While the data is not usually used for direct harm, it is often shared with third parties for advertising and profiling. This can reduce privacy and increase exposure to misleading adverts or pages designed to push additional unwanted software. The continuous redirection to probe-portal.com is not inherently dangerous, but the underlying data harvesting and forced behaviour introduce clear risks.
probe-portal.com itself is not particularly dangerous. The problem lies in the hijacker directing the browser to the site. Hijackers interfere with normal browser operation, cause instability and generate unwanted advertising content. Over time, these disruptions can affect performance and lead to further exposures if the user interacts with unreliable links or misleading pages. The persistent nature of the hijacker makes the redirect difficult to remove unless all associated components are addressed. Without proper removal, the redirect continues to override user settings and maintain control of the browser environment.
How a browser hijacker is installed
probe-portal.com is usually not installed by users knowingly. The redirect begins after a browser hijacker is installed through software bundling. Bundling is a distribution practice in which additional programs are included with a primary application. These bundled items are presented as optional, but they are often preselected to install automatically. When users download free programs from unofficial providers, the installer may include extra components that are not clearly described. Many users proceed through installation screens quickly and accept the default options without reviewing what is included, which allows the hijacker to install without detection.
Bundled installers often provide limited disclosure about the added programs. Descriptions may be vague or hidden within small print. In some cases, there is no mention of additional software at all. Browser hijackers rely on this lack of clarity. As soon as the bundled component installs, it modifies browser settings and begins redirecting traffic to probe-portal.com. This occurs before the user has a chance to evaluate what was added. By the time the installation completes, the hijacker is already active. Users may not realise what has happened until redirects appear during normal browsing.
Bundled software is most commonly found on freeware sites, shareware platforms, file hosting pages and download services that promote free utilities or system tools. These platforms prioritise speed and volume rather than user safety. The distributor selects the bundled items and not the original software developer. As a result, users may believe they are installing a legitimate program but receive multiple unwanted components they did not request. Bundling remains one of the primary methods used to distribute browser hijackers because it depends on user inattention and the design of installers that encourage rapid acceptance of default settings.
To reduce the risk of installing hijackers through bundling, users should download software only from official sources. Installers from unofficial sites frequently include added software. Choosing custom or advanced installation settings allows users to review and deselect additional programs. Avoiding intrusive adverts, misleading download buttons and pop-up prompts also reduces exposure to bundling. Security tools that detect potentially unwanted programs can block some bundled items before installation.
How to remove probe-portal.com redirect
Using an anti-virus program to remove the probe-portal.com redirect would be the easiest option, as the program would take care of the browser hijacker without requiring users to take any action. However, it’s also possible to remove probe-portal.com browser hijacker manually.
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Quick Menu
Step 1. Uninstall Remove probe-portal.com redirect and related programs.
Remove Remove probe-portal.com 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 probe-portal.com redirect from Windows 7
Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features → Uninstall a program.


Delete Remove probe-portal.com redirect from Windows XP
Click Start → Settings → Control Panel. Locate and click → Add or Remove Programs.


Remove Remove probe-portal.com 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 probe-portal.com 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 probe-portal.com 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 probe-portal.com 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 probe-portal.com 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 probe-portal.com 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 probe-portal.com 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.
Site Disclaimer
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.

